Memory… is the diary that we all carry about with us.
~Oscar Wilde
Though I love blogging, I do wish I could change the odds of someone new reading something old. As it stands, they’re equal to the odds of my passing a bowl of peanut M&M’s empty handed.
It’s the nature of the beast. Blogs evolve with rapidity. Trying to keep up, let alone catch up, can feel like moving a mountain of sand with a pair of rusty tweezers.
I took Writer Dad seriously from the very beginning, because I wanted to grow as a writer. This past week, I reread my first forty posts. It’s interesting to look back on things I’ve scribbled and find them somehow surprising.
Here’s what my sister said in an email after my first week:
My thoughts on your blog are that it’s extremely well written, and surprisingly professional and tasteful in how it’s presented. I don’t mean “surprisingly” like a slam. . . I just mean it looks like some Aspiring Professional Author Writer Dad carefully crafted it, and not my goofy brother who likes to hum Super Mario Bros. through his nose. Wait, that still sounded like a slam, didn’t it? It’s not… I hope you know what I mean.
Still one of my favorite compliments regarding Writer Dad.
I’ve compiled the first forty posts, and assembled them all pretty like in an E-Book.
The book’s an interesting read. It starts with a few rather awkward posts, from the two weeks of Blogspot prior to Writer Dad. I transferred them to this blog right before it started, so that first time visitors wouldn’t be wise to how empty the hallways actually were.
As the pages turn (or scroll), you can almost feel the moment things start to shift. The writing becomes fun, playful even, as I started to realize what I was born to do. Those were magical moments, the first taste of possibility, without the stress of major transition.
It’s a summit I look forward to climbing again.
These are a few of my favorites, in order of appearance.
- Sink or Swim: We are faced with only two choices when we find ourselves adrift; sink or swim.
- Bye Bye Butterfly: A fond farewell (in rhyme) to one of my favorite students.
- The Great Equalizer: A long and winding thought on the role of publishers in an industry about to shift.
- Here’s a Macbook, Go Make Your Million: A happy anniversary to my beloved, and a testament to her belief in me.
- The Eighth Wonder of the World: The Miracle of compound interest. In prose!
- I Promise: A commitment to continuously search for my truest voice.
- Just Pay Attention: Music and language are critical to a child’s early development. Dual Immersion is AWESOME.
- Thank You Sir, May I Have Another: Little Max gets a really big shot, after waiting for a long long while.
- No, no, no! I said I didn’t want to be a chooch: My insecurities about being a writer do the moonwalk across the blog.
If you have a favorite, and someone to share it with; perhaps someone who doesn’t normally read blogs, please email a story, the book, or a link to this page. Each entry in the E-Book links to the original post. Feel free to drop by again. Discussions here are endless.
The book is here. Enjoy, and I’ll see you Monday.
Writer Dad
If you enjoyed these words, please subscribe (for free) by RSS or Email. I tweet here, and Stumble here.
About Sean Platt
I was trying to remember Oscar Wilde’s name today – how funny that I should be reminded here!
I like your list…
I like to savor archives, a secret box of ribbon candy to be enjoyed here, there, in odd moments, and maybe…if someone asks nicely enough or is the best sort of friend…to share.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who is going to peruse, because sleep is overrated)
Kyddryns last blog post..Not At All Right
I was trying to remember Oscar Wilde’s name today – how funny that I should be reminded here!
I like your list…
I like to savor archives, a secret box of ribbon candy to be enjoyed here, there, in odd moments, and maybe…if someone asks nicely enough or is the best sort of friend…to share.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K (who is going to peruse, because sleep is overrated)
Kyddryns last blog post..Not At All Right
Thanks for this handy and convenient collection. This is AWESOME! You really should have attached a paypal donation tip button at the end of the post, as some readers suggested in a prior comment thread. This is the sort of collection that once downloaded, I would feel compelled to donate a few bucks. Well worth the price!
Thanks again for sharing.
Blogger Dads last blog post..It’s The Schwartzman Quartet!
