Don’t forget to proofread! Now I am one of those people who, once I have written something, unless there is a glaringly obvious mistake, then I might not notice it, despite re-reading the whole post to check for errors. I have hit ‘publish’ before then have gone into the article at a later date and found a typo in the very first word! How embarrassing! Mind you, even worse is when I have commented on other blogs and made a few typos!
Interact with others. This may seem bloody obvious, but you can’t afford to be shy. I know I was very daunted by commenting on other blogs, but we all like to know we are doing something right, so a little encouraging remark can go a very long way; sometimes you might even get a reply!
Be careful what you say. Again, this might be blindingly obvious, but if you are having a bit of a rant and rave about someone who has annoyed you, the chances are they will find out about it! Once a post has been published, it is there for all to see, so think twice about putting up drunken pictures of yourself in a heap on the floor. It’s not pretty!
Learn how to connect with social media, If you want people to read your blog, and are a dunce when it comes to using social media, you need to learn how it works. So many people use it, that you are missing out on a huge audience if you do not know how to share on these sites. This is a work in progress for me, which I am getting to the bottom of as it is going to take a bit of time, I think!
Be passionate about what you write. Nobody wants to read a boring post that drones on and on with no feeling or emotion. Who wants to be dragged down to the depths of despair by a dismal post? Exactly! I find that when I have written a positive and enthusiastic post then I get more comments and likes. Readers can pick up on when you are passionate or excited about something, and it influences the way they feel about it too.
Perhaps it is because of what I write, or the training I had in seminary, but I write and rewrite every post several times before I feel comfortable hitting publish. I will change words, phrases, even punctuation, before I am happy enough with it to publish. Note that I said “happy enough” because I am never fully happy with it, always thinking I could have said it better that I did.
When it comes to “be careful with what you say” I always remember when I covered the science department in my high school newspaper. The editor (teacher) always said that before you commit it to paper consider if you were in the middle of the town square, reading it to everyone present: family, friends, as well as strangers. Would you feel comfortable saying it out loud? If not, then don’t put it down in print!
You make a really good point there about who you would be comfortable with reading your post. It is so easy to write something when upset, then regret it later!
I wish I had your diligence in editing what I write, I do read it over a few times as I go, but that is it.
I actually rarely edit my posts. I run spell check but I don’t normally go over my sentences to figure out a “better” or more efficient way of saying things. I think it’s because I usually don’t write more than 600 words. My posts are short.
My persona is not polished. She’s raw and honest.
I would, however, like to make some money writing – in whichever form it takes. I think creative nonfiction would be my thing.
Thanks so much, I was just re-capping about all the things I have learned. It actually should serve as a reminder to myself as I am pretty awful at some of them! 🙂
You know when I first started blogging… I did not even KNOW how to interact with others. A good three months went by and then I had a big O moment! These tips back then would have really helped 🙂
For me, the last one is the most important. I occasionally need to go back and read my own “About” to redirect my thoughts and feelings and to keep on track. It never fails me.
The social media is difficult to stick with, I usually forget to log on so the sites are pretty much dormant. Yes, I’m guilty of the dismal posts, but that’s really the nature of the blog and sometimes the more miserable, the better the response 🙂
You post about a subject that is not all hearts and flowers and happy things, so of course there are going to be serious or upsetting posts. I meant that my blog is supposed to be a humorous one, but on occasion I have ranted or posted something totally different, which is not going to cheer anyone up. Sorry if I offended you with that part of my post, I am not the best at explaining myself properly! 🙂
I find your blog very humorous and I do like your in-between rants, the funniest was Miss Hap and the tumbler, so even when they are serious, they do still hold an element of humour. I didn’t take offence at all, Edwina. Sometimes I do question the content of my blog and only writing 500 word posts tend to limit what I want to say.
Great points which I can all confirm from my heart. I have to say that the hugest change started when I starte interacting more intense and posted more about my personal life.
Good advice……but that whole social media thing….bleugh. I think WP is about as good as I’m going to get at it. Not as brave as you, Edwina! Still, a most enjoyable post since I consider you the expert after your Blogging 101 attendance!
Oh I am far from an expert, I just wanted to share things I have learned so far. There is still so much more I don’t know, especially with Social Media.,
Sage words, Grasshopper… ( are you too young to get that reference?)
As you know, I’m not a tweeter or a pinner… I’m not sure what I would achieve… What’s the benefit if your blog is not commercial? Is it just to reach a wider audience? Or in case a commissioning editor or agent stumbles across your work and offers you a book contract… Or a talk show? Am I missing something crucial here?
Xx
I do get the ‘grasshopper’ reference. David Carradine came to a bit of a sad end in real life I believe, There is no benefit really as my blog is just that – a blog. I suppose it is just nice to know that it is being read. Maybe I am just a headcase! 🙂
Perhaps it is because of what I write, or the training I had in seminary, but I write and rewrite every post several times before I feel comfortable hitting publish. I will change words, phrases, even punctuation, before I am happy enough with it to publish. Note that I said “happy enough” because I am never fully happy with it, always thinking I could have said it better that I did.
When it comes to “be careful with what you say” I always remember when I covered the science department in my high school newspaper. The editor (teacher) always said that before you commit it to paper consider if you were in the middle of the town square, reading it to everyone present: family, friends, as well as strangers. Would you feel comfortable saying it out loud? If not, then don’t put it down in print!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You make a really good point there about who you would be comfortable with reading your post. It is so easy to write something when upset, then regret it later!
