23 August 2010

martawrites is the name of the game.



a few readers have kindly mentioned that they have been missing my real voice. as if i've been shoved under the paperwork here on martawrites. perhaps you too have wondered where my brave and gutsy writing has gone. remember my write club workshop wherein i was full of inspiring ideas? where did that girl go? truth be told, the how-to series was my clever way of enjoying a bit of a summer break while still maintaining an active blog. merci, guest bloggers!

in september i plan to get back to my roots of creative writing. taking this blog back to school, back to the dear diary stories. i'll be celebrating four years of blogging afterall. (have i earned my pink caddilac with vanity plates yet?) i appreciate (and still can't believe) there is an audience reading my thoughts each day. no matter how big or small, an audience is a writer's dream come true. therefore, i'd love to have your input on what i should blog about. i need a jumping off point. i'm coming to you for a push in the right direction, to get me back into writing again. listed below are a few ideas rattling around. and as always, i'm open to new suggestions. let the voting begin. please do tell, what would you like to see here on martawrites?

my so-called life: memories from my growing years with a side of vintage 80s photographs.
dear diary: the recent and on-going goings-on of my every day musings.
lessons learned: wherein i tell you what high school, college, marriage and more has taught me.
research analyst: posts about all the cool crap i find online (yet rarely purchase in real life).
stream of consciousness: a random sampler of thoughts spilling freely.
tutorials, designs, printables & giveaways: more posts featuring freebies for you.
reviews & favorites: reviews about stuff i really use and really like.
workshop: another workshop full of daily prompts, classes & more. topic ideas?

p.s. speaking of writing from the heart, tune in tomorrow for a perfect how-to about writing courageously. i'll be taking notes.

image via fffound.com

113 comments:

donya said...

Hmm... I sort of love reading it all, but I'll vote 'Dear Diary' and 'Tutorials, etc' as my favorite. I especially love reading about your adorable son now that I have my own little guy.

Anna Kristina said...

I'd love it if there was a little of everything, because all the ideas sound great! But I think I'd lean toward dear diary, tutorials, designs, printables & giveaways, and reviews & favorites. See even picking a favorite I can't choose just one!

Kristi @ Creative Kristi said...

Any of that would be worth reading but I'm voting for the "Dear Diary" and the "turoials...." because those are my favorite kinds of posts no matter where they are.
Lovely blog & I hope you enjoyed your 'summer bloggy break' ;)

Sam said...

I'm voting for dear diary, lessons learned or tutorials. I've been kicking around the idea of starting a writing blog dedicated to what I hear around me. From the Lord, my body, my kids, my husband, my friends... and how that effects my choices and my behavior... really just checking to see if I'm really listening. Good luck on the upcoming changes :)

Rachael said...

I'd love to hear more lessons learned, reviews, and tutorials...things that I can incorporate back into my own life!

Rachael said...

Oh, and given the choice, I'd way rather see tutorials instead of giveaways. That way we all can benefit even if our lucky number didn't pop up!

Hil said...

A big mumble jumble of it all! I love your posts that are like the "stream of consciousness" as well as your "dear diary" and "lessons learned". Whatever you choose will be awesome. I just know it!

~Kristina said...

i really like your lessons learned but do enjoy all the smattering of different your blog offers.

Destri said...

You know after I gave it a little thought, and I probably shouldn't announce this publicly, but since you said I had to leave a comment and not an email for a chance at some goodness from your craft closet I will type this here comment to be super duper long in the hopes that not many will read it. I only read two personal blogs, yours being one of them. By personal I mean, someone who writes about there thoughts on life, pretty much everyday. I just like the way you look at life. The way you write it, makes it worth reading. I can't tell you how many times a phrase or something you said has popped into my head, and then of course I think of you. What a power that is, to have such an impact that you enter peoples daily thoughts, through your writing.

I love everything you have brought to the table my dear, and I think the Dear Diaries have always been a favorite. Raw and Honest. You also had a post awhile back where you just wrote exactly what was in your head at that moment, that was a favorite.

Anonymous said...