Thanks for this handy and convenient collection. This is AWESOME! You really should have attached a paypal donation tip button at the end of the post, as some readers suggested in a prior comment thread. This is the sort of collection that once downloaded, I would feel compelled to donate a few bucks. Well worth the price!
Thanks again for sharing.
Blogger Dads last blog post..It’s The Schwartzman Quartet!
Yup. I’m with Blogger Dad. Donations button is the way to go here.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Hey, You Fuggers!
Yup. I’m with Blogger Dad. Donations button is the way to go here.
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Hey, You Fuggers!
Sean,
Looks like you are far enough along the road to measure…and not near far enough to judge. :-) Many blessings on your future!
Harmonys last blog post..When A Good Seed Goes BAD
Sean,
Looks like you are far enough along the road to measure…and not near far enough to judge. :-) Many blessings on your future!
Harmonys last blog post..When A Good Seed Goes BAD
This is too funny. I actually took yesterday and last night to go back through and read every single post you ever wrote. You can literally see, in your words, where the shift occured. One post was written as if trying to talk to someone who you didn’t know if they were there or not. The very next post, had the first sensation of the matured voice of Writer Dad, and by matured I mean wise beyond your years, but still with the insight of a child. As if you finally realized you had people to talk to, and they were all listening, like your students sitting around during story time. I won’t divulge the posts where I found the difference. But I challenge everyone to try and find it.
Sals last blog post..Parenting Poverty
This is too funny. I actually took yesterday and last night to go back through and read every single post you ever wrote. You can literally see, in your words, where the shift occured. One post was written as if trying to talk to someone who you didn’t know if they were there or not. The very next post, had the first sensation of the matured voice of Writer Dad, and by matured I mean wise beyond your years, but still with the insight of a child. As if you finally realized you had people to talk to, and they were all listening, like your students sitting around during story time. I won’t divulge the posts where I found the difference. But I challenge everyone to try and find it.
Sals last blog post..Parenting Poverty
When you look at the ebook, and what you’ve accomplished in a short period of time – amazing work Sean!
Lances last blog post..Poverty Close to Home – Blog Action Day 2008
When you look at the ebook, and what you’ve accomplished in a short period of time – amazing work Sean!
Lances last blog post..Poverty Close to Home – Blog Action Day 2008
That’s the trick isn’t it? To get people to read your previous posts. We put our heart and souls into each post, and they are all one hit wonders. *smile*
I pleasantly discovered this week, that someone stumbled one of my older posts, and over 100 people went to take a look! Way cool. So, I think the trick is that eventually, with enough good content out there, somebody’s search will land on a old post. And if they like it, they just might tell two friends, who will tell two friends, who will….
Just keep writing good stuff, Sean. Good stories are timeless and keep popping up over and over and over again.
Urban Panthers last blog post..Theme Fiction Friday – In the mirror
That’s the trick isn’t it? To get people to read your previous posts. We put our heart and souls into each post, and they are all one hit wonders. *smile*
I pleasantly discovered this week, that someone stumbled one of my older posts, and over 100 people went to take a look! Way cool. So, I think the trick is that eventually, with enough good content out there, somebody’s search will land on a old post. And if they like it, they just might tell two friends, who will tell two friends, who will….
Just keep writing good stuff, Sean. Good stories are timeless and keep popping up over and over and over again.
Urban Panthers last blog post..Theme Fiction Friday – In the mirror
Wow! That is a great idea to compile your first 40 post. It has to be wild to go back and re-read them. I like to do this with my notebooks where I keep my thoughts, ideas, and plans. It is like returning to a different time and place in your life as you examine your thinking with the fresh perspective of today.
What a compliment by your sister!!! I know how siblings can be and that has to really be a special one. You can really feel her sincerity in that comment.
Freddies last blog post..Blog Action Day 08: Poverty
Wow! That is a great idea to compile your first 40 post. It has to be wild to go back and re-read them. I like to do this with my notebooks where I keep my thoughts, ideas, and plans. It is like returning to a different time and place in your life as you examine your thinking with the fresh perspective of today.