I wish I had your diligence in editing what I write, I do read it over a few times as I go, but that is it.
LikeLike
I’m not sure if it’s diligence or an imposed OCD from the professors. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha Ha! Their diligence paid off then! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great tips. I think we all forget sometimes so it’s good to be reminded on occasion….:) thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure George, I know I am the worst offender! 🙂
LikeLike
I actually rarely edit my posts. I run spell check but I don’t normally go over my sentences to figure out a “better” or more efficient way of saying things. I think it’s because I usually don’t write more than 600 words. My posts are short.
My persona is not polished. She’s raw and honest.
I would, however, like to make some money writing – in whichever form it takes. I think creative nonfiction would be my thing.
Excellent tips from a succesful blogger!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, I was just re-capping about all the things I have learned. It actually should serve as a reminder to myself as I am pretty awful at some of them! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean. But you’re definitely doing something right!! People keep coming back for more 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great tips Judy! Simple but important ones!
LikeLike
You know when I first started blogging… I did not even KNOW how to interact with others. A good three months went by and then I had a big O moment! These tips back then would have really helped 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is so daunting interacting with others.
LikeLike
For me, the last one is the most important. I occasionally need to go back and read my own “About” to redirect my thoughts and feelings and to keep on track. It never fails me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. It is important to try and be fresh and enthusiastic.
LikeLike
The social media is difficult to stick with, I usually forget to log on so the sites are pretty much dormant. Yes, I’m guilty of the dismal posts, but that’s really the nature of the blog and sometimes the more miserable, the better the response 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You post about a subject that is not all hearts and flowers and happy things, so of course there are going to be serious or upsetting posts. I meant that my blog is supposed to be a humorous one, but on occasion I have ranted or posted something totally different, which is not going to cheer anyone up. Sorry if I offended you with that part of my post, I am not the best at explaining myself properly! 🙂
LikeLike
I find your blog very humorous and I do like your in-between rants, the funniest was Miss Hap and the tumbler, so even when they are serious, they do still hold an element of humour. I didn’t take offence at all, Edwina. Sometimes I do question the content of my blog and only writing 500 word posts tend to limit what I want to say.
LikeLike
Great points which I can all confirm from my heart. I have to say that the hugest change started when I starte interacting more intense and posted more about my personal life.
LikeLike
Really good advice! Thanks for sharing, Judy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lots of wisdom in this post…most notably the advice concerning drunken photos! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha Ha! Mind you I think everyone else would be amused by drunken photos! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good advice……but that whole social media thing….bleugh. I think WP is about as good as I’m going to get at it. Not as brave as you, Edwina! Still, a most enjoyable post since I consider you the expert after your Blogging 101 attendance!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I am far from an expert, I just wanted to share things I have learned so far. There is still so much more I don’t know, especially with Social Media.,
LikeLike
Sage words, Grasshopper… ( are you too young to get that reference?)
As you know, I’m not a tweeter or a pinner… I’m not sure what I would achieve… What’s the benefit if your blog is not commercial? Is it just to reach a wider audience? Or in case a commissioning editor or agent stumbles across your work and offers you a book contract… Or a talk show? Am I missing something crucial here?
Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do get the ‘grasshopper’ reference. David Carradine came to a bit of a sad end in real life I believe, There is no benefit really as my blog is just that – a blog. I suppose it is just nice to know that it is being read. Maybe I am just a headcase! 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve had a few posts about a co-worker. It would be awful should she find out about my blog and those posts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha Ha! Hopefully she will never find out then, things could get messy! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes it would! She’s in the next cubicle to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bugger! Better have a damn good escape plan in place in case she goes after you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s the post that I hope she never finds:
https://weight2lose2013.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/ms-talksalot/
LikeLike
Good points
LikeLiked by 1 person
0 Pingbacks
Translate
This is me!
Judy E Martin
Hello, and thanks for stopping by. I am Judy, in my (very) early fifties and decided that life definitely gets more interesting as it goes on! I am a wife and a mum and have just finished University as a Registered Nurse, after having worked as an Associate Practitioner in the NHS. I am also a poet and the author of my debut book, 'Rhymes of the Times.' I love to laugh, and I love rhyming words too, so I joined the two together, and my book was born. I am currently working on another book in the series also. I am a prolific blogger and enjoy writing funny stories, anecdotes, and anything really that takes my fancy.
Personal Links
View Full Profile →
Top Posts & Pages
Blogs I Follow
Thanks for visiting
Lates Blog Posts
RSS
Having fun, while encouraging, and promoting bloggers
"A modern make on vintage style."
Lifestyle blog featuring the fabulous North East and beyond
Sharing my thoughts, poems, travel & art
Apps for any screen
Just your average PhD student using the internet to enhance their CV
Life in words
Exploring writing and the creative randomness of life. Snapshots of moments.
The Learning Technology Team at Canterbury Christ Church University
Aakashsoyanthone
...with a twist.
by Sam Allen
The jumbled musings of Tallis Steelyard
Diary of a Dublin Housewife
Art Inspiring Magic by Carolina Russo
Rants, humor, sarcasm, and a haiku-like substance? It's hard to know what's going to come out of our minds next.
Promoting a Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit
Cindy Knoke
An onion has many layers. So have I!
Rants, Ramblings, and Regrets