So…why a blog?

I just like to write.

Honestly, the big reason isn’t much more complicated than that. I’ve always enjoyed writing, and I wanted there to be a way to get my writing out into the world that I actually had control over. When it comes to pitching novels or short stories, you don’t really have any control over whether or not they get published, and that was starting to bug me – I wanted to be able to feel like I had a bit more control over whether or not my writing is seen by others. So, starting up my own blog seemed like a good way to do that.

I’ve finally gained the confidence.

I’ll be honest, I have pondered the possibility of a blog for a few years now. Every now and again I thought about how I’d like the idea of having my own blog. But then I kept doubting myself, my ability to come up with enough ideas to keep a blog running, that I wouldn’t be able to commit to it long term, that I’d never be able to think of a specific topic or theme for a blog, and on and on. But then I started writing for a blog for work, and that helped me battle those insecurities. Here’s how…

• I’ve been contributing to another blog for four months now, and that made me realize that I’ll always manage to think of something to write about, because I’m surrounded by a world of inspiration. And if I do hit a wall and struggle to come up with something – so what? That doesn’t define my ability as a writer, and I can always check out other blogs to see what they’re writing about for inspiration!
• Contributing to the other blog for a while now has also made me realize that I can commit to a blog for a long duration. Partially because I genuinely just enjoy it and look forward to creating new content, and partially because of the simple fact that I made the commitment, so I know I need to produce posts regularly!
• This isn’t related to committing to another blog, but I did realize that I don’t need just one specific theme for my blog. It’s my blog, so I can write about whatever I want, and I can post whenever I want, because I make the rules. I have a variety of interests, so why can’t I write a little bit about each of them instead of limiting myself to just one?

My own space.

As much as I enjoy writing for others, I am looking forward to writing for myself. I’m looking forward to having my own space where I can write in any style I’d like, and on any topic I want to without worrying about whether or not it’s on brand. It will also be nice to have this as a creative outlet, free of pressure. I’m not planning to put any pressure on myself to post a certain number of times each week, or on a certain day each week or anything like that. I just want this to be a fun hobby and a creative outlet, and I’m honestly just proud of myself for finally feeling motivated enough and brave enough to do it!

Why the title: Nadine’s Narratives

I’m really, really terrible at thinking of titles for anything – essays, stories, email subject lines, WhatsApp group chats, etc. I was asking my boyfriend for help thinking of a name for my blog, so when he suggested Nadine’s Narratives, I really liked the way it sounded, and it stuck!