What a compliment by your sister!!! I know how siblings can be and that has to really be a special one. You can really feel her sincerity in that comment.
Freddies last blog post..Blog Action Day 08: Poverty
Dude!
Compiling a best-of book is pretty cool! This way I didn’t have to go gallivanting through the archives…I love you, but I’m lazy, or something like that. More like too disorganized to make time.
Those are some pretty great posts, too. I agree. I can see how you attracted people even from just the very first one.
stephs last blog post..Lessons in Literature
Dude!
Compiling a best-of book is pretty cool! This way I didn’t have to go gallivanting through the archives…I love you, but I’m lazy, or something like that. More like too disorganized to make time.
Those are some pretty great posts, too. I agree. I can see how you attracted people even from just the very first one.
stephs last blog post..Lessons in Literature
My blog is TOTALLY different than it was when I started. The tone and topics are different. It’s strange to go back and read older entries. I kind of hope people don’t, and I have deleted a fair share of them.
Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..Get the Scoop!
My blog is TOTALLY different than it was when I started. The tone and topics are different. It’s strange to go back and read older entries. I kind of hope people don’t, and I have deleted a fair share of them.
Hayden Tompkinss last blog post..Get the Scoop!
I remember Barbara posting about it: you’re only as god as your latest post.
Some of my first posts are so bad, though, that I’m glad no one reads them. ;)
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..I Love The Seventies: Unisex Lace Pants
I remember Barbara posting about it: you’re only as god as your latest post.
Some of my first posts are so bad, though, that I’m glad no one reads them. ;)
Vered – MomGrinds last blog post..I Love The Seventies: Unisex Lace Pants
Blogger Dad: Thanks for liking it. That’s a great idea about the Paypal button. I’ll try to take care of it by the end of this weekend.
Dave Fowler: Yesiree Bob, and Cheerio!
Harmony: Nice sentence, and thanks!
Sal: Which post? I’m curious to see if our answers are the same. If you’d like to send it in an email to keep others guessing, go ahead. I’m curious if we’re thinking of the same post.
Lance: Thanks, Lance. You’ve been with us from the start.
Urban Panther: I laugh. It’s true. They are all one hit wonders. I’ll keep writing as long as there are readers. Thanks for being one of them.
Freddie: I do this with my notebooks as well. Oftentimes it’s just a single keyword, written to trigger a memory. Those are wonderful. My sister’s compliments are golden.
Steph: My best of compilation is coming; perhaps by the end of the year. This is just the first forty in order. It is nice to have them all in one place; reading for when the internet’s down.
Hayden: I hope you didn’t delete them forever. I’m embarrassed by a lot of my early stuff (my first short story would make many authors weep), but I can’t bear to throw them away because they are an accurate reflection of who I was then. Save them for your someday children! They’ll love you for it.
Vered: Now I’m tempted to go back and reread both you and Hayden from the beginning.
Blogger Dad: Thanks for liking it. That’s a great idea about the Paypal button. I’ll try to take care of it by the end of this weekend.
Dave Fowler: Yesiree Bob, and Cheerio!
Harmony: Nice sentence, and thanks!
Sal: Which post? I’m curious to see if our answers are the same. If you’d like to send it in an email to keep others guessing, go ahead. I’m curious if we’re thinking of the same post.
Lance: Thanks, Lance. You’ve been with us from the start.
Urban Panther: I laugh. It’s true. They are all one hit wonders. I’ll keep writing as long as there are readers. Thanks for being one of them.
Freddie: I do this with my notebooks as well. Oftentimes it’s just a single keyword, written to trigger a memory. Those are wonderful. My sister’s compliments are golden.
Steph: My best of compilation is coming; perhaps by the end of the year. This is just the first forty in order. It is nice to have them all in one place; reading for when the internet’s down.
Hayden: I hope you didn’t delete them forever. I’m embarrassed by a lot of my early stuff (my first short story would make many authors weep), but I can’t bear to throw them away because they are an accurate reflection of who I was then. Save them for your someday children! They’ll love you for it.