I would read your grocery list enjoy it! Let your heart dictate where this blog should go going forward. We'll be right behind you.

hos before bros said...

There's so much information out here on the great world wide web, but it's often difficult to navigate and to know what's legit and what's better left alone. I trust your voice and your eye and your experience, Marta! So I'd be thrilled to see more lessons learned from your own life experiences AND more reviews of products and people and things and places you feel are truly valuable and worth the trouble. Thanks for maintaining this fabulous blog and space, Marta! xoxo

Anonymous said...

I would read your grocery list and enjoy it! Let your heart dictate where this blog should go going forward. We'll be right behind you.

kristin brown said...

my votes would be for dear diary and stream of consciousness. and a workshop sounds wonderful! i would love that.

and i agree with rachael about tutorials instead of giveaways. i get so much more out of a how-to than a possible gift. :)

Amanda said...

I honestly love your words whether it's a long, heart-felt post about Benji or a short simple full of links post. Blog what you will and you'll always have readers...

Honestly?! I would read a jumble of all of these subjects. I don't want any of it to go away.

Claire said...

My favorite posts of yours are those creative writing ones you're talking about. I grew to love your blog because I saw many similarities between us--except you're more established in life and have made many of your dreams REALITIES.
I love your streams of consciousness, lessons learned and dear diary entries. Though the chance to win free things is attractive, I grow the most from your honest, true-self pieces. I can't wait for fall!

Diane said...

I like all the ideas. Having some variety for you to choose from may keep your creativity on its toes. Not that it has ever waned, in my opinion.

tammy said...

i really enjoy reading your blog and seeing all of the great photographs. i love the inspiration that you bring to your readers. tutorials would be great! i am especially interested in some of the binding techniques you use as well as thoughts about your penmanship. i love your handwriting!

Krissa said...

i like the dear diary, stream of consciousness and tutorials... those are fun...love your blog...its a fun read and i dont know that i have commented before haha...
happy monday!

RW said...

I vote for stream of consciousness and dear diary.

I want to hear your thoughts on you journey through life.

Lexy of BeautyFash said...

Hi Marta!

I love your blog! Your blog and business workshop was AMAZING. I was glued to each post, taking in the tips and getting inspiration with every word. How very generous of you!

I love your random thoughts and I wait for your "am a fan" posts. Your tutorials are great and easy to read. And I love your entertaining ideas.

You are an amazing blogger and as a reader, I leave with inspiration, adoration, knowledge and ideas. Your blog is what a blog should be.

Your "how-to" series inspired me to do a how-to (do a salon manicure at home).

Hopefully one day, I will be as inspirational as you are. :) Keep up the amazing work!

xo
Lexy

chloe said...

I love dear diary and lessons learned, but I always end up enjoying all of your posts marta! keep up the good work :)

Lee said...

I always enjoy all of it :) I missed the Write Club and would be interested in that, but definitely dear diary and tutorials are a MUST. Thanks for being one of my favourite destinations on the www :)

caitlin said...

You know I love whatever you write, so keep it up. I would love to still see a smattering of things.

Though if I were picking, I would ease up on the "finds", not that I think you ever do too much of them, but it seems like a lot of other blogs tend to do that, and it just makes me feel like they don't have their own voice.

I love hearing what you have created, and what's in that head of yours. I find that more refreshing and fun to read.

Does that make sense? I hope so. I would never want to be a negative commenter, but I think a huge part of what makes your blog so special, is that it's unique and very Marta.

I just love this little blog of yours. xo, Caitlin

Kendra said...

My vote is for the dear diary post with a mixing of tutorials! :) But i will read whatever you choose to write about!

Cat said...

I'm not sure this will help but I love all of them! As long as you write, I'll read!!!!
I can't wait to have you back even if these how to's were very nice merci.

Lila said...

I miss your daily musings- so I would like to see the dear diary-research analyst- reviews & favorites Marta return. But whatever you choose- I'll still read it everyday.

Christina said...

How could one possibly choose to limit the creativity and inspiration you have to offer on every front? I love the dear diary segments, and the lessons learned are very intriguing to me. Space it all out, because I think we'd love to hear it all, and your readership certainly isn't going anywhere. You're like America's sweetheart of the blogging world- your audience adores you, dear Marta!

