This blog prompt is kind-of interesting, because I'm a new blogger :)
I read about different tips for starting a blog, and writing regularly, and so forth, and I joined this summer blog challenge to get into the habit of writing regularly and to meet other bloggers.
Part of me feels like I jumped off the deep end of a dock. There is so much language that I'm not familiar with, there are computer things that I just don't know how to do (yay for Google!), and there are SO many people blogging!
I originally started my blog because I needed an outlet. I've been so busy with my daughter (now seven months old) and so involved in her care and development, that I realized I've not been giving myself any 'grown-up' time.
In the past few months since starting my blog, I discovered that there are some things I wish I'd done differently.
- I wish I'd had a handful of topics I wanted to write about, because then I wouldn't have felt so 'guilty' for not writing anything for several days or weeks.
- I wish I'd scheduled time to write, either a little time set aside every day, or an hour or two a week. What happens is that I'll think I've written just a couple days ago, and when I go to write again, it's been a week or two!
- I wish I'd had a more concrete idea of what I wanted to write about; whether it be a journal of our life, or summarizing research I've done, or talking about experiences, or discussing products or items I've discovered and love to use!
I don't really regret any choices I've made so far, but I know that my blog will be going through a bit of an overhaul. I don't care if it becomes 'popular' or if it ends up like one of the really neat blogs I follow that do tons of reviews and giveaways and things. I don't know if I'm that kind of person.
What I am is a researcher. And an observer. And a mum :) I don't want to 'limit' myself to writing about certain things; I'd rather write about my life!
Number One Tip for New Bloggers? Know what - and why - you want to write.
Great advice and it is great that it came from someone new to the game!
ReplyDeleteIn the blogger world, we call this 'Finding your niche'! ♥ It'll come to you, eventually - I came to blogging on a mission, but most start out just as you did.
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem with the "what and why?"! I, too, kind of just jumped in without thinking so much about what I was going to write... I just new I needed to do it. :)
ReplyDeleteAs with anything new, it takes time to form and develop. The more you do it, the easier it can become. Sometimes I just spew what is on my mind when I write a post, other times they are well thought out and pre planed posts. I find that when I am in the shower, I can come up with a million posts to write about. BUT when done, I can't remember a single one. Bloggin can be really fun. Go at your own pace.
ReplyDeleteI KNOW where you're coming from. You might enjoy this
ReplyDeletehttp://cozycornercrochets.blogspot.com/2012/06/who-am-i-as-blogger.html
I agree wholeheartedly with knowing what you want to write about. I've kind of been all over the place, but what is consistent is that it is a reflection of my life and my life journey.
ReplyDeleteYou started blogging for the same reason I did. I wanted to have an outlet, and find some connections and maybe even friends despite being a SAHM who rarely got out of the house! I google a lot for ideas on 'what to blog about' and read a lot of blogs and keep track of any great ideas that I might want to talk about in the future. My blog is primarily about parenting - so most of my posts relate to my current pregnancy, or what my daughter is doing now - it's actually gotten easier to think of ideas to write about - good luck as you continue!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your blog with me! I find that with blogging its good to be consistent. Your readers are usually more turned on to someone who posts consistently. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteNormally I try to reply to each comment individually, but li'l Sweet Pea has been teething for the last few days.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments, feedback and advice! I really appreciate it :)