A Stranger to my own life.
Kirsten pointed out that some people tend to get different things out of the stories I write.
This got me to thinking.
When I write something autobiographical on my blog I usually have no idea what it's going to be about. Usually I pick a time period then begin writing about whatever pops into my head. The details that come out of my keyboard are often a surpirse to me. I find myself wondering what is going to happen next as my fingers tap out the story.
Writing this blog seems to be a form of self hypnosis. Often times I will re-read what I wrote several times and am amazed at it. Like it all happened to someone else. Retelling notable events from my life is thereputic as well. I am able to figure out my own fears, behaviors and personal pitfalls by reading my own stuff as an outside observer.
This got me to thinking.
When I write something autobiographical on my blog I usually have no idea what it's going to be about. Usually I pick a time period then begin writing about whatever pops into my head. The details that come out of my keyboard are often a surpirse to me. I find myself wondering what is going to happen next as my fingers tap out the story.
Writing this blog seems to be a form of self hypnosis. Often times I will re-read what I wrote several times and am amazed at it. Like it all happened to someone else. Retelling notable events from my life is thereputic as well. I am able to figure out my own fears, behaviors and personal pitfalls by reading my own stuff as an outside observer.
Lots of things I previously took for granted take on a life of their own when put into writing. I've got a keen memory but often censor myself when speaking. People tend to lose interest when I'm talking to them, unless they are drunk or high... Maybe its a result of our modern society and the short attention spans it creates. Or maybe I'm just boring in real life ...
Blogs seem to be different in the way they reach people. I guess the written word is far from dead. It seems to be more powerful than I first imagined.
When I look into the blogstats to see what people are reading I'm shocked to see readers online for hours on end with dozens of page views. Normally anything over 10 min I would have attributed it to someone leaving the blog and going to take a dump.
I'm humbled and grateful for all of you that get enjoyment or insight out of reading my regurgitations and write such kind insightful things in the comments. Reading what you guys think makes my day much more interesting and helps me to better understand my own mind.
Thanks.
Blogs seem to be different in the way they reach people. I guess the written word is far from dead. It seems to be more powerful than I first imagined.
When I look into the blogstats to see what people are reading I'm shocked to see readers online for hours on end with dozens of page views. Normally anything over 10 min I would have attributed it to someone leaving the blog and going to take a dump.
I'm humbled and grateful for all of you that get enjoyment or insight out of reading my regurgitations and write such kind insightful things in the comments. Reading what you guys think makes my day much more interesting and helps me to better understand my own mind.
Thanks.
Labels: Personal interest, Self help
posted by Bill Rowland @ December 29, 2006
19 Comments
19 Comments:
I think you are a really neat person, but it kinda disappointed me to see that you read and comment to intolerant... who has every right to his opinion, it is just an opinion that makes me sad.
But I really love this blog, I think for sure there is something very special about you and I appreciate your comments at my spot as well. It makes me feel dorky that a blog comment means something to me, but it really does, mean a lot to a writer, doesn't it? It's a community. I am glad you are a part of it.
your infinitesimal friend
A blog takes on a life of its own Hammer. I often do not end up posting what I was intending on posting.
In fact I'm so far behind that I may never catch up because there is always something new coming up.
And sometimes I have to stop and deal with insane Christians like that idiot broad that keeps posting long comments on my blog but then gets pissed because I leave one comment on her blog and turns it around to look like I started it, but that is kind of fun. :-)
And sometimes the cosmos just seems to shit on us. Well, it's not the cosmos, but the monkeys. Like the time when I spent 30 days in the brig when I was in the Navy.
I was offered a ride to town by a man I knew on base. We get to his car and he goes to steal gas from other cars in the parking lot, I just sat in the car waiting for him.
And he got caught and they took us back to the base (It was a parking lot just outside the gate), and we got Captain's masts. But we belonged to two different units.
He got 30 days restriction to base and I got 30 days in the brig. I never did think that was right because it's still on my military record.
Not that I had never stolen gas when I was a teenager in a mining town. LOL
Just that I was over it after I joined the Navy and started growing up.
You have a natural talent for story-telling. Some people are just lucky that way, I guess.
I find it disappointing people who find my opinions sad don't offer any counterpoint argument as to why. To know who reads and comments to me must mean that person also reads me as well. I am perfectly willing to accept opinions that differ from mine. Not commenting for some moral or self righteous protest is evidence of a weak argument. If you believe you are right or a better person than I, then present an argument. Nobody will know. I accept anonymous comments for those ashamed to show they visit my hateful blog.
You probbaly suck verbally at your story telling because you need to think while you talk (a guy thing, to be sure) which slows down how you tell your story. You have a nice easy gait when you write, which is a nice read when you want to enjoy a nice read, and your life has had some interesting moments that people relate to.
You don't pontificate and you don't proselitize, and you come across as real and genuine and down to earth.
The trick to telling good stories aloud is brevity and practice. Truly. It takes practice to learn how to tell a story well. You are almost in stand up comic mode, you need to get in, spill it, get out without boggiing down on details that don't matter.
Unless, of course, your audience is really stoned...
Keep 'em coming.
Write 'em down before you get conked in the head and forget them.
I think what we write can surprise us in what we reveal about ourselves. Sometimes it does take form almost without conscious notice... and, for me, reader comments have done as much, if not more good than all the therapists I've been to.
