BOLO, my writing and going forward
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending Blog Out Loud Ottawa (BOLO) and read one of my blog posts from the last year, along with many other local bloggers. (click here for the full list)
It was a fantastic time! I was struck with the talent, the friendliness and it was a wonderful way to get to know (and hear) other bloggers – those that blog about parenthood and those that don’t. All were equally riveting.
I’d like to thank Lynn form Turtle Head for putting such an innovative evening together and to all the readers who bravely stood up in front of the large crowd, thank you! I really enjoyed myself.
I was nervous for some reason going into it. I have been in public speaking all my life. In the past 2 months alone I gave a eulogy and a wedding speech. I was in competitions in school, high school validictorian. I even spoke at a United Nations sponsodered competition and won (once upon a time). But this was a bit different.
When I write to speak, I write with the intention of being able to have fluctuations of voice, pauses, eye contact, emotional connection.
When I write, I try to have that connection, but I find at times it is much more difficult. As it is, I realize that I am fairly guarded in my writing to begin with. My blog doesn’t reveal a lot about me or my family, other than small snippits here and there. And that reservation may always be my writing, and my blog’s, weakness.
But I have discovered along the way how much I enjoy putting pen to paper (or at least the typing of the keys to screen). I find it reassuring, comforting at times and I am committed to growing this as a craft.
I have more work to do. More to learn. More to reveal. However, I now know I am supported and surrounding by extremely thoughtful and talented people to draw upon, as I discovered last night.
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12 Comments
amotherworld
Sound fun, congrats!
Nat
It was such a great evening. Thanks for reading.
Brenda (@ottawamom)
I thought you did a fabulous job and loved the post you read. So glad I went and was fortunate enough to hear all those fabulous bloggers! May have been the inspiration I needed to start blogging again.
donna
You were great. What a fun night that was. Don’t I want to be a better writer now..you guys were inspiring. Thanks for sharing some writing last night!
Finola
I swore I wouldn’t read any BOLO blog posts until I had put my own together, but I just couldn’t resist. I loved hearing you read last night, and it was so great to meet you in person too!
Capital Mom
Readig it out loud really changes the post doesn’t it. Sometimes I like to read my posts out loud after I finish them but before I publish them just to see how they sound. It sounds different out loud compared to in our head.
Great job reading.
DaniGirl
Why am I not surprised that you were high school valedictorian? *wink* Like you, I love public speaking, and was surprised to find myself shaking on stage… maybe the public/personal thing was a little too close?
Anyway, I loved your post and it was so terrific to finally meet you in person. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
Heather Burke
Sorry that I missed the event last evening, it sounds like it was fun. I enjoy reading your blog and thank you for sharing your thoughts.
coffee with julie
I am not surprised one bit to hear that you have a public speaking background! You were fabulous! I loved hearing your read. Such beautiful, joyful words … thanks.
Vicky
You were great! I could relate to so much of what you wrote in that post.
Laura
I thought you did a great job. I agree it was inspiring. Hearing the writers voices will change how I read their posts. Congratulations to every reader – so well done!
Rebecca
Thanks everyone, these types of events really are motivational because the community builds upon one another I think.
It’s nice hearing the words people write too, brings a personal feel to the person behind the blogs that we read.