Vered: Now I’m tempted to go back and reread both you and Hayden from the beginning.
As you’ve pointed out, I think it’s the nature of the blog world, that only a very small minority will ever go back and read older entries. It’s more bound to happen, however, if the entry itself is instructive in some way, such as finances, personal development or the like. Those have the highest probability of being sought after even after much time has passed.
The greatest challenge for the blog author is keeping your audience and making it grow. Having a successful blog is no easy trick, but it looks like you’re well on your way to climbing the ladder of the blogosphere. In your short existence, you’ve been very successful. I will continue to watch the success continue and expand.
Blogosphere is such a weird word. I think blog-land would be better.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Paths to Excessive Wealth
As you’ve pointed out, I think it’s the nature of the blog world, that only a very small minority will ever go back and read older entries. It’s more bound to happen, however, if the entry itself is instructive in some way, such as finances, personal development or the like. Those have the highest probability of being sought after even after much time has passed.
The greatest challenge for the blog author is keeping your audience and making it grow. Having a successful blog is no easy trick, but it looks like you’re well on your way to climbing the ladder of the blogosphere. In your short existence, you’ve been very successful. I will continue to watch the success continue and expand.
Blogosphere is such a weird word. I think blog-land would be better.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Paths to Excessive Wealth
Yes, blogging seems to be very fast paced and it seems if you want to keep your audience you have to work hard for them. I guess it is due to all the blogs in competition for readers. You have seem to have done a great job of captivating your share!
orlunds last blog post..Friday’s Photo: One Last Robin
Yes, blogging seems to be very fast paced and it seems if you want to keep your audience you have to work hard for them. I guess it is due to all the blogs in competition for readers. You have seem to have done a great job of captivating your share!
orlunds last blog post..Friday’s Photo: One Last Robin
Hey, you already have a 100 page book there, good for you! I’m creating an e-book on creativity to give away free on my blog for anyone who subscribes. There is certainly a different “feel” to blogging when you just start out and you’re not sure if anyone is even reading your words, to when you have subscribers and people leaving comments and you know that everything you write is being read.
Marelisas last blog post..Eradicating Poverty Through Human Ingenuity – Blog Action Day 2008
Hey, you already have a 100 page book there, good for you! I’m creating an e-book on creativity to give away free on my blog for anyone who subscribes. There is certainly a different “feel” to blogging when you just start out and you’re not sure if anyone is even reading your words, to when you have subscribers and people leaving comments and you know that everything you write is being read.
Marelisas last blog post..Eradicating Poverty Through Human Ingenuity – Blog Action Day 2008
Bamboo: Thanks, Buddy. You are as constant as they come.
Orlund: Thanks. I treat it like a job; every reader is important. Thanks for being part of the audience.
Marelisa: No doubt about it. Speaking to yourself gives your voice an entirely different timbre than the endless echo of a monologue.
Bamboo: Thanks, Buddy. You are as constant as they come.
Orlund: Thanks. I treat it like a job; every reader is important. Thanks for being part of the audience.
Marelisa: No doubt about it. Speaking to yourself gives your voice an entirely different timbre than the endless echo of a monologue.
Sean,
Archiving, navigation and content organization are all very challenging areas — I have some experience with information architecture and even among mega-bucks sites, few do it very well. It’s a great problem to solve, though, as it can really make our old content more usable and browsable. Something that’s on my to-do list for my stuff as well.
I don’t know about you, but with my stuff, I do feel like I’m making deposits or adding pages to a book with multiple beginnings and endings. It’s a blog, and it captures a certain time, yet I don’t think of it as a platform for timely content, and that what I of today share will hopefully resonate 10 years from now (assuming technology still remains compatible enough for us to leave it available). Which is another reason why content organization and navigation is an issue very urgent in my mind….
So I applaud you for taking a step into this.
ari
Ari Koinumas last blog post..Blog Action Day: Abundance
Sean,
Archiving, navigation and content organization are all very challenging areas — I have some experience with information architecture and even among mega-bucks sites, few do it very well. It’s a great problem to solve, though, as it can really make our old content more usable and browsable. Something that’s on my to-do list for my stuff as well.
