My writing process

A few weeks ago, Theresa from Subjectverbobject invited me to participate in a "Writing Process Blog Hop." I've been a bit out of the blogging loop, so I don't know much about how this blog hop thing works, but I really value being a part of the FS blogging community, so I said yes. And now, if you care, you can read my responses to the questions I was posed.

What am I working on? 

It all depends on how you interpret this question, but I chose to look at it generally. Here are the things I'm working on:

- moving to China, mentally and physically 

- learning Chinese. No easy feat.

- incorporating healthy eating and exercise into my daily life
- learning photography
- helping my kids learn to navigate the world and especially the life we've chosen
- my latest photo book (trying a new photo book company, Blurb)
- I think that's enough, don't you?

How does my work differ from others in its genre?

Perhaps calling my blog "my work" is a little far-reaching, but ok. I think of myself as belonging to the "FSO mom" genre, and there aren't really that many of us. However, because it's hard to blog too much about work itself, I often end up blogging about things that are of interest to people in general and parents/moms in particular- the effect this lifestyle has on the kids, family trips, entertaining, work-life balance. I really love helping others who are considering this lifestyle or just starting out, so maybe that's my niche. 

Why do I write what I do?

I started to blog in 2010 for two reasons: 1) I needed an outlet for the intense feelings I was having about possibly joining, and 2) I wanted to be part of what looked like a beautiful community (and it is!). 

But after I joined, I could no longer share some of my thoughts about being with State or living abroad as a diplomat. Now, when I write, there are other reasons: 1) to share our life with family and friends (they don't comment much, but I love to hear that my family and friends are reading- it means a lot!), 2) to help other families considering this lifestyle or just starting out (during the year when I applied to the FS, I devoured FS blogs and I know that without them, I would never be here. They helped me get a glimpse of what this life could be like, which was invaluable), 3) for memory's sake, and 4) because I'm excited about something, like new plates. 

I don't write because I aspire to be a writer. When something sad happens in the world, I admire those who can write eloquently about it, but I don't feel the need. 

How does my writing process work?

This is where it's obvious I'm not a writer or serious blogger. I write when the mood strikes me. I try to write with some regularity, but months or weeks have gone by. I get inspired to blog about packout and organizing, for some reason, but other inspiration comes and goes. I rarely write posts in advance and wait to post them. I have a feeling that blogging in China will be even more challenging, but I hope to keep it up. 

So here's the part where I'm supposed to tag the next participant in this activity. Jen from The Dinoia Family is going to write next!