My first blog series is over and I have no idea what to do with my blog! I'd love to structure my blog posts so I have regular type features (other than my weekend recommendations), but I have no structure to my brain and my thoughts have no regular features.
So, I tried to come up with a more specific theme or reason-for-being for my blog. I'm thinking of just expanding on my blog series theme and making my blog a place folks can come for a little weekly inspiration. What do you think? I could write posts that are meant to trigger ideas. Since I started off making my blog about parenting and writing, I could have parent inspiration on Tuesdays and writer inspiration on Thursdays? Ways to awaken your muse, ideas for activities with the kids, exercises to trigger story ideas, cheering the weary parent on tough days, etc. I'm just typing my thoughts as I have them here. : )
Does anyone know if there is already a blog devoted to such things? What do you all think? "The Write-At-Home-Mom: Inspiration, Motivation & Encouragement for the writer and the parent"? Do you think it is a broad enough subject that I could keep it going? Or are you sick of this theme out of me already?
I'd love feedback of any kind! : )
am a mom and a writer so both of those work perfectly for me, I actually need ideas for activities so yeah that would be a God-send infact.
ReplyDeleteHi Megan,
ReplyDeleteYou know, you might want to just blog about whatever strikes your fancy for a while and then see if there are any topics that you'll really want to cover regularly. I don't think every blog has to have a precise structure to be successful, as long as what you are writing is heartfelt, entertaining and illuminating in some way.
But I suppose I give that advice because my own blog doesn't have a set structure, so that's how I operate. Different strokes for different folks. I find structure as I go along (like PiBoIdMo or the Inner Mean Girl posts I did for a while). This "How I Got My Agent" series is the first time I've pledged to blog on a regular topic over a long period of time.
I'm blathering, but I think it's okay to just spread your wings for a while and see what comes rather than jumping into a structure you're not certain about. Whatever you do, I'm sure it will be great!
I think it's a really good idea, but I tend to agree with Julie. Just write about what moves you, and it will probably interest us as well, as we (you and your readers) have so much in common! Whenever I try to come up with a theme and stick to it, I get the blah's. Better to see what emerges naturally - the best memes are borne of qualities unique to you, as best explored by you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! xo
I always worry a bit when I read one of these "what should I do with my blog now" posts, being as my own blog is a wild collection of random, having no structure whatsoever! So part of me wants to tell you that I'll keep reading, no matter what you're writing!
ReplyDeleteAnd the rest of me thinks that your idea of intentionally making your blog an encouraging place sounds lovely. I guess whatever direction you feel moved to go is fabulous!
I have the same problem with my blog. I need more structure, because I feel my readers and I want it. However when ever I start a theme, I usually only go with it for a few posts.
ReplyDeleteBlogging is harder than anyone thinks, so give yourself structure if you need it. But, it's ok to go off topic!
I agree with Su, don't look at my blog for an example of structured, planned articles! I think you are entirely within your rights to change direction if it doesn't work, so the only thing left to do is try. I write about totally different things to when I first started, we are all learning on here. It is good that we don't all write the same stuff. You can easily use photos for inspiration posts too, to make it easier. You go girl!
ReplyDeleteHey Megan, I know this is quite a ways away, but have you seen it?: http://www.paulayoo.com/content/natl-picture-book-writing-week-napibowriwee-2010-may-1-7-2010
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the comments so much, everyone! Thank you! I'm pretty sure I'm going to do it and see how long I can maintain it and just be open to getting "off topic" whenever I feel the need.
ReplyDeleteSu- Yes!! I can't wait!! It will be a blast!
I haven't posted many blogs yet since I am just starting so mine isn't very structured, and knowing me it never will be. As far as reading blogs go, I personally love blogs that are diversified, going from one thing to another. I like the surprise element and learning about different things as well as learning the writers as an individual. So I agree, just go with the flow and have fun and your readers will too.
ReplyDelete