Writing can seem like a heavily one-sided conversation. The writer dwells in the dark with a keyboard, creating worlds and wonders in social isolation, publishing them with limited feedback outside of editorial review, only interacting with readers after the fact with public readings and signings, or the occasional guest appearance or podcast.
This model makes sense for a book, as it is a complete, stand-alone product, and the author can’t really be expected to follow every reader around, lurking just on the periphery of their day, ready to jump out and answer questions as they might arise.
But this model breaks down on a blog. I’m sitting right here, only distanced from you by an LCD, some wires, and some IP addresses. I can be expected to just answer questions. In fact, one of my favorite parts about blogging is reading and responding to the comments on my posts.The comments I got on my recent essay about my father legitimately warmed my heart, and helped me through an incredibly rough time. I have conversations with my wife about how to best respond to thoughtful, poignant feedback, and on more than one occasion, comments have given me ideas for new stories and essays.
Not only should I be expected to respond to comments, I actively want to.
So: Ask me anything. Seriously, anything, as long as it’s not vulgar or generally offensive.
Ask me about writing. Or beer. Or writing about beer.
Ask me about this site, or my day job, or what I dreamed about last night.
Ask me about grammar or photography or coffee or the State of Union. I’m game.
The only rule is that you only get to ask one (1) question. Post it in the comments below. I’ll pick my favorites, answer them as honestly as possible, and then link back to the blog of the person who asked the question.
Fire away.
Maybe ask me why I used a picture of a “No Surfing” flag in this post?
Tagged: answers, ask me anything, comments, i swear ill answer, interaction, QA, questions, readers, reading, writers, writing
So, do you read blogs written in other languages? Have you never thought about it?
I’ll start! How do you use non-writing activities (such as photography) to jump-start the creative process?
When was the first time you were proud of your writing?
You can tell I’m avoiding working on my thesis. So here’s my question:
What is the best argument, in your mind, for each side of the question about bombing Syria in response to chemical weapons use? You may tell me what your conclusion is, but I won’t ask, cause that would be two questions. I just want to know what the most persuasive point on each side is for you.
Who is your favorite author/writer?
I’m Game: In a world where Ostriches are the dominant species and their eggs are prized ounce-for-ounce as ‘gold’ you are the chief of the Secret Service, protecting the integrity of the ‘egg standard’ – How do you prevent counterfeiting?
When writing about beer and beer culture do you have a certain format you follow? If so, how did you come to that format, did you learn it from others or figure it out through trial and error?
Reblogged this on SoshiTech.
How do you write about someone that’s created conflict and drama (like a divorce or a bad breakup) but the experience made you become a better person. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger kinda thing? I struggle with telling these stories without it turning into a bitch session.
Oliver! What a grand offer! What are the greatest craft beer US cities you’ve been to or know of? Have a marvy one!
If fear had a flavor, what would it taste like?
What is your favourite book/author’s work that you’ve ever read? (sorry for the really broad question!)
If you ruled the world, what would change and how would that playout?
Who is your favorite Game of Thrones character?
Are you suggesting the coconuts migrate?
Why is the heart connected to so much and cut off from so much at the same time?