LMT said...

I loved the write club. I printed them out and made my own little promts-included journal. Also, I love your recipes and gift ideas. I a a big list writer, journal/notebook maker, so if you did a creative journal making class or something, I'd surely pay to join! Just keep writing your mid-sleep inspirations and bringing them to life. I am sure we will all (and many more new readers) continue to follow.

Janssen said...

Lessons learned is one of my favorites on any blog. Please share!

Leslie said...

I love everything you write. If i have to pick favorites i will vote for "dear diary", "lessons learned", and "tutorials". Keep up the good work

Becca said...

1 for lessons learned. I love your words.

Ginny said...

I like checking in and seeing what's going on. I really liked the blog and business workshop.
You have a nice easy way to your writing.

Anonymous said...

I too love everything you write. But I'll vote for "Dear Diary" and "My So-Called Life" because really, vintage 80's photographs? I can't pass that up.

Michelle said...

i've enjoyed the how-to series! would love to see more:
dear diary
stream of consciousness
tutorials, designs, printables & giveaways
reviews & favorites
workshop - would love to participate in writing club!

J, K, L, and D said...

I love the stuff you find online, yet rarely buy. You find the neatest things.

Although, I have to say...I'd read pretty much anything you write. I love your writing & your graphic design. Something I'm itching to learn one day. Just because.

C-Note said...

It is so difficult to pick just one.
I enjoy "dear diary" and "workshop"- thanks for always giving me a light on the web during my breaks and lunch at work. I also appreciate your honesty with your personal life. Thank you for opening your heart to us out in the web.
-Christina

M said...

Joining in the chorus here, voting for dear diary and stream of consciousness, though no matter the topic, your blog is always a must-read. Your voice seems to help me find mine. Thanks for inspiring. Soak up the last bit of summer.

Johanna said...

Marta- I love your blog for all the diversity it holds, but if I had to pick a favourite topic it would be your stream of consciousness writing. I like the simplicity yet honesty of it...kinda artsy and freeform...I like it!
I also love your dear diary series and also enjoyed a series you did w hile back where you asked a number of your friends to answer questions like "what makes your house a home" or "what is your best beauty secret".
I'd also like to read about your lessons learned....gee can you tell that I basically like everything that you include? I do!
BTW- good for you for giving yourself a summer break from the blogging world...can't wait for your personal writing to pick up in the fall!

Johanna said...

Oh yes and I like your " i am a fan" posts aswell as any kind of list that you let us in on. xo

Brittany said...

i think my favorites would have to be lessons learned and reviews and favorites. there are several things you've posted about that i have gone out and bought myself and i love that. i have enjoyed the how-tos, however, and am looking forward to having you "back" in September.

Amie aka MammaLoves said...

I desperately need inspiration to begin writing again. My blog has been neglected for too long. I think it's partly due to my frustration with the focus on blogging away from content and more about "contests" or freebies.

Creating real, authentic content seems to be so undervalued. I love your blog, because it reminds me it is important.

Anonymous said...

I love everything you write but very excited about what's coming up!! I love your blog and find you inspiring anyway, you also have beauutiful writing :-)

Lissa said...

I enjoy anything you write about,especially the dear diary and the tutorials,designs, printable and giveaways.

Mrs Abbott said...

I say go for the 80's and flashback memories! I just promised my Mom that I would write my Jr. High memories for her as a present for Christmas. You give us a present every day with your blog. Love you. Thank you. You could write hello and I would swoon with adoration. Seriously. You've got quite a following! You go girl! Would praying about it work also?

Amanda said...

i really do love everything you do! my favorites arethe dear diary, tutorials, and the workshops! I loved your writing workshop!

thanks marta!

Anonymous said...

I'd definately like to hear some lesson's learned. And I like your daily day to day stuff. Freebies are always awesome too. I just enjoy your blog - no matter whats on it!!

Juliette said...

