Tag: blogginginsights

My writing method

For today’s installment of Blogging Insights, I am going with the Q and A format.

TODAY’S QUESTIONS :

Do you write directly on a device? Are you old school, do you write on paper first?Do you re-draft? If so, how many times?

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I write my blog posts directly on my WordPress app on my phone. It’s the most convenient way for me. I tried to use my laptop but found the method cumbersome. Perhaps using my phone to blog, deprives me of many features of WordPress but as I find it more convenient to use my phone, I think it’s not a bad deal.

Blogging from my phone, I feel that my thoughts flow more smoothly. I don’t have to capitalize, insert full stops or repeatedly check the grammar while writing. I have Grammarly installed on my phone and after writing my post I run it through that app to fix any mistakes I’ve made.

I’ve seldom redrafted my posts. If it’s something that I want to submit for publication ( though none has been accepted yet) I do try to make it free of mistakes and spend more time on it.

For me, blogging is an expression of my spontaneous thoughts. That’s why I never wrote it on paper first. What I write to be posted on my blog, comes directly from my mind to my blog. And though I usually write my posts a day or two ahead, I write them in one sitting, SoCS style and in a short time.

We all have a different way of writing. Mine works for me because it’s convenient for me. But it may not work for someone else. The most important thing about hobby blogging is that it should be easy and fun.

Written in response to;How do you write? Blogging Insights 3.0 – 2, hosted by Tanya

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Changing things around?

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

VS 

“Break the mold.” 

Which of these do you believe, as pertaining to your blogging?

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When I started blogging, I belonged to the first club. I’d do what worked for me and stick to the familiar style.

It was with the encouragement of my blogging friends that I started experimenting with different forms of writing. Fiction was something that I was very reluctant to try but I gradually did start writing fiction too. Recently, on encouragement of my fellow poets on WP, I’ve started to experiment with a few poetry prompts too. It feels good to follow the guidelines of the prompt and write something half-decent for a poetry challenge.

Stepping out of our comfort zone is not easy, especially as we get set in our ways. But once you get into the habit of breaking the mold, you find that anything that challenges you, attracts you.

In conclusion, I’d say that if you feel that what you write on a routine basis works best for you, stick to it. But if challenging yourself makes you feel better and you learn more then do break the mold and try new things.

Written in response to;Blogging Insights 3.0 — 1, hosted by Tanya

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Change of direction in Blogging Insights!

Dr. Tanya asks;

After 65 episodes of the quote format, I’ve decided to change things again. I’m thinking of doing a ‘mixed bag’ this time. It will be quotes some weeks and questions for others. Maybe some episodes could be a single topic for general discussion.

What do you think ? I would love to know.

Advice on questions or topics to be discussed is very welcome. I look forward to your feedback in the form of comments or new posts.

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Humans have a tendency to get bored with things and their sameness if continued for a long time. We crave freshness and change. So it is very understandable that to maintain freshness in this series, some changes should be implemented.

I fully endorse this new idea of mixing it up. A question one week and a quote to comment upon the next is a good way to liven up things. Asking for suggestions is good too as it will give those participating a chance to suggest their favorite topics too.

Blogging Insights has always been my favorite prompt to write for, and incidentally, it has generated posts that have been quite popular with my readers. Since here I write about blogging, for bloggers, it is of interest to many people. especially new bloggers.

Questions/ quotes about the topics of posts, length of posts, blogging etiquette, and the reasons why people blog may be of interest to many bloggers.

Written in response to; Blogging Insights 3.0 -Mixing it up, hosted by Tanya

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New year, new day – Fresh start

This week, Tanya has asked for our perspective on this quote;

” Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one!” — Brad Paisley.

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I think this is a quote with which everyone will agree. At least in principle.

For some people letting go of yesterday is hard so they live in the past and a fresh start is not an easy option for them. For the rest, every tomorrow is an opportunity to start afresh.

What we need is verve and élan to grab every opportunity and live each day with enthusiasm. Especially, older people who have lived more than what is left should be more open to taking each new day as a challenge to enjoy life to the fullest.

If we apply this quote to writing/ blogging, we should take advantage of every new day to try things we haven’t tried yet. To explore our own talents and not be afraid of making mistakes!

In the memorable words of Captain Kirk; “To boldly go where no one has gone before!”

Are you ready to take up this challenge?

Written in response to Blogging Insights- NF # 65, hosted by Tanya

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Vacation for writers?

TODAY’S QUOTE

“A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consists of either writing or thinking about writing. “

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I definitely agree with this quote in reference to a person who is a bona fide writer. Those who write for a living, writing books, poetry, or other literary stuff. They are either writing or thinking about what to write almost consistently.

In reference to a blogger, this can be true for those who are writing long, planned-out posts that they publish daily, or very frequently on their blogs.

But for the rest of the casual/ hobby bloggers, this may not be the case. I, for example, write most of my posts in response to prompts, so when I see those weekly or monthly prompts, I write my posts, schedule them and then I’m done with writing for the day. I don’t consistently think about writing, even though I’m always on the lookout for images for my WDYS prompts or questions for my Sunday posers.

