My writing process

I first started this blog in the summer of 2012. With that said, I wouldn’t say I’ve been blogging for two years. I stopped and started until this past September when my posts became a little more consistent.

What really made me want to blog was seeing amazing personal lifestyle blogs in Blogland and making connections with fellow bloggers. It’s fun getting to know people and working through questions together. I’m very thankful for the women I have met through blogging for their encouragement and inspiration.

A few days ago Betsy tagged me in this “My Writing Process” tour. I had fun reading the other responses before sitting down to create my own.

1. What are you working on right now?

I’ve always got a list of blog post and article ideas going. I also have a ton of drafts saved with little notes about my ideas and half written posts waiting on a little something. I’m working on a few introspective pieces relating to feminism, more recipe posts and notes on my 24 before 24 list.

2. How does your work differ from others of its genre?

As the others said, it’s mine. I have my own voice that I’m still developing. It also changes on the day and my mood.

There are so many great lifestyle bloggers out there, but ultimately we’re all different because of the life experiences that have shaped us. What I love about blogging is seeing how although people have similarities, we’re all unique and have something special to give.

3. Why do you write what you do?

I like to share what I feel strongly about. That may mean sharing something I’m very happy or excited about, feeling sad or angry about or any other type of feeling. I suppose I want to share both my concerns and sentiments with the world. But honestly, I’m still working through this question.

I’ve always felt a need to write from a young age. Since second grade I have been convinced that I should be a writer. But when my best friend since fifth grade recently asked me what I like to write about, I had a hard time coming up with an answer. Maybe that’s because there’s not just one thing. I like to write about things that are inspiring in some way. That could mean an amazing music video, people who inspire me, falling in love, overcoming difficult things, or something good to eat.

4. How does your writing process work?

Sometimes I sit down to write a piece and have it done in an hour. It may be something I just thought of that day. Other times I’ll be considering a topic for a month or more before I finally write about it.

Sometimes a post will start from personal photos I want to use and writing will be added from there, while others get photos added in at the last minute. This blog has seen cheesy phone photos (especially in the early posts) and better ones from my Cannon Rebel. No matter the visuals, I try to keep my writing interesting and engaging too, so the photos aren’t pulling all the weight.

I’ve written blog posts on the train, buses, the passenger seat of a car and from the comfort of my own home. I’ve also used a variety of devices, from mine and my sister’s Toshiba laptops to my boyfriend’s Mac, from my iPhone to my Windows tablet. I don’t have a real process or routine when it comes to writing. I’ve heard a lot of people say that, so I know I’m not the only one, but I think my writing and blogging could be improved with more structure. It’s something I’m working on.

I also always, always have posts in my drafts folder, notebooks with ideas and keep a running list in the notes app on my phone.

Thanks again for tagging me, Betsy! Now I’m suppose to tag three people. I choose Phoebe, Cassie and Monique. Let us know if and when you get to talking about your writing process. I’d love to hear about it!