I have been in a major pruning phase lately. If I don’t need it, or if it is not adding to my already heavy workload, then it needs to be cut. I wrote a blog yesterday on The Responsibility of Catholic Writers and I once again started to consider my own place as a writer. I have never been much of a blogger. I have tried different formats, but in reality, I am a formal writer. I prefer to do researched articles or pieces, whether they are theological in nature or something to help people on the path to holiness. I was really struggling to find my voice when Michael Lichens at Catholic Exchange recruited me. I was shocked because it was one of my favorite Catholic sites and I had made it a year goal to get a submission to them. In a great turn of events, I have been writing nearly weekly for them since April. I love writing for CE. It is a wonderful fit for me and I really believe in their mission.
Since I began writing as a contributor at CE and submitting pieces elsewhere it has become increasingly more difficult for me to keep up a personal blog. I am already a graduate student, homeschooling my daughter, and writing two books. I have a full plate of writing projects. Writing an article like the ones I write at CE takes a lot more time than a blog post. I have to read or re-read Church documents, biographies, or other works before I can even begin writing. There is a definite research component and then I spend the hours needed to write the piece. It just doesn’t leave a lot of extra time for blogging here.
I think I finally need to admit that I don’t particularly like being a blogger. I am thankful that this blog has opened up avenues that I had never previously dreamed of and that God has blessed me through this endeavor. It was my theological response in charity to an error that changed everything for me. Michael and I find it amusing that he recruited me because I criticized one of the pieces at CE for theological confusion. God has a sense of humor.
I don’t particularly like blogging because I just don’t use social media much these days. That is one of the main avenues for getting work out to the masses. I deleted my Facebook pages and I plan to delete Twitter this morning. I use Pinterest for recipes and homeschooling ideas. The huge uptick in views on my blog over the last few months is quite simply because people read one of my articles at CE, or one that has been picked up elsewhere, and they stop by. I don’t have the time to offer the same quality pieces on a daily basis here on the blog. I will have more time after grad school. This month is looking to be the highest views I have ever had since doing this blog. In my mind that means I am doing double duty. I don’t particularly want my own blog per say. I really enjoy being a part of a larger mission at places like Catholic Exchange, and when I have the time, Crisis Magazine, First Things, and other more formal Catholic sites. Catholic Exchange is one of the largest Catholic platforms on the Internet. Why not focus on their beautiful mission, instead of my own blog?! It’s nice to see when an article gets picked up by uCatholic, New Advent, The American Conservative, or other sites where people have shared my work. It has been an awe-inspiring and humbling ride so far and sanctifying because pride is always a danger for writers, most especially me.
It actually feels pretty good to admit that I am not a blogger and don’t particularly enjoy it. There are bloggers whose websites have really helped me over the years and will continue to do so. I would rather serve and write articles that I am good at, and those are of a more formal and researched nature. There is nothing wrong with that. It is how God made me. Giving up on the battle with this blog also frees up more time for the two books that I have started in earnest, most especially the book I am writing on miscarriage. Blogging takes up valuable time. I guess I am more old-school. I like to write articles and books. I love paper!
I do want to thank each and every person who has stopped by and those who have left comments or emails. I appreciate the encouragement that you have given me and I will be sure to give Michael my email address so that people can still email me. I will leave this content up for a bit. I do get a lot of visitors on the days I post beauty themes, so I will keep those available for a while. I’ve paid for the domain, so why not?!
So here ends my journey as a blogger and a new phase as a writer begins. I pray God blesses all of you on your journey to holiness. Pax Christi.
Swimming the Depths 
Definitely understand!! You have a LOT going on & blogging is one of those give or take things. I’ve barely blogged since starting grad school–and I’m not near as busy as you! I miss you on Facebook, but will try to find & follow your online articles. Love & bless you!!
It’s good to hear from you, Linda! I will still get an email whenever somebody comments. I have missed keeping up with people on Facebook, but my life is more peaceful since I walked away from it. In the years I have been blogging I always felt like a square peg trying to to fit into a circle hole. This is especially true in the Catholic Blogosphere which is dominated by politics and polemics within and outside of the Church. I tried writing in that manner and found it to be unsettling. Grad school really changed how I view Catholic writing as well. I am actually thankful for the places I tried to write, but was not accepted, because I realized the more I read their content, the more I did not want to write in certain places. God has shown me, albeit through the trial, error, and the stupidity of my choices, where He wants to plant me as a writer. I am the type of person who has to try all of the wrong things and overload myself before I start to get it. I do hope you are doing well. Please do keep in touch. God bless you, Linda. :o)
I can’t object to your reasoning. May you be richly blessed in your other endeavors!