Tag: writing

A Writer’s Evening At Everett’s Black Lab Gallery

Carl Setzer

It was a lovely day, hitting the Edmonds’ Holiday Market (with Thanksgiving coming, there were cranberries to acquire), getting lumpia for lunch there at 88 Cues (anything that brings me back to the Philippines is a good thing). Then I went to this writing seminar in Everett.

Spending time with fellow writers always feels good. Though a small group, we created lively and delightful company. Led by Richard Porter, an Everett based freelance writer and copy editor, who also writes regularly for LiveInEverett.com. Also there: Deb Fox, the creator of the graphic novel “The Everett Massacre” and Andrea (sadly, her last name escaped me, so no links…sorry). Experienced writers all, we covered the basics quickly and cleanly (Richard’s excellent preparation worked well). Then I enjoyed discussing the craft, and the larger world of writing in the internet age, one of my passions.

This reminded me of the Seattle PI’s Big Blog Meet Ups that Moinca Guzman would host.

At The Big Blog Meet Up January 20, 2010
A group of Seattle bloggers at a Big Blog Meetup at Seattle’s Zeitgeist coffee.

Pulling together bloggers from around Seattle, where we talked blogging, Seattle, politics, and tools of the trade. A few years ago I thought about holding a reunion, which then fizzled into the oblivion of busyness. I still believe pulling the blogger, and extended writer communities together valuable and worthwhile. I think that means I need to get to work.

My mind full of ideas, a few new friends to explore online, and reinforcement of the value of blogging filled me with energy and I look forward to my next steps.

Blogging, Strategy and the Need For Focus

Carl Setzer

​I love to write. I love blogging. Yet there are challenges. Distributing my focus lowers my effectiveness. That troubles me. And yet, though each site has meaning to me. But each site has costs, economic and otherwise. Every time I focus on one, I can’t focus on another.

I haven’t had an objective, much less a strategy on any of my sites. I love to write poetry, about Seattle, about sustainability, geek culture, about so very much. Each site has value to me. I hate the idea of neglecting one at the expense of another. Yet I also hate writing substandard stuff. I prefer to be proud of what I put on the internet.

This time in history has so many choices; a blizzard of potentials and possibilities. And I hate letting go of those potentials. Any of them. Yet I know that must be done to achieve ANY of them. How does one choose which baby to let die?

Perhaps overly dramatic, but it captured the sentiment I’ve been struggling with.

 

Some Strategic Thinking About My Blogging

Carl Setzer

I’m in yet another transition period. Compared to so many of my friends, I seem to spend more time reflecting on transitions than most. I like to think it’s my thoughtful nature, but it quite likely simply stems from my plethora of insecurities.

Today I fit in time for an evening walk. The heat made it a bit less delightful, but otherwise it was fantastic. Walks are times for me to get exercise. My mind gets clear, my head empties of the running rambling commentary echoing about my mental recesses.

While walking (and listening to Debbie Millman’s “Design Matters” podcast), I got to thinking about my different blogging platforms. For some time, I’ve felt I’ve overdone my blogging presence. So I’ve drawn back quite a bit. I’m now down to three sites: this one, Carl Setzer.com and QuestionsAll, my poetry blog. And now I struggle. Each site has cost, with hosting, domains and, of course, upkeep time. Each one has its own success. Poetry gets the most consistent readership, more WordPress followers, and far more “likes”, my main source of engagement. Not Just Seattle gets higher page views, at least for the more popular posts, and has the most subscribers. Then there’s my main site: CarlSetzer.com. It’s not the most well read of my sites, very few subscribers, but it’s my name. I guess that’s the most “me” there is. It’s the highest ranked page for my name on both Google and Bing (note: on Google, this site comes up on page 2, since this other Carl Setzer, who opened a brewing business in Beijing, getting featured in such publications as Forbes and Fortune, has stolen so very much of my SEO).

Each site gives me something, fills me with elements of joy. My personal challenge, though, is to streamline my sites. The goal: one site. I’m starting to think that’s a foolish dream. Yet I would like to lower my spend some. Of course, I could focus ways on making the sites cover their expenses. Hmmm….

I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas. Do you prefer one of my sites over the others?

I do appreciate my readers oh so very much! You all mean the world to me.

Wishing each of you joy and peace.

Still seeking focus and passion? Oh, man!

Carl Setzer

​Found this post while reviewing my blog: Overactive Mind.Written back in 2011, I still struggle with overflowing data streams, too much email, and finding focus. Well, better to call the last part “retaining focus”.  A challenge over my adult life: focus. So many cool things to learn, study, do.

I struck me seeing how little changed over 6 years. Ok, that’s frustrating, too. Really? The SAME issues? Sigh…..

Looking back over my adult life, well, still the same. Seeking focus, passion sums up my quest. Ultimately, I seek passion. For work that consumes me so deeply, filling me daily with delight, wonder and energy. 

Business, administration and all that received my attention. Mainly, my natural talent simply pulled me along. I never felt the passion which I sought. That nagged me. 

I see now my passion lies in place and family. My connection to community drives me. I love people: stories, struggles and the simple beauties which define our humanity. 

This region, this Puget Sound area, and western Washington, hold my heart, my history. Generations of my ancestors walked here, loved here, died here. THIS resonates with me. 

Writing also generates passion within me. I started journaling as a young man, with my writings going back to the 1980s (my mind fails to embrace how long ago the 80s were). Even though I devalued my work and ambitions (so much hubris: a writer?), still I wrote. Helping me find peace in terrible times of my life, see so many things clearly, and hold hope, writing kept my sanity and gave me meaning. 

Well, clearly I defined my life’s passion. Here in this blog lies the manifestation of the intersection of my passions. Now, though: focusing upon them. The terrifying risk of failure focusing on my loves. Facing down the negative self-talk surrounding all this. So much left to accomplish in this journey. What a feeling of excitement and terror. Fortunately, you are along, too. That gives me peace.