Just writing this post is scary. But it's kind of exhilarating too. {deep breath}
I love writing, I love taking photographs and I love connecting with my readers.
I love having this blog.
Lately though, I feel like my passion is waning.
I feel like I shouldn't write about what I want to write about because it doesn't "fit."
Like I have to live up to certain expectations. Like I've painted myself into an "expat living in France" corner. And that is the only thing that defines me and this blog.
I'm starting to feel suffocated.
Admittedly, I am my own worst enemy. I am the one putting this pressure on myself and trying to live up to these ridiculous expectations.
So I've decided that it stops now.
Starting today I am going to write what I want, share what I want, and not worry so much. That means that some things will change and some things will stay the same. I guess it depends on how I'm feeling at that particular moment.
Being an American living in France is a huge part of this blog, and it always will be. Because I am an American living in France. And even now, after ten years of life in France under my belt, I still find joy in the little things, the little differences, and want to share them. There are so many facets of life here that I still find delightful. And fascinating.
I still want to capture those moments, those vignettes, those funny, sometimes frustrating, sometimes perplexing interactions.
They are still part of my life.
But there is so much more. More that I want to write about and more that I want to share.
And I'd love it if you would stick around and see where this all goes.
Pin It
45 comments:
Go for it!! Bon chance!!
CWolfe in Texas
Brilliant. Fantastic. Good to see someone deciding to talk about their LIFE which just happens to BE in France and all its facets rather than just their views of France and its part in their life. ...if that makes sense.
Write what you like. You'll feel better about your writing knowing that your more personal subjects are connecting with people rather than them just enjoying reading about France.
I'm looking forward to following this new adventure! Go for it, Jen!
This is your blog. Write what you wish; I'll still be reading. I've enjoyed you for many years now, and I hope to enjoy many more!
Like they say in French : Vas-y :-)
We will continue to read whatever you feel to put down on virtual paper in the ether.
I will definitely stick around Loulou ... Write what you like , it is your blog and you are an American in France and always will be as long as you live there.. I cannot wait to see your posts :-)
We go where you go! Looking forward to seeing the next chapter of this blog :)
I say go for it!! I look forward to whatever you bring us. :-)
I look forward to reading about your everyday life even more! It's part of what I've loved so far about this- hearing about little bits of culture too.
Absolument! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us... Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
I'm also an American expat. I live in Spain (Catalunya). I also write a blog. And my blog isn't like one of those popular blogs with lots of chi-chi recommendations. I write what I want to write about. So I approve of your decision and wish you the best. I also wish you'd visit my blog if you haven't already!
www.beyondthepale-dvora.blogspot.com
All artists face this dilemma. If you are passionate about something, it will show in your photos and your writing. Its not what you write about, its how you write about that makes you significant. Its not what you photograph, its how you photograph. You have the talent and the sensitivity. Go for it
You must listen to your inner voice. That's the voice we want to hear! I will still look forward to reading your posts!!
Hello Jennifer,
Good for you and go for it! I think people will love you for it also. I look forward to reading more!
Ivan
My friend just went through the same thing. Had a fashion blog, but was feeling constrained and decided that she was going to start writing what she wanted like you! I don't think she has found her new followers yet, but I'm still interested and will continue to follow yours! Good luck!
Wonderful! It will be fascinating, whatever the subject! I am all for it and looking forward to it!
Great idea ! I have enjoyed reading your blog very much about your life in France...but would love to know more about you as a person and your family and what makes you who you are. I will be looking forward to the new format...Good luck.
I am an ex pat Canadian , living in New Zealand for the past 30 plus years.
Mais certainement! Comment non? Laissez-la rouler!
Jen - I cannot wait to see where this new direction takes you. I'll be reading along no matter what.
... sticking!
There is nothing more beautiful than someone following their heart! So excited to see where this will take you!!!
I'll be reading!
Mais oui! And scary yet exciting changes are the best kind of changes :D
I can really relate! I felt that way with La Belle in France - and I felt so pigeon-holed. I didn't always want to write about France. There has been a movement lately to the niche of the un-niched blog and I think it has its merits! I say go for it! Your readers will grow with you.
Of course!
Fantastic. Looking forward to reading.
I know that no matter what you choose to write about, it will be interesting, well-written, and beautifully photographed. And that is what keeps your readers (including me) coming back for more. Go for it!
Hi there! I'm a new reader and subscriber, but I can very much relate to the feelings that you describe in this post. I've had the same feeling of being backed into a corner on my blog and am trying to figure out how to get past it.
While I am intrigued by your expat experiences (as I'm trying to figure out how to make it happen myself) I look forward to reading whatever you have to say!
Whatever you write about is sure to be interesting. You don't need to try to make it interesting; it just will be. I rarely comment but I do check in here frequently and will keep on doing so.
Since your part of France, Normandy, is where we like to spend our vacation time, I'm so glad you're happy there.
I love your blog because I love your photography and your writing style. I don't really come here for specific topics. I think it's great that you're going to let yourself follow your own spark - let yourself explore whatever you want.
What they all said. Go for it. And that's a beautiful harbor picture
This does not diminish my interest in your blog in the slightest. On the contrary, I am looking forward to reading your thoughts on other topics.
Count me in too. . . .
Loulou, count me in.
I encourage you in this; and I look forward to reading more about things that do go beyond the realm of 'the American expat in France' scope. Blogs are creative outlets, so we let's treat them as such:-)
Cheers.
Here's the way I feel about it - it's YOUR blog, so write whatever YOU feel like writing. If people don't like it, there are a million other expat-in-France blogs they can read instead, et voila!
Have at it girl!
What you describe seems to be a common feeling; some weeks ago, I read a very similar statement by another reputable blog author, Jennifer at Jenncuisine.com. (her post on this is dated March17.)
I'm right now on a conference on creativity in my field, and there is much talking about blogs and blogging; most of my fellows who blog maintain 2 or 3 separate blogs, each on one particular topic, for exactly the same reason -- they are concerned about their audience if they put all topics in one blog; on the other side, they find one topic per blog a kind of creativity-limiting thing as this is a rather one-sided and fragmented approch to self-reflection. While this sounds like a common problem, I could not hear any clearly identifyable common solution to it...
Bring it on!
Looking forward to everything that comes of your writing in the future. As many have said, your website, you get to decide.
Terrific! It's YOUR blog! Write what you want, what brings you happiness. We'll all love reading whatever you choose to share.
It's YOUR blog, write what YOU want to write about! I look forward to reading what you write next. I have enjoyed your blog for some time and I'll continue to enjoy it in the future!
Go for it! I'm looking forward to reading your new posts.
First time to comment. I have been following your blog for several years. I will be here to read and see whatever you want to post. Go for it! Sheryl in Washington State, USA
I'm so happy you'll be writing what you want to write and not letting yourself feel constrained. I enjoy your writing and attitude- looking forward to the next phase.
I have been a lurker on your lovely blog for some time now, and I appreciate what I read here. Because South France is where I'm headed as soon as I can find a way, I relish every bit of the everydayness in your blog. It makes me feel more connected to this place that so pulls on me. Thanks!
Post a Comment