200th post spectacular

Since this will be my 200th post, I figured I'd do a bit of reflecting on what it's been like to keep up this blog. Because I found it easier, I decided to do a numbered list of the pros and cons of starting and keeping up with Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl.

Pros:

1. I've written so much more in the past 200ish (there were 2 days I missed and didn't make up for I think) days than I have in a long time and it feels good.
2. I've gotten more comfortable sharing my own writing. By making myself do this every day I forced myself to share my work every day.
3. I think I'm less critical on myself now. Now this doesn't mean that I've magically fixed all my insecurities and cured my imposter syndrome, but because I churn out a post in 15 minutes I tend to be less critical of it because, after all, I only had 15 minutes. I think this has translated a bit into being less critical of my other first drafts of things. 
4. I've become prouder of my own writing. While not all of my posts are diamonds in the rough, there are quite a few that I like. Some of these I have larger plans for and some connect to one another which could then turn into a larger plan. There are still others that I'm incredibly proud of (and at least one, after editing because, again, remember my 15 minute time limit, was published).
5. I've become a better writer. Setting this assignment for myself makes sure that I'm practicing every day which makes sure I'm getting better.
6. I'm getting better at being more open. Some of my posts have been personal either in just sharing my experiences or in relying on struggles that I currently have/have had as themes for the pieces. This has, in some ways, made me a bit better about reaching out about problems and just being open with people about struggles I've had. still not perfect at this, but working on it!
7. It's been a way to stay in touch. I've had so many friends send me prompts and I love it. In part it's because I'm touched that my friends are reading my work and want to support me in my passion. Well, to say in part suggests that that's a small part, but it's probably the biggest part. But another part is that it is a way for me to be in touch with people. My friends find a goofy photo and are like 'Oooh a prompt for Holly' or see my photos and are like 'WRITE ABOUT THIS.' So please keep the prompts coming!
8. My own photos get out there a bit more. Yes I do know that they're most in a small part of a screenshot, but still. I really love photography too and it's cool to incorporate my two main artistic passions into one work and to get, at least a bit, of my photography out there too.
9. I have created a lot of work I could use for a portfolio. Again, some places won't publish things that have been on a personal blog, but some will and, certainly, my final portfolio of 30,000 words for grad school can include some of these posts. Let me know your favorite posts by the way so I have an idea of the best ones to polish for my final portfolio :) 
10. I've stretched myself as a writer. When you get the writing prompt 'Bees!' you only have the option to stretch yourself. On this blog I've written a wide variety of posts from speculating that there's a connection between the lack of black beans in Ireland to the total absence of snakes in Ireland, to creating prompts for myself, to a supernatural woman in a well, to fan fiction of my coursemates' characters. While I've had my favorite posts, I've been glad to stretch myself while doing this blog.

Cons:

1. Oof when I was sick, it was rough trying to do this. But being kind to myself and letting myself make up days seemed to work out for the best.
2. It can be scary to have this much writing out there even though I recognize that very few people read this blog.
3. Some places won't accept work that's been published anywhere even a personal blog (and even if I can see the post has gotten exactly 5 views).
4. Some days it's a chore. Yes, I do love writing but some days my brain just feels off and on those days this blog isn't the joy it normally is. Luckily, I think the good days outweigh the bad ones.
5. Not all prompts are my favorite. I have refused just a few prompts, but I try to do almost every prompt offered to me. This means though, that some posts haven't been the most enjoyable to write. But, oh well, still good practice I think.

As you can see, the pros outweigh the cons. Here's to another 200 posts (I hope)!

(Prompt by me)