Post Update Greetings everyone, let me begin by saying this is NOT fiction! This is me, Robert Vaughan, the author of One Writer’s Life. I wanted to take a pause, and share some of the statistics of what has happened since I began the blog. I started on December 20, 2009. My ideas initially were to post once per day, and my intention was simple: share your work! Many friends, new and older, have known I write. But so few have had the opportunity to experience my work (other than e-mails or via social networks like Facebook). So, the blog began. Now, nearly three months later, I’d like to share some of the results of One Writer’s Life: I have posted 86 different times in 6 categories of writing: Flash fiction, Short stories, Poetry, Journals, Book Excerpt (from Good Wives River), and Dead Celebrities (from collection of short stories) There have been 744 overall comments, averaging 8 – 9 comments per day. 81 people have subscribed to One Writer’s Life. And this astounds me the most: The blog has had 46,593 hits (When I last checked!) Probably the most frequent questions (other than, how long do you think you will endure?) have been about the process. Where do you come up with all this work? Do you write something new every day? How do you decide what to post? So, first things first. A writer writes. That’s what I do. Pen to pad first, then pad to screen. Certain days are easier than others, of course. Many of these original blogs came from writing prompts: a line of a book, a random lyric or quote, a photo on a wall, the room in which you sit. It’s that easy- you don’t need to search too far for inspiration. I also keep an ongoing journal, have done so since 1978. Often I’d peruse them, modifying and embellishing (it is fiction, after all!). Because I write mostly “realistic fiction,” many of my ideas are character driven: what does she look like, how does she talk, etc. I also read, lots. (I think it is fairly necessary for most writers, but equally important is to filter WHAT you read!) Many of the blogs were ideas or short fictional pieces that I had written earlier, but revised or changed. My belief is that something is only “finished” when it is deemed so. I participate in a writer roundtable at Redbird- Redoak in Milwaukee where other writers lend support: insightful, sound, concise feedback for me to revise my first drafts. This process has been vital for me to take risks, to “put work out there” and to not get too attached to anything I write. Ultimately, it’s going to shift, modify, change. A lot like life that way. These factors, plus other intangible ones, are what has made it easier to create a blog every day since December, 2009. And this week, like so many others of the past twelve, has brought about some personal complications. I travel a lot. Certainly not a complaint, I love to see other sights, and to experience new realms of existence. But blogging on the road? A different story. If you read the last few lines of my very first blog, December 20, I mention that I received a new, early holiday present: my MAC OS X Snow Leopard. It’s as sleek, fast and gorgeous as the name implies. I LOVE IT! (And yes, I’m spoiled, don’t remind me). My laptop, a PC, overloaded with useless information and older than the average life span of any laptop, has multiple quirks. Then, will the place where I am staying have internet access? If so, does it cost additional money to get online? The questions get deeper, the process more complex. Then there is the ‘life just gets more challenging sometimes’ factor. Last week, I received some shocking news. A dear friend, someone I’d loved like a sister while in our young 20s and 30s was suddenly gone. Melanoma. Ironically, her name is Mel. She was 47. I was devastated, and the aftermath has caused me to pause, to realistically assess my own life, as the shocking death of any loved one can. Of course, I have written about Mel. And I was unable to attend her funeral, so on Friday, after my writing roundtable, I drove up Lincoln Memorial Drive staring out into Lake Michigan. Suddenly, I remembered Mel loved the musical group Journey. I found “Loving, Touching, Squeezing” on my sound system, and cranked it. As I crowed those lyrics, over and over, I imagined Mel in the passenger seat, singing in unison. Tears streamed down my face. I felt the painful, yet cathartic release. I think it’s time to convert the blog to a once per week posting. For those of you who have supported me these past three months, I can’t say enough how deeply you’ve touched me. It has been a fantastic journey, for sure! A rich, magical and precious one. But, I also continue to submit my work to journals, magazines, contests, and plug away at projects (plays, books) in addition to One Writer’s Life. (Just in January, for example, I submitted over fifteen times, to twelve different publications; some print, some online). I hope this makes sense, and it only means that whenever a new post appears, you’ll be as excited to read it as I was to write it.]]>
Post Update
Robert – I’m sorry to hear about your friend. Will look forward to new posts when you’re up to it. See you soon.
So sorry about your friend. Anytime you want to post, I will read it.
I will truly miss “our daily talks.”
I will look forward to anything you write. I hope you are well.
Hey Robert, I have been a daily reader of your blog since the very beginning. And I have to admit, when you didn’t post anything yesterday, I got a little worried. But now I understand why. I’m so sorry about Mel, and this can take some time to heal. Having been through a similar loss recently. I wonder if it ever heals completely. I like how your song helped to bring the emotions out. Sounds about right. Don’t be afraid to put that song back on whenever you want to feel connected to her. Anytime you are ready with another story, I’ll be there on the other end. Take care, buddy.
I’m so sorry, Robert, to hear about your friend. That’s a tough one to get over. Take your time, write when you can. I love your writing, and have turned all of my family and friends on to your blog site. I will be here to read whenever you post again on One Writers Life.
Your voice, even in this piece, fiction or non-fiction, is consistent: honest, loving and straight from the hip. I am amazed by your success but not surprised. I am sorry about your friend, but it is a testament to your relationship that your tender feelings endure, despite her passing. It is an honor to be able to read your writing. Whenever and however. This is a gift that we get it for free. Take care, Robert. Until next time.
Take time to heal, Robert. We will be here, waiting for your next installment.
You take care of YOU! I love and adore you.
Glad you are hanging in there, Robert. My dad passed away last Thanksgiving and so I know how hard loss can be to accept. Don’t be afraid to let it show when you feel it. Better than keeping it inside. And you have your writing to help purge your emotions too. Maybe we can see a story about Mel sometime soon?
You are a wonderful person, Robert. Never forget that. Mel was lucky to have you as a dear friend. Write, and write often. Your talent is too much, too good, too deep to waste.
Love you so, Mom
You have all my support Robert, while you deal with the pain of losing a dear friend like Mel. Just continue to write through it when you can. Share what you will and I look forward to reading you again soon.
I’m not surprised at how quickly your blog took off. The writing literally jumps off the page. Your stats that you shared are incredible compared to other friends I know with blogs. But I think your writing is exceptional too. Like everyone else, I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. Take time to heal, and be with your fond memories of her, like the one you shared here. She is with you, then and now, no matter what form.
sweet man
we understand
Hello,
I stumbled across this blog after joining Goodreads. I really did enjoy your two latest pieces of flash fiction. Especially the Hammock story. I want to know what happens next. Do you ever continue your stories or are they always just one time deals?
I would also like to say how sorry I am regarding Mel. I know from experience that such a thing can be draining. It sounds like she is a very special person.
My sincere condolences for your loss, Robhair. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself. I continue to be amazed and intrigued by your writings, and look forward to more, when you’re ready. Safe travels and love!