Confessions of a Boring Blogger

I used to have a blog called the Michelle Show. I was a travel writer back then, and I used to chronicle my adventures around the globe. Last night, I read over some of the old posts I have on my hard drive–How to Tick off Passengers in Your Safari Vehicle and How My Mother Wrangled a Family of Fruit Flies.

Great stories. Funny material. Beautiful photos.

Recently, a few of my blog readers asked me to share a bit more about myself on my blog. They said they want to see more of Michelle in the posts. They want to see the main character in Sumer’s brand story.

I said I’d think about it.

This Friday I’m speaking to a room full of writers, editors, and publishers at the Queens University MFA Alumni Conference. I’m talking about how I made a business out of what I love, writing. As I prepare for this speech, I’m reminded of why I decided to marry my passion for writing and adventure and start a copywriting company. I’ve also been thinking about my story, the story of how I ended up where I am, and of how Sumer came to be.

Story. I’ve built a business telling stories. Telling other people’s stories. But somewhere along the way, I lost myself somewhere between blog posts. I became distant in my own company messaging. Lost in obligations. Lost in meetings.

People want to feel connected. They want to feel a sense of belonging, as if they are a part of the story. That’s what makes successful writers. And that’s what makes successful brands.