Saturday 22 March 2008

Blogging Reflections


When I started this blog last October, I really didn’t know what to expect. Nor was I sure how long I’d want to keep it going. Suffice to say that it’s been a terrific experience, which, if I’d had any particular expectations, would certainly have exceeded them by far.

Blogging has put me in touch with a wide range of people both in the UK and much further afield, whose comments and support I much appreciate. I’ve been directed to good books and films, for instance, that I might never otherwise have bothered with. And some of the most exciting developments have come entirely out of the blue.

To take just one example, my post about the artist Bren Unwin, whose print ‘The Arsenic Labyrinth’ I bought from a gallery in distant Falmouth about eighteen months ago, has led to my getting into contact with Bren, and acquiring from her another wonderful arsenic labyrinth print (pictured)– personally inscribed, this time! She's explained to me that it's an etching and carborundum print; the image was etched onto copper with Ferric Chloride and then worked on further with carborundum (grit that allows the ink to hold between its particles.) She'd had no idea, of course, that the first print had helped me create the mindset and atmosphere necessary for writing the key parts of The Arsenic Labyrinth - but thanks to the blog, she knows it now (what she makes of it once she's read the book is a different matter, I'm sure...)

There’s definitely something addictive about the blogosphere. I’ve found it both fascinating and terrific fun. Of course, I’m conscious that, potentially, it’s a distraction from the actual business of novel writing. But I’m sure it’s possible to strike a sensible balance between the two, even if I haven’t quite managed it yet myself. I’d like to comment more on other people’s blogs than I do, and I really need to do a bit more on my current novel than I’ve achieved so far.

So what does the future hold for this blog? Well, I plan to keep it going indefinitely, and I think the mix will continue much as before. Maybe a little bit more about true crime cases, but still plenty about other crime writers, films, an occasional mention of music and so on.

Thanks again to everyone who has encouraged me - I'm very grateful. And have a very good Easter.



9 comments:

pattinase (abbott) said...

It does take time away from other pursuits. No doubt about it. I could be making the bed right now. But I glean so much wonderful information about the most obscure British writers from your site for instance. And I do so enjoy "talking" with people I will never meet.

j. morris said...

I do hope you'll keep it up. Your posts are knowledgeable and fun.

Anonymous said...

Glad to read you'll be continuing with blogging, Martin. I've found it a civilised activity, and has led to previously unguessed, but rewarding, avenues of interest.

Kerrie said...

I agree about the addictive bit Martin. Now I have 2 things I "must" do every day otherwise I feel bereft - read (this used to be the only compulsion) and blog. Pity about all the other things you "have" to do. I've met some great people too :-)

Martin Edwards said...

Thanks for all these kind comments. It's good to know that when it comes to blogging, we all think along similar lines!

Jilly said...

Yes I enjoy your blog Martin and because of it have started to read your books. Please keep it up as you will have a lot of readers who don't post comments as well. Happy Easter.

Juliet said...

Delighted to hear it, Martin! As addictions go, there are far, far worse to which one can succumb! I launched myself into the blogosphere worried that it was a slightly geeky, self-absorbed thing to do, but happily, like you, I've found writing my own and reading other people's blogs both stimulating and rewarding. It has broadened my horizons and brought new focus to my reading habits and, like the others who have left comments here, I've met and chatted to lots of interesting new people. Really pleased that 'DYWUYON?' (hmm, slightly iffy acronym, that) will be continuing unabated.

Peter Rozovsky said...

Cent'anni!, which I think is Italian for "May you keep this blog going until you get tired of it!"
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Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/

Debi said...

Blogging can indeed eat your life, but it's a rewarding way to go!