I can remember the exact moment.
I can remember exactly where I was: in the car, on the Hume, just outside Marulan, heading south. And what I told myself: You have to get your act together, take this seriously, make every effort. Get. A. Damn. Website.
The kick up the pants? I was coming home from a month-long residency at Bundanon, Arthur and Yvonne Boyd’s gift to the Australian people – I’d worked my bum off, a productive time, but I’d also connected with a bunch of extremely committed artists, many of whom spoke about the need to have a digital platform. I didn’t even have the internet on at home. Within months I got connected to the internet, had a website built and got this blog going (which recently took over the role of being the actual website). Yes, my online adventures began on the Hume Highway that morning back in 2009. But the world has moved on, I’ve moved on, nothing’s the same.
Which means I can now make a declaration: this is my 300th post for UTCOAFITD (which clearly is the most ridiculous acronym in the history of humankind). And this will be my final weekly post.
I really have been doing this on a weekly basis from the beginning, because I read some advice somewhere or other that blog posts should be regular and frequent. On a handful of occasions I’ve done a cheeky mid-week post, but on the whole I’ve kept to my commitment. And there’s been something about that commitment: spending days thinking about what I’ll post, whether it be something that had been published elsewhere (Canberra Times, BMA Magazine) or something written for the purpose. There have been times – many times – when I haven’t known what I’d write until the pen was being put to pad, which sometimes resulted in no words at all, so I resorted to shonky visual…things.
I doubt that I’ve ever known what I’ve been doing, other than, perhaps, writing a journal that other people might read – here’s a depository of writing, one amongst a gazillion other depositories of writing. Of course, the most rewarding part has been connecting with other writers, bloggers and thinkers, some of whom I now consider friends, despite living hundreds if not thousands of kilometres away and never having met in person. This must be the best part of the digital era, surely.
What happens now?
I’m not going to call it quits, but from now on posts will be on an ad hoc basis only – perhaps on average they’ll be every month, but no longer will there be any hard and fast rules. Why? Because I’m exhausted, I’m over-committed; in the larger scheme of things, my brain is really quite small, it can only take on so much, which really isn’t that much at all. I need to prioritise. I want to spend as much time as possible reading fiction and writing fiction. I want to go on great, long, dreamy adventures; I want to be moved, confronted, changed. I’m forty-five – it’s time to start learning about how this planet works, and, I think, the best way to do that is through immersing myself in fiction.
So, fond blog, happy 300th post. Sincere thanks to everyone who’s read and commented – I’ve appreciated our conversations very much.
Here’s to new adventures.
20 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 3, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Agnes
Hey Nigel I will miss checking in here every week but I understand completely having done the same thing myself. I’ll still be lurking here, looking out for the odd ad hoc post! Have really enjoyed communicating with you over the years. Take care
October 4, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Nigel Featherstone
Hi Agnes, ah yes, I remember when the posts at It All Started (such a wonderful blog) started to wither. Glad that you’ll still lurk around these parts – I’ve very much enjoyed chatting with you.
October 3, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Michele Seminara
It’s our loss, Nigel. But it will still be lovely to read whatever you have to say, whenever you may choose to say it! x
October 4, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Nigel Featherstone
Thank you, Michele, for your kind words. I hope I’ve still got things to say! x
October 4, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Gabrielle Bryden
No need to explain Nigel – what you need is a Blogging Without Obligation badge http://www.tartx.com/blog/?page_id=233 😉 have a good lie down and read to your hearts content – look forward to whenever you blog (you never can really leave you know – hahahaha)
October 4, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Nigel Featherstone
Hi Gabe, I certainly do need that Blogging Without Obligation badge – thank you. Yes, I am looking forward to a good lie down. Even if I can’t think of truly interesting things to blog about, I’ll know where to go for a good read…
October 4, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Carol Middleton
Many thanks for sharing your thoughts over the years. Your posts are always rich in feeling and meaning. Happy reading and writing! With sympathy from a (much older) writer.
