The process of writing a blog post

Since my younger years, I have felt my thoughts, what I want to say, has been expressed better through writing.

Would you rather write a letter, an email, or a blog post to get your feelings out there and to get your thoughts across to others? I know that’s my preferred route.

Now we are aware not all people are good at the art of wordsmithing. Am I since I’ve made it to the beginning of a freelance writing career? I think so. Sometimes though it takes me a while to place my words in the right order to express things more precisely in the tone of a writer. Does this happen to you?

Paint a picture with words

As time goes on my writing will only improve, right? I can personally see it progressing by looking at initial drafts and reading my revision history, and its as if the words have become like a handcrafted piece of art, better written and flowing with ease.

Is it easy all the time? Do words, sentences, and phrases magically go from my brain to my fingertips to the keyboard? Sometimes yes other times no, it can take me all day with lots of mini breaks to reset my writing momentum. I know what I want to write, but need to put things in exactly the right place, and am very particular about how and what I want to say.

How the ideas pop up

The craziest thing about writing for me is ideas and how to convey them with the exact words that originate in my mind, usually develop while I’m not right in front of my computer. Why does this happen to me? I want to run and get things down as they occur to me, but I’ll be out walking my dog or in bed trying to go to sleep. And those ideas I had for writing by the time I get to sit down and write are lost in Limbo somewhere in my constantly noisy head space.

Start writing things down in a draft

So, the other night I’m out walking my dog, of course, I get an idea for a post I want to write about writing. I know absurd. Instead of waiting for my blog post subject to come to me again as soon as I got inside I went over to my laptop, opened WordPress and started a draft. I began writing about my take on the writing experiences I’ve had and saved it as a draft. Leaving the rest to be written as thoughts and ideas about what I’ve been going through in my writing journey come to me.

What I have learned so far

• Don’t pressure yourself — Write in bursts or all at once, do what works for you. The words are there, and they will come when they are ready.
• Take time to craft your piece the way you want it — Don’t just throw words on the screen in a rush to get a post out there.
• Keep writing to improve your skills, your voice and yourself.

Learning as you go? No problem. I have found networking with other freelance writers, bloggers, journalists and people through online social sites as an excellent tool. It’s helpful to read, gain insight and guidance from the other freelance writers out there that have been where you are right now in your writing quest.

My top three writing influencers

1. Elna Cain — She’s an awesome inspiration, and I have learned so much from her, still am.
2. Sophie Lizard — She kicks my butt into gear through the emails I receive from being on her email list.
3. Alexis Grant — This woman is amazing! I don’t think there is anything she can’t do.

I am a freelance writer who is also a mother, a gamer, and a lover of technology. I specialize in technical writing, blogging, and how-to articles. When I’m not writing, you can find me geeking out, playing video games or spending time with my family.