THE ACCIDENTAL BLOGGER

I never meant to be a blogger. After all, I write books. Then a couple of years ago my daughter told me I needed to update my website more often. Back then my blog page was set up as a What's New page, a place where I could announce upcoming events or book releases.

Meanwhile writers' blogs popped up everywhere. I remember a conversation with Helen Hemphill about how I didn't see the sense in that.

"Why don't they just write their books?" I said. What happened to the little girls who kept locks on their diaries? It seemed they grew up, threw away their keys and revealed the contents for all to see.

But when my daughter scolded me for my rare updates, I decided to give blogging a try. At first, I tiptoed into blogworld. Was I breaking some writer rule. Maybe writers should stay hidden behind their books and glossy pictures on the flaps. I feared I would say too much, show too much, and maybe even hear too much from people who didn't like my work.

What happened surprised me. I realized I loved blogging. Aside feeding into my work, it gave me a place to examine process. As the number of posts grew, I realized many of the posts tied into the importance of home to my writing. Now, a year and a half later, I've decided to concentrate more on that. The blog won't change drastically, but writing and home will remain the main focus.

The first post following this one is a repeat to some of you who may have read it last summer. But I believe it's an important post because it defines the beginning of my writing journey and my relationship with this home.

I've also posted a new essay on writer's block and laundry. They may not seem to have much in common, but they do.

A Pen and a Nest will also introduce you to other writers and artists and what home means to them while exploring their craft. We'll find out where they like to write. I want to know. Don't you? And lucky us, my pal, Kathi Appelt agreed to be the first.

You will have a chance to post comments. I hope you will because for the last eighteen months I've wondered about you, the readers of this blog. I want to know what you think. I'm looking forward to some good conversations along the way. Will you come along for the journey?


(Note: The banner above was designed by Dale McLain.)