For a blogger who plans their posts beforehand, I think this quote rings true. While, for the casual blogger, this may not be their 24 hours preoccupation!

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Written for; Blogging Insights NF # 65 — Holidays for writers/bloggers?, hosted by Tanya

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What works in writing

Thank you Tanya for this week’s quote.

TODAY’S QUOTE 

“The only truly universal writing advice is ‘If it works, it works.’”

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Opinion about writing is so diverse and varied that not one single piece of writing can be considered an absolute criterion.

If I consider this quote as regards writing a book/ novel/ story, one writer’s formula doesn’t work for everyone. The same is true for Blogging. While one blogger may write successfully and gain readership, another might not be equally successful following their example.

So, is this useful advice to those aspiring to make it big; I think not. People will have to discover what works for them and what doesn’t. It can be taken as a statement of fact that what works, works. A truism, but not a guideline.

On the flip side, the reverse can be considered as advice; What doesn’t works, don’t waste time on it. Some people do keep on doing things the same way and repeatedly fail, never realizing that they need to change their way of doing things.

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Written in response to; Blogging Insights – NF # 64 : Writing Advice, hosted by Tanya

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Blogging- A way to reach people

TODAY’S QUOTE 

” What I’m really concerned about is reaching one person.”

— Jorge Luis Borges

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If we consider bloggers as writers, we can safely assume that the goal of a blogger is the same as a writer; To have their writing read!

When we write/ blog on a public platform, the aim is that people should read and benefit from our writing. It could entertain people or educate them. So it would be amazing if more people read our posts. But if only one person, the one who needed to read what we wrote, read our post then the purpose of writing is very much validated.

When more than one person reads my posts and comments on them, I feel that I am reaching out across the world to people who I probably would never meet in person ( except by a chance) and connecting with them. This is an amazing feeling and empowering too. The power of written words is immense and no one can foretell the impact it may have.

A few points I’ve learned during my blogging journey regarding the importance of what I write are;

Always stick to the truth, unless you’re writing fiction. Research your topic well and from multiple sources.

Convey a positive message whenever you can. Every situation has both positive and negative aspects, and concentrating only on the negative can have a depressing effect on the reader.

Be meticulous about your writing ( as much as you can) bad grammar and spelling can really distort your message.

Share personal experiences, it allows the reader to connect with you.

These are a few ways to reach out to the readers and connect with them.

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Written for Blogging Insights-NF # 63, Reaching out, hosted by Tanya

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Blogging intuition

TODAY’S QUOTE 

“Here’s the only blogging tip you really need: always follow your intuition.” – Kelly Thoreson

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Personal blogging is neither an art nor a science. Blogging is self-expression.

When a person starts a blog, they usually have some idea of what they want to blog about. If it’s a personal blog, the topics are varied and one can write about anything. Here, I think intuition can play a role to guide us on what would be the best fit for us.

Intuition is actually the manifestation of all the information gathered by our senses subconsciously. So we should trust our intuition as we trust our senses. If my intuition tells me that I would be a better writer if I write about things that are close to my heart, then I should do so. I started my blog to write about the medical and social issues that women over 50, ( empty nesters) face. But gradually my writing changed and though I still address these issues, I feel ( intuitively) that I am more effective when I write from my heart about the issues our humanity is facing.

So if we analyze this quote regarding the topics we choose to blog about, I think it is spot on. But if someone is advising on how to blog then they should include other aspects of writing here as well; like clean and simple expression, mistake-free writing, and structuring the sentence as to make the writing attractive.

Thank you Tanya for this prompt to deepen our insights into blogging.

Written in response to; Blogging Insights – NF # 62 : Intuition, hosted by Tanya

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Blogging; Distraction while writing

“Being a good writer is 3% talent, 97% not being distracted by the internet.”

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I wouldn’t give such a low percentage to talent. I think it is at least 50% and avoiding distractions is 50%.

It’s true that anyone can write. And we all do write all through our lives. School work, college work, laundry lists, grocery lists…… so on and so forth. But good writing is something else entirely.

For writing well we need to have a clear idea of what we want to say, use simple language and then write it so that anyone reading gets our meaning in the first reading. KISS- Keep It Simple Stupid!

As for avoiding distractions, it is easy enough. If you’re logged in to many social media sites, keep the notifications on mute till you are writing. It never does to keep on checking your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts while trying to concentrate and write something good. You can always go back later and check your social media accounts.

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Written in response to Blogging Insights-NF # 61, hosted by Tanya

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Memories of Melanie

We all lost a friend

A friend who was so kind and honest

There was no one that had a complain against her

She was open and generous with her opinions and praise

Always would point out if someone was doing something wrong

But never would be hurtful or unkind to those around her

We lost a good friend, but she was more than ready to go

She had had enough of illness, pain and worry in this life

I remember her wanting to go before she became dependent, destitute

Before her love, Ziggy too left her

May she rest in eternal peace

We will miss you Melanie

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Written in response to;Blogging Insights NF #60 — Memories of Melanie, hosted by Tanya

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