How do I figure out what to write about every day?
The short answer: I force myself to write about the first thing that comes into my head. Some days I have a topic picked out already, because it’s something I really want to share or have been thinking about. Most days, I just latch onto the first thing that climbs into my brain at 6:18am when I sit down at the computer. I keep writing for 20-30 minutes, and then I try to immediately post on the blog’s webpage every other day, whether I love what I’ve composed or not. I usually don’t create a corresponding social media post to promote it until the early evening because it’s time to workout and get ready for the day. It’s not a terribly complicated editorial system.
Some of my writing is good. Most of it is just crap. For years, I have been intimidated by the idea of perfect copy, perfect photos, perfect everything on the internet. Then I kind of realized that what I tell my kids is true: if you want to get better at something, you just have to practice it and not worry about whether you’re any good YET. So I basically just “practice” writing for thirty minutes a day, and you see the results of that…I write about something, anything. Sometimes the topic is relevant and you want to read and comment, and sometimes I miss the mark and a get a lonely like or two. Both are okay, because I’m getting forcing myself through the process.
I’ve wanted to write/blog for a long time. I read lots of long-form blogs, follow other microbloggers on Insta and Facebook, and have always been amazed at how much joy I get from perusing other people’s well-done content. I’ve wanted to make some for myself for about 5 years, but I never felt like I had the time I needed to be the caliber of blogger I wanted. After all, I have a young family and a big day job!
But a little voice kept saying, “Why not try?” because I thought about it ALL THE TIME. So finally I did…and here we are. For me, the key to starting this blog was to stop perfectionizing it and just do it.
Is there anything that YOU have been afraid to do or try because you want to “start perfect?”
Good morning, Melissa….
Just let me say that your blogging is a great example of life itself. I think each day is a page, a rough draft. Some days we get to make corrections along the way. Other days we have to lay down our pen and just admit to ourself we made it to the end of that paragraph. Tomorrow is a fresh start. Renewed inspiration and goals lay before us. Keep up the the good work and give today your best shot. Tomorrow is only a few hours away! Love ya❣️