I'll put in a vote for primary post emphases on the last 3 (tutorials, reviews, workshops), with a sprinkling of the other topics thrown in. (so i guess that's really 'more of the same'? lol)

Jeanna said...

They say "variety is the spice of life"! So my vote would be a varied menu of all the possibilities you mentioned. One of the reasons I keep coming back to your blog is that I'm never sure what sort of tidbit you'll be offering that day. All of the bits are yummy and keep me wanting more, hence why I return day after day to see what's on the menu.

Erica said...

i truly love anything you write, but would love some of your life lessons. i always enjoy reading what others have learned & learning from them!!

Katie Mitchell said...

Marta anything you write will be inspirational to all of us! But of course we love your workshops and giveaways!

Lelainia N. Lloyd said...

I think an engaging blog (for me as a reader) is a combination of all these things. I think as human beings, we are multi-faceted and I can't imagine writing a blog that only reflected one aspect of my life. I'd get bored writing it and so it's a good bet I'd also be bored reading it.

I think it's important to follow your own impulses about what to share and readers will take from it what they need. Write about what lights your fire on any given day. Chances are people will respond to that because it's REAL.

Jordan and Jandee said...

I definitely vote Dear Diary, but am intrigued by lesson learned too.

Kelly said...

Wow! How can I choose? Id like all of it. But my 3 faves would be: My So-Called Life, Lessons Learned and Tutorials.

Alisha Stamper said...

i know this probably is no help but i like what you do whatever it is. definitely keeps me coming back.

i think the workshops are inspiring, but so are the lessons learned.... maybe stream of consciousness starting with a prompt, kinda??

Anne said...

I love your blog! I would vote for these topics two topics:dear diary and reviews and favorites.

Eileen said...

I like them all, too. Dear diary, tutorials, and lessons learned sound especially great though.

Also, I'm a big fan of the workshop idea. I recently set a goal for myself to write 500 words a day ~ might not always share them on my blog, but it's a way of working out my writing muscles. This was how I survived writing my graduate thesis ~ 500 words is small enough to be a manageable goal every day. So far it's working quite well, and I'd love to challenge my skills further with a more structured format.

chris said...

Does it sound prosaic to vote all of the above? I really enjoy all these glimpses you share. I found you through a tutorial, but stayed for your writing. Thank you for all of the above.

Anonymous said...

love love your reviews and favorites! always enjoy knowing what you're into! :)
would also love some vintage 80s photographs with your so-called life!
happy writing...always GREAT to hear from you! :)

Tiffany said...

This probably isn't helpful for you if you're trying to narrow down the list, but I vote for all of the above.

You are incapable of disappointing, dear Marta!

leni said...

we can vote for more than one, right? i love to see more "dear diary", "lessons learned", "write club" and anything else that is inspiring.

leni said...

Oh, and some cute photos of little Benji would also be nice along the way!

jessi bridges said...

My favorite description had to be: "research analyst: posts about all the cool crap i find online (yet rarely purchase in real life)." It made me laugh :)

I vote for workshops. I love to get ideas from other bloggers. Sometimes I have ideas but it's definitely others who inspire me! Including you :)

Katie {My Paisley Apron} said...

I do love your real voice on your blog! And all of those, honestly, sound good to me. Especially just the ones about your daily life (probably because that's mostly the kind of thing I tend to post about!) Also, I have reread your post about your miscarriage many times now; I found it late and felt bad commenting late, but it has meant so much to me to read it and hear you voice some of my same thoughts about our own miscarriage. Thank you for sharing so much of your real self!!

tawnya said...

Is voting "all of the above" ok?

Katie said...

I like all of the above, tutorials are probably my favorite but I like to make things.

Kat said...

Everything sounds fabulous, but if I had to choose one, it would be tutorials.

Betsy said...

Lessons Learned and My So-Called Life sound fun. Especially the vintage 80's photos part.

Anneliese said...

my votes are for dear diary (i love 'everyday' life), lessons learned (being a first time mom to a baby boy...i want to know what you have to say on mothering boys!), and t's, d's, p's & g's! (i have to be honest, i have been missing my printable calendars! they are always my fave!!)

portraits said...

marta dear, i would love to see more of dear diary, lessons learned, stream of consciousness, research analyst and reviews and favorites!

