The first time I read this blog, I was at the first day of my summer internship. I was waiting for an assignment and surfing the internet. I found a link to it on the Gaylord College’s website. I read one post and was immediately hooked. I couldn’t pull myself away. When I told a friend about it later that night, I said, “This could be the next Twilight. It’s that good.” She waited a month before she started reading it. Over Skype yesterday she told me, “I have to pace myself. I’ve read two posts and I’m already getting addicted.”
I don’t follow too many blogs, but I’m pretty sure this kind of reaction is not normal. There are blogs about everything these days; raising a family, planning the perfect vacation or losing that extra ten pounds. In one of my journalism classes last semester I was even introduced to a writer who blogged about her experience with in vitro fertilization. But I’ve never seen a blog as addicting or as fun to read as “Fairytale Beginnings."
"Fairytale Beginnings" is unlike most blogs in that it reads a lot like a book. Instead of posts by authors bragging about their cute kids or overloading readers with pictures at tourist attractions, Whitney, the author of Fairytale Beginnings, puts her readers in the moment, including them in her real-life experiences.
She’s not rambling about sandwiches or work gossip. She’s writing about something even more delicious. She describes the blog on its twitter page as a “modern-day fairy tale.” The story centers on the author and guy she meets in a bar in New York City. The first entry tells readers how the pair met in 2009, and follows their “relationship” from there.
When Whitney began posting to the blog in May, she was a month away from travelling to London to visit “the guy from the bar.” With each post, readers inched closer to catching up to present day and understanding the story behind Whitney’s trip. She promised her readers that they’d be caught up to present day before she left. I thought the blog would be finished when that time came. But, since she’s returned from London, Whitney has blogged about the trip and what happened while she was there. As I type this, I still don’t know where Whitney and her guy stand.
It’s a continuous mystery.
Not only are readers curious about how the story between Whitney and the guy has developed, they are also curious about who Whitney is. While we know so many details of her personal life, we don’t know her last name or what she looks like. Every picture posted to the blog has the faces cropped out. Whitney posted that this is because everyone has their own idea of what characters should look like when they read a book, and she doesn’t want to ruin that. The only reason I know Whitney is an OU graduate is because the link on the Gaylord website said so.
The suspense makes the blog interesting, but that’s not all it’s got going for it. It also works because the author is a gifted writer and she’s not afraid to get personal. Conversations, feelings and intimate moments of her life are exposed. The blog is refreshing because Whitney doesn’t care about pleasing people. She’s not afraid to share the physical details of her relationship, which means some posts are graphic. One post is labeled NSFW, or not suitable for work, just to give you an idea of what the blog deals with. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
While it may have some of the same appeal as a Nicholas Sparks novel or Twilight, the blog is not just for girls. It is by no means sappy. Whitney talks about sex, heartache and past relationships. It’s real in the way that romance novels and chick flicks can’t be.
I’m sure many OU students could tell us exactly who Whitney is, and as curious as I am, I think it’s best to keep it a mystery. If you’re interested in reading the blog that has my friends and I talking, you can follow and access the blog on Twitter at Twitter.com/whitforbrit. The blog site is fairytale-beginning.blogspot.com and the first post is filed under May.
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boomerjenee 1 year, 11 months ago
Ummmm... so I hate to rain on Whitney's parade, but... really? Yes, it's real in a way that romance novels can't be, but reality doesn't necessarily equate with either good writing or a compelling storyline. The blog is good for what it is: a Nicholas Sparks-esque story with a lot more frank talk about sex. While there's something to be said for entertainment value, I'm getting a little tired of the high value automatically assigned to pieces/blogs that are 'real.' There are plenty of blogs that don't ramble about sandwiches or work gossip, that tackle real-life, complex issues with weight. Why not review some of those?
whitforbrit 1 year, 11 months ago
No worries, Boomerjenee. I roll with an umbrella wherever I go to fend off any rainmakers. I understand not everyone will love my blog, but I really do appreciate the kind words and encouragement from the reviewer! BOOMER SOONER :)
LMC 1 year, 11 months ago
Yes, ummmm... really.
Miss Jenee, you say you hate to rain on her parade, but you seem to have a lot of fun with it. Let's pick up where you left off, shall we? Why not review some of those blogs you say? Well review on, honey. But this article was reviewing this one in particular, so let's keep it focused. Where's your sooner pride? This is a homegrown J-school grad who wrote something that a lot of people are reading and enjoying, so sorry to hear that you're missing out. Boomerjenee, where is your blog, love? Perhaps it should be reviewed next.
Sorry for getting all defensive, but it's a crying shame that some people can't find joy in the present and have more fun complaining about things. Especially from the OU community, show some Sooner love!
This is a great blog, you'll laugh out loud, get chill bumps and maybe even tear up a few times. I have thoroughly enjoyed indulging in this real-life romance novel. Blog on, Whitney, blog on.
TxSooner81 1 year, 11 months ago
People in the Sooner Community should actually be proud of Whitney. She has been doing a fantastic job on the blog, and getting herself out there. True or not, the story is still compelling and she is doing what she loves...writing. I dont know Whitney, she actually found me on twitter last night (@BCSchick), but being an ex-Sooner myself, I was happy to give her my support. And it helps that the blog is great! So thanks Whitney, for going out on a limb and getting people to read your blog. You're doing GREAT! BOOMER SOONER!
Forexautomoney 1 year, 10 months ago
thank you for the post, still there are lots of blogs out there so dont limit yourself to it. As you have said internet has its everything because of blogging!!
exporters 1 year, 9 months ago
Interesting post, would go through the post shortly...