The Blog-Writing Process
In talking with one of my blog followers this past weekend about my recent change in posting days from Mondays & Thursdays to Tuesdays & Fridays, I thought other readers might be curious to see what the process is like. I don't just get an idea, sit down with a pencil and paper, and let the words flow out flawlessly. Now and then I come close to that desirable goal, but the vast majority of the time I need to make several corrections along the way. Example: to this point I have already reversed one sentence structure and inserted two phrases to clarify points I was making. That's why I work first by pencil. It's the quickest and easiest way to get everything down with minimal effort, while it's still fresh in my mind.
The first draft is just the beginning. I always reread what I have written at least three times, with a time break somewhere for a fresh look. In contrast, the longer pieces I write (magazine articles and book chapters) take an average of six rereads. Articles contain one topic with four to six sub-topics. With posts, one topic is expanded in one direction only. Sounds like posts are easier to do, but they are not. Surprisingly it is harder to write short than long. It's hard to say everything you want to say about something in a few words. Try it sometime; it makes an interesting exercise.
After the rereads, I always have a second set of eyes look at my writings. My daughter/housemate fills those shoes for me. An outside reader will often find that my words differ from what I had intended. Or she will show me where the material drags or point out a poor word choice. When I finally type in the post, I take one last look and feel. The "feel" tells me what kind of an impact it will have on my readers. One day recently I read through four different drafts, not liking the feel of any of them. I ended up redoing the one I liked best. I don't use every draft I write. Some just don't go anywhere. I want to put out something worthwhile, every time.
I'll bet you didn't know so much work lies behind each post. That is why I like the extra day before the Tuesday feature. I never work weekends unless I have a tight book deadline. Sunday is truly a day of worship and rest for me. So, having Mondays free to rework my next entry enables me to put my best efforts into Tuesday's post. This blog is a service to God and my readers. I feel God and you deserve no less.
My best for you on blog writing,
Margaret
The first draft is just the beginning. I always reread what I have written at least three times, with a time break somewhere for a fresh look. In contrast, the longer pieces I write (magazine articles and book chapters) take an average of six rereads. Articles contain one topic with four to six sub-topics. With posts, one topic is expanded in one direction only. Sounds like posts are easier to do, but they are not. Surprisingly it is harder to write short than long. It's hard to say everything you want to say about something in a few words. Try it sometime; it makes an interesting exercise.
After the rereads, I always have a second set of eyes look at my writings. My daughter/housemate fills those shoes for me. An outside reader will often find that my words differ from what I had intended. Or she will show me where the material drags or point out a poor word choice. When I finally type in the post, I take one last look and feel. The "feel" tells me what kind of an impact it will have on my readers. One day recently I read through four different drafts, not liking the feel of any of them. I ended up redoing the one I liked best. I don't use every draft I write. Some just don't go anywhere. I want to put out something worthwhile, every time.
I'll bet you didn't know so much work lies behind each post. That is why I like the extra day before the Tuesday feature. I never work weekends unless I have a tight book deadline. Sunday is truly a day of worship and rest for me. So, having Mondays free to rework my next entry enables me to put my best efforts into Tuesday's post. This blog is a service to God and my readers. I feel God and you deserve no less.
My best for you on blog writing,
Margaret
