So I was just checking out the WordPress 2011 Challenge and came across this girl’s post which has some great tips to share for those who are blogging. Check it out for a few brilliant ideas:
Original post appeared at http://phdpanacea.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/how-to-find-time-to-blog/ but is no longer available.
Here’re excerpts of her post…
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1. Be realistic
Set yourself a target you think you can keep to, say a post a week – but then don’t feel guilty if you miss a week or two. A blog is supposed to be fun and useful, not a chore or something to beat yourself up over.
2. Collect ideas for future posts
Ideas come at the strangest times, so write them down, keep a list of things you want to write about so that you’re not starting from scratch every time.
3. Take time to think
When you’ve decided on the topic for your next post, think about it when you’re on the bus or in the bath and you’ll find the right shape and tone will often come to you, so when you do start to write you’ll be more prepared.
4. Create a routine
What works for me is to write first thing in the morning, which is my most productive time. I open a new post and start writing, based on the draft I already have in my head.
5. Write fast then edit
Just write and worry about the finer points later. Get the whole post down then go back and check it flows properly and for obvious things like grammar and spelling. Reading it out loud will give you a different perspective on what you’ve written that can be helpful. Add images or tables at the end as well, otherwise that activity can get in the way of your writing.
6. Don’t get distracted or procrastinate
Ignore emails, Twitter, Facebook messages and everything else until you’ve finished. If you don’t, your blog post will just take twice as long. If you find yourself procrastinating in other ways – making yet another cup of coffee, even doing the washing up – then either stop or accept that you’re not in the mood and leave the post for another time.
7. Don’t feel you have to write everything
It’s a blog post, not a chapter from your PhD. You’re not writing ‘Everything I know about X’, more often than not you’re aiming for a taster on a particular topic, a provocative piece to get reaction or comments, or a hopefully amusing anecdote on something you’ve found in your research.
A blog doesn’t have to take over your life: it’s perfectly possible to fit it in to the horrendous schedules we all have. It takes a bit of self-discipline and some prior planning, but after that it should become a pleasure – and hopefully the feedback you get will make it all worthwhile!
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Why not join a challenge and multiply your blog content?
I am a beginner. I need to learn. I will come back again.
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