I don’t know about you, but with my stuff, I do feel like I’m making deposits or adding pages to a book with multiple beginnings and endings. It’s a blog, and it captures a certain time, yet I don’t think of it as a platform for timely content, and that what I of today share will hopefully resonate 10 years from now (assuming technology still remains compatible enough for us to leave it available). Which is another reason why content organization and navigation is an issue very urgent in my mind….
So I applaud you for taking a step into this.
ari
Ari Koinumas last blog post..Blog Action Day: Abundance
Hi Writer Dad – Isn’t it an interesting transformation we go through with our blogs? I always find it fascinating how I will be set to publish prewritten posts, and my “muse” says “no”. I look back on those first few months and marvel at when my blog took me. And to think, I thought I was the one in control.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Promote Your Blog On The Blog Registry
Hi Writer Dad – Isn’t it an interesting transformation we go through with our blogs? I always find it fascinating how I will be set to publish prewritten posts, and my “muse” says “no”. I look back on those first few months and marvel at when my blog took me. And to think, I thought I was the one in control.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Promote Your Blog On The Blog Registry
Thanks for compiling your posts into an ebook! What a feat! You’ve been very consistent in writing. I join the others in aplauding you in your efforts!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Should The Poor Mexican Fisherman Give Up Contentment For Cash?
Thanks for compiling your posts into an ebook! What a feat! You’ve been very consistent in writing. I join the others in aplauding you in your efforts!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Should The Poor Mexican Fisherman Give Up Contentment For Cash?
I’ve been reflecting on this for the last day. When I want my readers to read one of my older efforts, I find a way to put it into my entry so they understand the importance of it. I suppose it’s a bit easier for me because I don’t usually follow a theme during a post, I’m all over the place.
The only thing consistent about my blog is my deadlines.
Hehe, I wonder what would happen if I compiled all my entries into one eBook. It’d probably about about 4 times the of yours, but only say half as much.
I’ve been reflecting on this for the last day. When I want my readers to read one of my older efforts, I find a way to put it into my entry so they understand the importance of it. I suppose it’s a bit easier for me because I don’t usually follow a theme during a post, I’m all over the place.
The only thing consistent about my blog is my deadlines.
Hehe, I wonder what would happen if I compiled all my entries into one eBook. It’d probably about about 4 times the of yours, but only say half as much.
You are one brave man.
If I read anything I’ve written, even just a few weeks ago, I cringe. I recently read an article I wrote over a year ago and barely recognized it as my own. I guess that means I am constantly evolving as a writer, hopefully for the better.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Find Your Own Zen with Leo Babauta
You are one brave man.
If I read anything I’ve written, even just a few weeks ago, I cringe. I recently read an article I wrote over a year ago and barely recognized it as my own. I guess that means I am constantly evolving as a writer, hopefully for the better.
Jamie Simmermans last blog post..Find Your Own Zen with Leo Babauta
It’s always useful for us to revisit our previous work – it makes us proud and teaches us a few things, too. Long ago a crusty old newspaper reporter colleague of mine told me never to read my stories after they’ve gone to print, because invariably you’ll end up wincing here and there. I believe that’s true, but I can’t keep myself from looking back and taking stock. It’s a compelling and valuable exercise.
Guitar Dads last blog post..Foray into Facebook
It’s always useful for us to revisit our previous work – it makes us proud and teaches us a few things, too. Long ago a crusty old newspaper reporter colleague of mine told me never to read my stories after they’ve gone to print, because invariably you’ll end up wincing here and there. I believe that’s true, but I can’t keep myself from looking back and taking stock. It’s a compelling and valuable exercise.
Guitar Dads last blog post..Foray into Facebook
Ari: I’m totally with you. I never publish a post just to meet my deadline. I know that everything I write is part of my own personal forever. I too try to write for the ages, and not for a flash in the pan front page. Thanks for the kudos. It means a lot coming from someone as mathematically elegant as yourself.