You do extremely well here. I hope you keep at it for a long time.
I often feel I am out of life stories to tell when another one pops in. It just seems every adventure has one or two things that make it noteworthy, be it humorous or outrageous. I am very much like you when I set out on a story. I've told captured audiences some of my early escapades but I sometimes feel I am boring them. When I write it all down I think I do a better job. I don't get too many comments, not like you, but at least a few people bother to come back. I may not be the best story teller, but it is fun to remember them and pass them along. You keep up the good work. I'm sure there's an adequate supply to keep it going for a while!
Infintismal:I responded off line to avoid a flame war and thank you for the kind and salient things you add to this blog.
BBC: Thankfully I haven't had many stalkers. And as far as the gas goes, thats pretty unfair.
alan: Thanks, I enjoy your stories as well.
Jean: I agree, I've saved myself tons of psychologist bills tthis way ;)
Intolerant: Your blog comes on really strong but I think I can handle it. I don't get offended easily but I am entertained nonetheless. I think that's what you are going for.
Scott: that is an accurate assesment, people aren't usually in the proper state of mind for a story. and thanks for the encouragement.
JP: I think we have gone through a lot of similar things. I can relate
to your blog in a lot of ways.
I experience it myself with my own book. "Tell Me Who I Am" When readers return back to me, they have got so different "experiences" out of the book, so I some times wonder if they are talikng about MY book.
They often get stucked with the part of the book that's similar to their own life. If the reader has had a "plain" life, the book will for them be pure fiction ... Which is also OK with me.
When I read some of your stories I am struck by how they trigger my own memories.
Sometimes bringing back memories I've forgotten but apparently memories that are close at hand.
I think that it's quite a gift to be able to do that.
I agree Hammer, we share similar yet different experiences if that makes sense. Most of the time we find the humor in the stupidity where others might just be frustrated. I can't explain it, I just enjoy your stories no matter how long they are- I say this because sometimes I feel like I am rambling on but when I try to condense them they lose the best parts. Some people's blog posts are so long my mind wanders off and I lose interest. Yours drag me in deeper.
I like reading your blog, though we may have differences of opinion or point of views, but it just doesn't matter.. it doesn't stop me from enjoying your blog and after all, that's what makes life interesting :D
i think it's true that you have that gift of story telling. Your posts are smart and funny and if writing helps you in any way, then it's an added bonus :D
keep the posts coming :)
Personally, I find your narratives very interesting and sometimes thought provoking. I think you have a knack for writing. I have problems writing, myself. My thoughts seem to go faster than I can write or type, and (unlike you)I also have problems opening up to people about myself.
I never used the ajective that you chose to describe yourself, intolerant. But hateful is an interesting one. So is energetic.
I did not comment out of cowerdice, but simply a lack of energy to do so. I pick my battles, and I do not feel like arguing with you. Sorry, i know that's what you are looking for, and that's OK too.
But notice, the comment was not directed at you in the first place, and for the record, I have visited your blog twice. I found humor, hatred, silliness, true statements and some sentiment that made me sad. So, I did not come back. Not because I was "ashamed, self-rightious, morally superior", or "weak"....geeze, you are REALLY energetic. I did not comment to you on your blog because just responding to a response you make to an off comment I make to a completely different individual from yourself regarding your blog's presence in the universe in general, takes up a lot of energy and I do not have the kind of energy to actually argue with you on topic.
I did, however, ask my African American friend who blogs here who has a 4 year, masters and PhD, what he thought I should do, should I speak up, and he said that I should pick my battles. I think this is wise advice. I wish you could know my friend who is educated, because he is just one of many highly educated black men I know. If you knew them well, as I do, intolerant, maybe you would not be so mad at the other black folk who seem to consistantly piss you off.
I know where you are coming from, I have been spit on in the subway before. But it ain't all like that, axe anyone! hahahahahaha
oops! "adjective".... my D key sticks
I like your writings very much. You are both amusing and insightful. The blog is a great place to tell your stories without it being "too personal"
Kirsten: think your book inspired me in a lot of ways. Our experiences are not similar but the emotions are the same.
I thank you for that
l>t I get quite a bit of brain stimulations from reading your blog as well as the others on my links too.
Memories are weird things. They are hard to catch sometimes.
Sushi-junkie: I agree with you. Even though I don't agree with everyone I still value the things we share in common.
bobg: believe it or not I'm keeping most of my life private.
I just write about the safe stuff. Thanks for the compliment. Although it often feels like someone else is writing for me.
aisby, thank you. I try not to get to overly personal. I have to keep some stuff in reserve for the hardcover version ;)
WOW! People get so serious. I'm gunna go and read some of Intolerant's blog......
I love reading your blogs as I have said before, the good thing about blogs is you can choose to read them, or not to.
Writing is a reflective process where speaking is sponteaneous and in-the-moment. If people tend to get bored with your stories told in person, it's probably because they're not in the right space, where as they might come to your blog specifically to read it, with the time to do so.
I find writing WAY easier than speaking - especially when dealing with conflict!! I can't seem to think of anything to say at the time, where as afterwards I come up with all sorts of witty/clever or sensible things I should have said....
Blogging is great, isn't it? I just wish I had more time to actually write but no, I am off learning from others.
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