Oh, What to Blog
Jan 11th, 2008 by Nola
Mishel recently left a comment to me and other bloggers asking how we come up with stuff to blog. She’s concerned that if she wrote a blog, she’s not sure anyone would read it. Here’s my response to her. Any of you other bloggers have a comment to add for Mishel?
I write what I know–my beloved city, my family, my memories, my observations. Some days, nothing strikes me and there is no post. Other days, I have several ideas.
Your comments on my blog have always been thoughtful and interesting. I’d assume your blog would be likewise. I’d say write about what you know–your family, your surroundings. You’ll find that something will happen and you’ll say to yourself, “I gotta blog that!” And you’ll even find your hubs saying, “Mishel, put that on your blog!” (To which you’ll find yourself responding, “Get your own blog!”)
Sometimes I write things that I think will generate a lot of interest (like tomorrow’s post on king cakes). Sometimes I write wholly for myself (like today’s earlier post–see how few comments?). Sometimes I write to vent (I try to stay positive, though). I try to avoid writing about work or personal stories of others, and I try not to write things that will make Pete blush or cringe (although sometimes I can’t resist).
I say come on in, the water’s fine! You’ll have at least one reader.
My comments to Mischel: Just get started and you will be surprised how much you can think of to write. It is very theraputical!
I went through a posting drought recently; not doing anything in particular I thought was worth mentioning.
Being a guy, I lack the requisite biological components that would give me what women call “feelings” (and other attributes that as Nola says, “might make Pete blush or cringe”). As a result, I try to post about things I have done or events I’ve attended that I hope others might be interested in.
Absent that, I’m going to try to post more about news items concerning events, places, people or things that have to do with New Orleans and all that’s great about being from here and living here.
So, Mishel, pick a topic, any topic, and write away. There’s an audience for everybody, even if it’s just an audience of one: yourself.
Oooh. King cake. I’m dying to that secret to be divulged.
jump on in mishel. don’t think just type. the good news? it’s just your blog. it’s not homework. it’s a work assignment. it’s not for anyone but yourself. and you will be shocked how people will find you. a blog is like the field of dreams…if you write it they will come
oops. clearly I subscribe to my own ‘don’t think just type’ mantra. sorry for the typo. I meant “it’s NOT a work assignment”
this is a timely conversation b/c I have a friend who is teetering on the edge of blogging. I think it’s great. wide open. although I’m in a bit of a post desert myself right now. but that’s the point. you push on through….
cheers!!
I basically have diarrhea of the mouth so I pretty much just blog like I talk-about anything that I’m feeling at the moment. I get inspiration a lot at night or reading other blogs.
There’s cake?
As I type this I’m looking at a king cake I have sitting in my bedroom. Yes, that’s how serious my love affair with king cake is. I think I need to go have another slice.
Any chance your post is going to enlighten me on how long I can nurse this King Cake before it molds? I’m pretty sure the green sprinkles are going to hide the fuzzies…
Mishel,
Blog about whatever interests you. Believe me, you will find others that share your interests. I’ve been blogging since right after Katrina (I discovered blogging and blogs while frantically searching for news of my neighborhood.) and have made so many cyber-friends. I just found Nola Notes this week and I can tell she’s my kind of gal! Be sure and let us know when your blog is open for business!!
My message for Mishel is simple: you either write or you don’t. If you want to just sit down and do it–and most importantly write for yourself and no one else. Once you master that, the rest is cake.
I think everyone who has already commented has great advice.
Everything I have read so far about blogging always has a central theme…blogging should not feel forced. You should have a passion about your topic, otherwise it will feel forced. If you have nothig to blog about for 4 days, don’t blog for four days, otherwise your post may read like it was forced. You will know when you do and don’t have enything to write about, it comes pretty naturally! If and when you do start a blog Mishel, please let us all know; see you already have followers!! Good Luck!
I have always admired the folks who’s blogs are so much fun and/or interesting I find myself stopping by daily just to see what is going on in there world. I try to update as much as possible but find myself slacking most of the time because I feel like I have nothing to write about. I think I have been blogging for a little over a year now and still havent quite gotten the “hang” of it. So, my advise to Mishel, give it a shot ~ you just might love it!