Why do writers blog?

My NF children's writers list has had an interesting discussion on the pros and cons of blogging lately. For a great article on the topic, check out Laura Purdie Salas' blog at:

http://laurasalas.livejournal.com/24631.html

Her article made me wonder: why do I blog? I began for practical reasons--web presence, marketing, connecting with readers etc.--but those aren't good enough reasons for me to spend the time on blogging right now. Web presence is good, but I don't have any books out to promote yet, and few magazine readers seek out the magazine's authors. When I get reader feedback on a story or article, it usually takes the form of, "Oh, you wrote that? I (or my son or my daughter) loved that article (or short story or craft)!" So I'm not connecting with *many* readers at this point.

And yet I keep coming back. My friend Julie says that all writing brings a reward, and I guess that blogging is no exception. So why do I blog?

1. To sort out my thoughts on writing craft, writing struggles, and writing rewards.


2. To connect with other writers out there.


3. To (I hope!) provide a resource for others who are walking the writing road.

So thank you who read this, for sharing a bit of my life.

:) Cheryl