So, I recently was working hard on a new post, only to find out all my subscribers got e-mailed out a drafted version of it.
Needless to say, I am feeling unhappy this occurred. I was really excited about my post and getting to share it with everyone. It has been a few days in the works, but now half of it has been shared with my lovely followers. I could not even imagine how an author would feel if a drafted section of their book was stolen and published to the public. You work so hard on something, and sending it out before it is ready is traumatic. I am feeling horrified, and it was just a blog post.
To be honest, it took a lot of energy just to start writing a post recently. I have always sided with honesty on my blog, because it is one thing I have always respected above anything else from other people, and especially other writers.
In honesty, I have been going down a pretty bumpy path recently. Or at least, I’ve been learning A LOT and I have not been able to take in what it all means yet. I have wanted to share all the details on here, but they have not been just my difficulties. Therefore, I found it was not right of me to divulge. Generalized statements do not do it justice and so I have held off saying anything. It is a strange feeling having something to say and a means to say it, and yet staying silent.
My favorite stories are the ones that pull you in and wrap you up in their presence. The ones laden with details…. because the details make it REAL. TANGIBLE. LIFE.
I hope at some point in my life I can tell this chapter, but right now everything else feels superficial. The only thing I can liken it to in an author’s perspective is writing a story you are told to write, while holding one in that constantly whispers in your ear “I’m here, tell ME.” Until I move on or unleash this particular story in some medium, aching silence will have to do.
Finally, I am so sorry if you were inconvenienced with a half-finished post from me in your inbox. It was definitely unintentional, and I feel as though I have learned my lesson when using the WordPress app on my iPad.
Don’t worry, I’m still writing, but I think it is just going to be for me for awhile. Until then here is my life in pictures….
Have a beautiful week!!
Simply & Softly 
Oh, I can imagine how you must’ve felt! I would’ve been horrified if an earlier draft of my novel had been released inadvertently to more people than just my editor or betas. It took me a long time to get to a place where I felt comfortable sharing my writing with the world–my blog helped me get there–but that happened only after I felt like the story was final. I feel the same way about my blog posts.
I’m glad to hear that you’re still writing. Good luck with everything!
It was definitely a new experience for me. I can’t imagine what it would by like with something like a novel that you put so much love and sweat into! Thank you for your support and congratulations on your novel!!
Thanks! I’m glad it’s finally out there, as nerve-wracking as that is. I’m usually very reluctant to share my creative writing with anyone (even my husband!). Anyway, I wish you the best. Even though you’ll be writing mostly for yourself, I hope you’ll keep your blogging friends updated every once in a while. Take care! 🙂
I totally understand that feeling. It can be a very vulnerable experience (I say that and have only shared stories in academic settings so I can imagine it is incredibly amplified in the publishing world!). I will definitely keep posting, I can’t seem to let it go entirely 🙂 Best wishes to you as well!
I think you have stumbled on one of many bloggers’ foremost difficulties: how to protect the privacy of others while wanting to tell a story. It’s a slippery slope and, when in doubt, holding off is probably the best course of action. Sometimes I feel the persona I am putting out there is just that, a persona, because so much else of my life has to stay private. But, if at the core there is profound honesty, I think people will keep on reading.
PS The draft business happened to me – you probably figured out that if you immediately delete the post, your readers won’t be able to access it. They will have a blank e-mail in their inbox.
Thank you so much for reading and your thoughts! I’m glad I’m not the only one who has come across this conundrum. It’s strange how we can select what we share and what we don’t, thereby creating an alter-self online (whatever the reasons may be). That said, I completely agree with you about keeping the foundation honest, and it was a much needed reminder 🙂 Just another blogging lesson learned! Best wishes, as always!