Barbara: It truly is. I like sitting down with only a vague idea of what I’m going to write. It feels so much more genuine to me than doing it by outline. I let my day, and my readers, help to lead me where I think the writing should go.
Evelyn: Thanks Evelyn. Consistency is important if I want to keep climbing.
Matthew: Being consistent about your deadlines is a great start. There’s nothing wrong with overwriting either. You just need to get good at trimming the fat. Great advice that really connected with me, though I’m not sure who said it, was put your readers first. Have mercy on them. Make your words accessible.
Jamie: It feels foreign, but even when it makes me cringe, there’s a smile behind the wrinkle because I know that if nothing else, I’m probably just a bit better than I was the day before. Sometimes that makes all the difference.
Guitar Dad: I understand what the crusty guy is saying, but I have to agree with you. The wincing makes us better, even when it’s hard to look at. I think it’s like actors who can’t see themselves on screen. I think that would be a lot harder for me than simply reading the words. I don’t know that I could watch myself.
Ari: I’m totally with you. I never publish a post just to meet my deadline. I know that everything I write is part of my own personal forever. I too try to write for the ages, and not for a flash in the pan front page. Thanks for the kudos. It means a lot coming from someone as mathematically elegant as yourself.
Barbara: It truly is. I like sitting down with only a vague idea of what I’m going to write. It feels so much more genuine to me than doing it by outline. I let my day, and my readers, help to lead me where I think the writing should go.
Evelyn: Thanks Evelyn. Consistency is important if I want to keep climbing.
Matthew: Being consistent about your deadlines is a great start. There’s nothing wrong with overwriting either. You just need to get good at trimming the fat. Great advice that really connected with me, though I’m not sure who said it, was put your readers first. Have mercy on them. Make your words accessible.
Jamie: It feels foreign, but even when it makes me cringe, there’s a smile behind the wrinkle because I know that if nothing else, I’m probably just a bit better than I was the day before. Sometimes that makes all the difference.
Guitar Dad: I understand what the crusty guy is saying, but I have to agree with you. The wincing makes us better, even when it’s hard to look at. I think it’s like actors who can’t see themselves on screen. I think that would be a lot harder for me than simply reading the words. I don’t know that I could watch myself.
Writer Dad,
As you know, after an email chat we had, I went back and read every post you’ve written. If I may make a recommendation to readers: read them. The beauty of the words hasn’t changed: the confidence of the author has, in a way that shows no level of bravado. You could mix them up, and you’ll still get “Writer Dad.” Instead of a magazine artice this weekend, or a chapter of a book, read the “Writer Dad Journal.” You’ll be both glad that you read it, and upset that you weren’t there at the start!
And Sean, though I love Oscar Wilde, may you come to a better end than he did!
Rita
Ritas last blog post..Top 10 Movies to Watch this Weekend
Writer Dad,
As you know, after an email chat we had, I went back and read every post you’ve written. If I may make a recommendation to readers: read them. The beauty of the words hasn’t changed: the confidence of the author has, in a way that shows no level of bravado. You could mix them up, and you’ll still get “Writer Dad.” Instead of a magazine artice this weekend, or a chapter of a book, read the “Writer Dad Journal.” You’ll be both glad that you read it, and upset that you weren’t there at the start!
And Sean, though I love Oscar Wilde, may you come to a better end than he did!
Rita
Ritas last blog post..Top 10 Movies to Watch this Weekend
Rita: Thanks, I’m glad that you HAVE been here since the beginning. How do you feel when you go back and read your old stuff? I both cringe and smile at mine, as I’m sure I will in two months at the stuff I’m writing now. I’m sure my end will be less worthy of a feature film than Mr. Wilde’s, but I wouldn’t mind being half as quote worthy.
Rita: Thanks, I’m glad that you HAVE been here since the beginning. How do you feel when you go back and read your old stuff? I both cringe and smile at mine, as I’m sure I will in two months at the stuff I’m writing now. I’m sure my end will be less worthy of a feature film than Mr. Wilde’s, but I wouldn’t mind being half as quote worthy.