Staci Rocha said...

I love all your posts! You are an amazing lady! I have never left you a comment before but i love checking in and seeing and reading all about your creativity.

Thanks for blessing and cheering and brightening all of our lives :)

Christen E. Krumm said...

i love love love the little diaries. also, i'm super excited for the return of the creative writing segment!!

xo,
christen

Amy at Ameroonie Designs said...

I agree with what has been said already. It's your voice that comes through your blog that I enjoy the most (and have missed- despite enjoying the how-to series). In searching for my own voice, I would have to say that a writer's workshop would be enjoyed, but just following your lead is helping me find my own unique path.

lalalovely lindsay said...

Marta, I know I emailed you about my minidiary, but I feel like it needs said again - Thank you for such a sweet way to remember the ins and outs of each day.

While I appreciate a hand written thank you or note card, I'm not one to put pen to paper for daily journaling. Your minidiary has inspired me to keep track and to find the good in every day.

I'm excited to have something to share with my children - the story of Ellie's adoption and the anticipation of our first biological child.

Gina said...

I vote for a smattering of everything although Dear diary and tutorials would be my favorites!

Tracy said...

Marta-
Your blog is wonderful. As an older reader (at the ripe old age of 36) you remind of where I want(ed) to be. Your writing is a breath of fresh air for me in a life that had lately gotten stagnant. Keep your thoughts coming, ALL of your ideas sound great. But if I have to chose Dear Diary is it.

Monica said...

I would enjoy a little of everything but would especially love your "lessons learned" posts. I love learning someone else's take on life lessons.

Laura said...

How about a variety of all the categories you mentioned. You do so well with all of them, why leave any of them out?

Jennifer said...

Love the lessons learned. I enjoy your down-to-earth take on life and your conversational writing style. Your blog is like sitting down to lunch with an old friend every day. Keep it coming.

Amanda L said...

I like the idea of lessons learned mixed with reviews and favorites, though no matter what you write, you can bet we won't stop reading.

Unknown said...

really, i just like reading your writing, whatever you may be writing about that day. i do love you day-to-day writings, about life in general, as well as your thoughts, inspirations and lessons learned.
hope you have had a nice summer vacation. you deserve a little break.

Miss L said...

Anything would be great, but I'd really like to read Dear Diary entries and would REALLY love to read Lessons Learned posts. Thanks!

Barb said...

Dear Diary, Lessons Learned, the one about stuff you really love and really use, and the Workshop one.

jackbode said...

I really love everything, but faves are your diy, dear diary and reviews & fave...i stumbled across your blog and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. I check daily, you have me hooked!

Lesa said...

I haven't been reading your blog that long. I vote for random thoughts and life lessons.

Whatever you decide will be just right though!

Jen Holtkamp said...

i love everything you write, but especially the life lessons! i have enjoyed the how-to series :) -jen

kristi said...

if you will write, i will read! i love seeing a new post when i visit.

Alexandra Rae said...

I love hearing about your creative projects and processes!

Rebekah said...

Love the writ on this quote, and the colors. And all of your offerings have been very good since I've joined you.

Unknown said...

Not to be wishy-washy, but I really love all that your blog encompasses! I like all of the good stuff you share, from your feelings on personal things to yummy recipes & 'am a fan' lists! :)

A lot of help I am, huh?

Danielle said...

Dear diary & tutorials. Honestly, I will read whatever you post, b/c all of it is in your genuine voice & that's why I read your blog.

Ashley said...

I would love a little of everything but lessons learned sounds especially interesting to me. I love your blog Marta. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

talesofahummingbird said...

i'd love more lessons learned because you have such a practical, realistic, tell-it-like-it-is approach to sharing.
also love your reviews because generally i love what you love.
and of course a workshop might be fun to get the rest of us back to writing once in awhile too.
i say yes to all of it, i guess!

Emily said...

I especially like Lessons Learned and Research Analyst (there's so much online that I turn to some favorite bloggers to highlight the best).

Love your writing and photos!

treece said...