October 4, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Nigel Featherstone
Hi Carol, thank you very much for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate your thoughts – I’m glad you’ve found something of interest around these parts. All best to you.
October 4, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
broadsideblog
I recently did the same….but went from blogging 3 times a week (whew) to maybe every 4 or 5 days. Too busy teaching, reading, trying to stay energized as well. We only have so much time and spirit.
October 4, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Nigel Featherstone
Hi Cait, you always seem to have so much wonderful content on Broadside – I really don’t know how you do it. I’m glad that you too are trying to find some balance. I have really enjoyed working on this blog, and it’s nice to know that it’s being kept in the National Library of Australia (along with many other Australian blogs), but it’s time let it just be an organic thing from now on, rather than a full-on commitment (of my own making). I’ll be sure to keep dropping over your way, though. All best to you.
October 6, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
whisperinggums
Good for you Nigel – not that I’m not sad, and I do hope you do blog every now and then just to stay in touch – but sometimes you have to let go when the negatives start to take over. It’s too easy to be driven by something other than what’s important. So, stay in touch but go recharge the batteries. This is the best time of year to be doing it.
October 8, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Nigel Featherstone
Thanks, Sue, for your kind and generous thoughts. I’m still enjoying having this online home, but I’m also keen to recharge the batteries, as you say. As mentioned in the post, it’s been helpful, I think, to have a firm commitment in terms of how often I would post here, but it’s important to keep both eyes firmly on the main game, which is fiction. Of course, I’ll continue to enjoy Whispering Gums.
October 8, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
whisperinggums
Yes, it certainly is important to focus on the main game … We readers demand it!! Seriously, it’s important not to get sucked in for the wrong reasons isn’t it.
October 6, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Tristan
Hi Nigel. Though it’s not a surprise as such, given that you’ve intimated in the past that the jig was almost up, it’s still sad to hear that Under the Counter won’t be continuing as usual. What you did/do here is something I’ve admired since I first encountered it – indeed, it went some way in inspiring me to do what I did on my own little blog, may she rest in peace. It’s not only the consistency with which you’ve blogged over the years which has impressed, but also the insight into both the publishing world as well as your own in Goulburn and surrounds, which you make look like a lively little place – and that’s not to mention the brave, ever-reliable voice with which the reader is greeted.
I’ll still be checking in, but I can’t help feeling like it’s the end of an era. Of course, all the best with whatever comes next.
October 8, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Nigel Featherstone
Hi Tristan, thank you, thank you very much. I’ve always enjoyed your thoughts and feedback, particularly when, ever so gently, you’ve questioned something I’ve written. It’s been a pleasure. And I’ve always enjoyed the blogs you’ve produced. UTC will continue, but in a more limited format, so I’ll look forward to connecting with you in the months ahead.
I must say, I’m glad that I’ve been able to show that Goulburn is a lively place. Because that’s exactly what it is. It cops some crap from Sydney for being a regional backwater, and Canberrans are only interested in the Maccas out on the freeway. But there’s so much to offer – walk the backstreets and you’ll find some fantastic places. All in all, it’s been very good for me; I’m always pleased to go home.
All the best to you, and I look forward to crossing paths with you soon.
October 12, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Agnes
I’ve only been to Goulburn a couple of times but I love it. It’s got a really lovely feel to it.
October 9, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Faisal Grant
I’m only sorry I came in so late. You deserve to sit down a while, in a disconnected way.
October 15, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Nigel Featherstone
Thanks, Faisal, for your very kind comments – it’s lovely that you’re here. The order of the day will be a balance between connection and disconnection.
October 15, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Nigel Featherstone
Agnes, if you’re ever driving through my gorgeous home-town, drop me a line!
October 15, 2014 at 9:16+00:00Oct
Agnes
I’d like that Nigel, very much