So, it’s totally appropriate that this week’s “One Year and Beyond” topic is making time to blog…because this week has been a doozy and I’ve barely had time to do so. It’s just been one of those weeks with lots of ups and downs and interruptions. I feel like I really need a break!
So, blogging. It’s been a part of my life for about 5 years now, but up until about a year or two ago, I didn’t invest a lot of time. Come to think about it, I doubt many people were even reading the random thoughts I put up in this little space. Seriously, my early posts are nothing like how I write now. Then, it was just something I did when I felt like it, with no set schedule. Over the years, that’s changed, and I now try to post something every weekday, taking off the weekends to be with my little family.
That said, even with taking the weekends off, finding time to fit in blogging isn’t always easy.
First, there’s when to write. I usually do my writing at night while Abbie’s asleep, during my lunch break at work, or on the weekends during her naps. While I try to write my posts ahead of time, it doesn’t always happen. I wish I was more of a pre-planner, but sometimes the best posts are the ones that randomly come to you. It’s a balance.
Second, sometimes I struggle with what to write about, so I work to keep a list going. I hate when I have the time to sit down to write, and I can’t think of anything! Anytime an idea pops into my head, I write it down somehow. Sometimes it’s handwritten, sometimes it’s a draft in WordPress, and sometimes it’s in the notepad on my iPhone. Either way, I always try to find a way to write it down, even if I scrap it later. I also keep a running list of ideas in my google drive that I’ve gathered from others to help me when I get stumped.
Third, blogging definitely requires social interaction, and that needs to be scheduled in… plus it’s fun! I have a plugin that tweets out my old posts, but I do all my other social media whenever I think about it. I truly do enjoy the interaction and wish I had more time for it. I try to take a few minutes during my day to check twitter and Facebook quickly. I do a lot of blog reading from my phone, and comment when I can…commenting from your phone can be a pain in the butt though! I definitely read way more than I comment, but that’s how things have to be right now.
There’s really no magic formula, but this blog has definitely become a priority of mine. Its definitely not easy, but I try to make the time to write each day. I’ve been a writer forever – since elementary school – and I’m not about to stop now. Since I’m not able to write as a career, I love that I’ve been able to have this little place as an outlet for that. Do I sometimes put blogging on the back burner? Sure. But I also know I’ll always be back.
6 Responses
Commenting on your phone is so hard! Especially because it seems like everyone has a different comment platform from wordpress, to blogger, to protections to disquis! I think commenting is really important if you’re trying to grow. If you’re happy where you are commenting is still important but can take more of backseat when you need it to. Did you know you can schedule facebook posts like you can blog posts? I just learned that last week! Huge help!
It really is! And yes, I did know you can schedule facebook posts – I more so mean that I don’t use a service to do it, but rather schedule them there myself!
Love this post! We have very similar attitudes about blogging. I totally agree that you just have to choose to make it a priority. I’m so glad you find the time to blog so much, since I love reading your posts. Keep up the awesome work, mama!
We do. In fact, I have a feeling that if I hadn’t read your post first, we may have said nearly the same thing!
I feel the same way! I use the bloglovin’ app and don’t always write comments, but always read. Also, I agree…I always fit time in to blog, no matter what!
Glad I’m not the only one!