Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Thinking Thoughts

Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again? ~Winnie the Pooh

I've been thinking over the past few days... dangerous, I know, but sometimes I can't help myself. In any case, I've wondered what it is that makes a person read another person's blog. Why do you come here? What makes this in the least bit interesting to you? Why do you visit other blogs? Which blogs are a "must read" for you every day?

I have many, many blogs on my Google reader. I try to glance at them every day, but I seldom actually click through, and even less frequently do I comment. I have very little time, so can't spend my days blog-hopping (I wish I could!! There are so many neat blogs out there).

I read the ones that deal with the writing craft, but seldom comment. I'm not a terribly deep person, so when I hit one that is deep (or trying to be), my eyes tend to glaze over. Those? If it keeps up, I take them off my reader. I don't read literary fiction, so why would I read a literary blog?

The ones I hate to miss? My friends. Rest assured, even if I don't comment daily, I've read you in my Google Reader. I feel as though I've missed something if I haven't stopped by to see what you're up to. It may be the most trivial of things, but I'm interested... just as I would be if an IRL friend called to tell me about her day.

In the odd way my brain works, this led me to realize why I enjoy the books I do. Yes, I'd like them to be well crafted and tightly written with few (if any) editing errors. I'm a nit-picky person and those things are important. BUT... I will sacrifice just about anything else if the characters draw me in. If they become my friends. If I care about them, even in their day-to-day meanderings. I'm not a plot first reader, and I've come to believe that I'm not a plot first writer, either -- which is why I stall now and then. I don't know what comes next... that's not usually my initial focus. Creating interesting characters that the reader comes to care for is.

THEN I got to thinking about typical male/female stereotypes and why they *usually* prefer the types of books/movies they do. Women are *usually* nurturers. We are *usually* more emotion or heart driven. We feel, feel, feel. Our decisions are frequently based on emotion first, THEN facts. Men? They tend to be more intellectual or brain driven. They think, think, think. Their decisions are frequently based on facts first.

That's not to say that women don't think and men don't feel. But I do think it explains why men will sacrifice emotion in their stories for plot, and women are *usually* the opposite.

Bet you're waiting for some truly profound wrap-up, right? Hah. Nope. My brain doesn't work that way. Some days I sits and thinks, and other days I just sits.

It was just something I was pondering.

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In other news, my voles are still around. One of them leaped on my foot yesterday and I swore he put his paws in his ears and wiggled his fingers at me while sticking out his tongue.

In all seriousness, one did run across my foot while I was watering. He was gone before I even had time to squeal... those suckers are FAST. And they are living beneath my steps. And I am in despair.

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Brandy, I can't grow roses. Sorry. I can grow pretty much everything else in the world, but roses and I aren't on speaking terms, so I can't help you. Anyone here grow roses? Brandy wondered what causes red spots on rose leaves.

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You Are the Bedroom



You are an indulgent person. You enjoy rest, relaxation, and pampering.

You know how to find peace in a crazy life. You are good at unplugging.



You tend to be very private. You don't let just anyone in.

You are also a romantic. When you have someone, you tend to be very couple oriented.



Private? Yes. Indulgent and good at unplugging? No. Couple oriented? Nope.

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8 comments:

Diane Craver said...

I visit mostly my friends' blogs. But also visit anything related to writing but like you don't like to read anything deep. I'm usually in a hurry. I like to read short blogs. Yours is an exception. :) You always have something interesting to say!

Maria Zannini said...

Ref:…so when I hit one that is deep (or trying to be), my eyes tend to glaze over

LOL! Me too. I am a simple person at heart. When I was an artist (though I guess you never stop being one) occasionally I would come across those self-important souls who would spew all this trash about their art and how it was beyond the grasp of ordinary mortal comprehension.

It was quite laughable, but there were always minions ready to follow the king with no clothes. When I switched to writing, I discovered just as many naked royals--or maybe they seem more evident since the rise of the internet.

I give them their space, but they are not my crowd. Pretentiousness annoys the heck out of me.

groovyoldlady said...

I'm mostly a friend-blog-reader type, though I do pop in at some cycling blogs and at some writing blogs.

I'm not deep either, as eveidenced by the heady topics I don't discuss on my blog...

OH..and Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Olé!

Taco!

Enchilada!

Burrrrrito!

Dru said...

I read my friends blog, a couple of author blogs and quilting blogs.

I like blogs that make me laugh, smile or feel for the person.

If the blog becomes preachy or too deep, chances are I won't read beyond the first paragraph.

You Are the Living Room

You are laid back and casual. You can have fun in almost any situation.

You believe in being easy going. Life's hard enough, and you're not going to make it any harder.

You are sociable and friendly. You welcome almost anyone into your life.

You are completely unpretentious. You prefer living in a comfortable home to living in a showy home.
Mostly true

Melissa McClone said...

I read friends' blogs. A couple writing industry ones, too. I've actually been deleting some from my google reader. Also, I only comment if people comment on mine. There just isn't time otherwise.

Brandy said...

I read my friends blogs, author blogs and a couple other interesting blogs including some that refer to authors or publishing. Then there's the itty bitty kitty committee which is too cute to miss. *G* No worries over the roses. I think the soil may need a boost. Time to plant another banana peel! *G*

Sorry to hear about the voles.

My quiz result was the same as Dru's. And truly, in person I am NOT social. I tend to hide.

I hope you're having an enjoyable day!

Tori Lennox said...

I mostly read friends' blogs. But also a few group blogs or blogs that specialize in certain subjects (like the history of the movie biz).

I'm the bedroom too.

Ceri Hebert said...

I mostly read friends blogs. I have a few that are "must reads" but then I feel guilty because I don't post mine every day. I don't have things to say every day and I don't want to just ramble on (like I'm doing now).

Next time I have something interesting to say, I'll post.