#IWSG: How to find blogging topics?
The first Wednesday of the month is the official Insecure Writer’s Support Group day!
When I first started my blog, it was as much for my own sanity as it was for others. I hope that doesn’t sound too selfish!
I’ve always written for my day job/career but most of my writing has not been “creative”. I do remember when I was a copywriter for Joslin’s Department Store in Denver, Colorado (think Macy’s but on a smaller scale). I wrote a few punny paragraphs about athletic shoes or dreamy text about an evening dress. The pay was horrible. I then got involved in B2B publishing after that (layout, collecting ads, classified sales and marketing promotions) so my writing aspirations fell to the wayside. I always thought I’d “get my foot in the door” through sales and marketing and then cunningly switch to the news/editorial side of magazine publishing and voilà! Voilà never happened.
I started my blog as a way to write creatively about some of my life experiences that I hoped would encourage others.
Some writers blog about a consistent topic. I, on the other hand, have covered everything from moving from a large city to a small(er) town, steps on my faith journey, pet experiences, grief/loss and home ownership to the occasional recipe. I’ve wondered if I’d have more followers if I “specialized”. I enjoy the freedom of being able to write about whatever is happening at the time and if I just wrote about one topic, what would happen on those days that I didn’t have anything useful to say?
As writers (and readers for that matter), do you prefer blogs that contain one consistent topic or do you enjoy reading memoir writing about a variety of ideas? What spurs your ideas when nothing exceptional is happening? Or, do you find a way to make the ordinary extraordinary? If so, what’s your secret in doing that?
dmweiden@gmail.com
I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!
5 Comments
Mary Aalgaard
I like it when bloggers offer a little variety. It keeps it fresh for both the author and the reader. If I need inspiration, I look to the arts, find someone to highlight on my blog, or write about how I’m inspired by artwork, music, or other writings.
Mary from Play off the Page
jmh
I’m a little different in that I write about topics the readers of my books will find interesting, such as the supernatural, unsolved mysteries, or mysterious places. So I’ll never run out of ideas!
As a blog reader, if it’s just slice of life, it’s got to be really interesting, or offer some helpful advice/tips that I can apply to my own life. Sarah Von Bargen’s blog Yes and Yes is a great example. Her recent posts include: 5 BUSINESS TASKS YOU’VE BEEN PUTTING OFF THAT, YES, YOU NEED TO DO, HOW TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE MAKE YOU HAPPIER, and 6 CLEVER NEWSLETTER TIPS TO GET MORE PEOPLE TO OPEN YOUR EMAILS. (Caps are hers, not mine.)
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thank you for visiting my blog and for the insightful information. I know it’s also important to add a number to your headlines.
Nortina S.
I love variety so write on!
I created a personal blog separate from my writer’s blog because sometimes I want to write about things other than writing (surprise)! Though, it can be hard to come up with fresh material, seeing that my life truly is quite boring.
So I what I usually do is start with a catchy word or phrase that hooks your attention, and then mindlessly talk about it for 300-600 words. Mostly humor at my own expense. It works sometimes! LOL
dmweiden@gmail.com
I like the way you think! I will check out your personal blog. Humor at our own expense is always good, right? Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your comment. I really appreciate it!