The Apples in My Orchard

During this phase of social distancing and avoiding other humans so as to help flatten the curve of the COVID-19 virus spread, I determined that it is the time to perhaps start writing for a different purpose.

After writing a daily blog for three years, and gaining a modest readership, I would like to add some other writing projects. I recently started another blog called The Lone Oak for environmental education. But, it was mainly to advertise my services as an environmental educator and allow teachers and/or community members in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin a way to contact me and schedule presentations. Now, that schools are all working on a virtual platform, my service will not be needed until later this year. There will be time to relaunch that website and do the recruiting that was meant to be done this spring at a later time.

And, although I do want to continue writing this blog, I am getting the itch to try some other kinds of writing, perhaps in an effort to be published which is something I’ve always wanted.  Thus, yesterday, I wrote down some possible writing projects I could work on. Most are non-fiction as that is what I like to write. But, I do have a couple of ideas for fiction books as well.  In preparation for doing this,  I started to read Wild Ink: How to Write Fiction for Young Adults (2008) by Victoria Hanley. After only thirty pages, I am convinced that young adult fiction is not the right fit for me!  But, I think I’ll finish the book to glean some other general writing tips that are sure to be covered within the text.

One of the first things, I’ve decided to do is to gather all my poetry for a compilation. Poetry is a type of writing I have experience with teaching and writing. Once I’ve gathered what I’ve written and can reflect what I’ve learned and taught, I’d like to put it all together to share.

The other step I’ve taken is to do some preliminary research on topics that interest me enough to write about – either in a fictional or non-fictional way.  Some of that information was printed on Saturday, and I will read through it today.

Lastly, while I take these preliminary steps I want to be sure I am moving forward with other writing projects because I (just me) want to. Several people (including family) have asked where my “book” is, or wouldn’t a book be “better” than my blog.  I’ve written before about this. What makes a book better than a blog? I think they are two different types of writing. I’ve enjoyed writing my blog. I am not sure I’ll enjoy writing a book. However, I do like to research and organize information. Those two traits might be very useful in writing a book. We’ll just have to see, but I think the time is now to try it out.

Have any of you transitioned from blogging to book writing or visa versa? If you do both, how do you keep the two separate? Do you think books are more valued than blogs? Why?  Any tips you can offer would be appreciated.