Marta, i don't even know how i found your blog, but it's fresh and real. if i had to vote then i would say Dear Diaries and Stream of conciousness. Keep Writing -- we've missed you!
and now on to fall..........
treece at
tj28@mi.rr.com

*Dream Weaver* said...

Being on the other side of the world, I woul dlike to read more about what goes on in Martha's world.

It would also be great to hear about your past, the learnings and words of advice. A walk down memory lane is always a good trip to make.

Posts on filled with cool freebies, awesome sites visited, reviews and DIY tutorials (for the unsavvy like moi) can also be peppered in to the blog to give it more variety.

However, you decide to enhance your blog, it don't matter, cos you have heaps of readers already :) Keep up the writing and the inspiration.

Karen said...

I actually enjoy all of these types of posts. I just want to hear from you. As much as these how to posts have been fun, to be honest, if the subject is not interesting to me, I skip it. But I never skip the posts that are YOU.

michelle said...

You choose!!! I want to vote for them all.

amy said...

For me it's a tie between research analyst and lessons learned but any post penned in your real voice always makes my day a little brighter.

Anonymous said...

I am no help as all of those types are ones I am drawn to! I love learning things, workshops, I love links but I love it when a blogger brings their true selves!

Travelin'Oma said...

Dear Diary posts are my fave!!

Caryn said...

Ooh. I don't know if I can choose from those. They all sound amazing and something I would continually come back for. If I had to choose, I'd pick "my so-called life" and "research analyst."

megan... said...

I had a very hard time not just saying "all of the above..." but i thought that would be about as helpful as when I ask my husband what he thinks about my outfit and he tells me what he thinks he is supposed to say instead of what he really thinks (hence I went to church the other day and didn't find out until I saw the bigger mirror at church how bad I looked!)

So I am going to pick... my so-called life. I think hearing other peoples childhood memories and seeing the yellowish photos send my thoughts back to my own childhood memories!

erin said...

hi marta -
i always love what you write, no matter the topic, but would love a lessons learned series. you always have a good viewpoint and maybe could share a little wisdom for us single girls on how to find mr. right :)
-erin

Angie said...

Like many others, I just enjoy reading what you write....no matter the topic. But, since you asked for my opinion, the 'lessons learned' and 'stream of consciousness' are my favorites. Thanks!

lindsalita said...

I enjoy each type of post. I love to see what is in your 'here and now', whatever that may be. You let your readers get to know you in a sentence- that's the best part! Thank you for always inspiring me.

Emily Marie said...

Dear diary, lessons learned, and stream of consciousness are the three that sound the most interesting to me, although all the others would definitely be welcome!

A'n'G Johnson said...

I'm a fan of lessons learned, stream of consciousness, tutorials etc, and workshops!

summer said...

you know i love it all. and my especial favorites are always dear diary, stream of consciousness, reviews & favorites. i love hearing your 'daily' voice, if that even makes sense. but most of all, i just love that you're always so real. (and i heart your lists. have i ever told you that? like a hundred times?)

Laura said...

I would love to see more "am a fan" posts. I like to hear (or read) your opinions on books, magazines, movies, clothes - and anything else under the sun. I also like your "dear diary" posts and sorely miss the printable calendars!

Anonymous said...

I am glad to have the how to's gone. Everytime I see one, I just skip the post. They aren't why I love your blog. They take away from the charm that is Marta. Can't wait to have you back.

-Mary W.

kami @ nobiggie.net said...

Wow! What a great response! I say good for you for taking a bit of a break.

I always love lessons learned and I loved the the writing school that you did last year.

You really can't go wrong.

Dawn said...

I love your letters to Benji, and when you write about him and what he's up to lately.

I also love hearing about your life...dear diary and stream of consciousness are my favorites.

But I truly believe bloggers should post what is on their mind and heart, and not to please their readers.

{amy k.} said...

i love your blog- regardless of what you write about.

however, because you asked.... i'd love to hear more about your dating and how you knew your man was the right one. how you knew you wantedt o marry him. what you do when the little things he does annoy you... i wanna hear about
all that stuff!

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