Five Years Time

I got a book from the library, the updated 'Blogging for Dummies', and I have started reading it in search of inspiration. I thought that starting at the beginning would be boring, after all, this isn't the first time I have been a blogger. But this is probably the only time I have set out with the intention of doing it over a long period of time. It talks about thinking where you want your blog to be in 5 years time, and what the purpose of the blog will be. The book sets out some questions to help figure out the answer to that. I struggle imagining 1 year from now, so these really helped me get to grips with my blog's future. I have answered those questions below:

What level of commitment are you willing to make to blogging?

I intend to post once a week. This includes 3 drafts, so the final post is always edited several times.


Do you like writing? How's your typing?

I do like writing, yes. But I find writing non-fiction harder than fiction. And essentially, my blog is non-fiction. It may not always be factually correct (though I do try where necessary) I don't ever make things up. And if I do, you will always be warned.
My typing is okay. I make a few typos in the first draft, but hopefully none make it through to the final draft. Thanks Spell Checker!


What will the blog be about? Is your blog personal or professional?

The blog will be about writing, all aspects. From living as a writer, to the actual act of putting words on screen. There will be a bit of a personal element, as I am chronicling life as a writer. This includes rejections, successes, and the times it just doesn't happen because I decided to reproduce!


Do you think that your new blog might grow into a new career, lead to new clients and business, or help build connections with peers and colleagues?

This has a variety of answers. Primarily, it is to get me in the swing of writing regularly, and to a deadline. But I hope it will be a platform for the future, and to connect with other writers. I'm not expecting loads. This is more for my personal satisfaction than any thing else.


* * *

So there it is. My blog plan. I think these are really good questions to ask if you are thinking about setting up a blog, or if you have a blog and have lost your way. There are probably more, but these are the ones I got from Blogging for Dummies. They have made me refocus on what I originally planned.


What other questions should people ask? Are these helpful? I'd love to hear from you.


***Apologies! This post is late and picture-less. This is due to technical issues***



Comments

  1. I've done a similar thing before, it's good to ask yourself why you are blogging. I do it because I enjoy it, and it's creating a record of my writing life, and it gives me an opportunity to write some non-fiction too.
    I also like to visit blogs, and make new friends...I suppose I am ever curious.

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    Replies

    1. I think we are similar in those goals. I am getting to know some wonderful people through blogging :)

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  2. I like the questions and your answers... I just read a worksheet about how writing as a blogger can help your writing skills, which interested me a lot! I am writing for myself, nobody else, but I have been thinking, reading and researching about successful blogs for a while now, and I hope to start something soon. (I mean I have my blog about me already, but I want something which allows me to develop my passions and interests and perhaps make me some passive income because goodness knows I need some! ~M x

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    Replies

    1. It certainly does help with writing skills. I keep to a rough word count, a deadline, and edit several times before it goes live! I am lost without my blog and my writing. Currently I blog for the sole reason of writing practice, but one day it will develop into something more.
      I do highly recommend blogging, especially if you want to improve your writing discipline.

      Delete

  3. You're certainly setting about it in a very proactive way, Ingrid, and I'm sure you'll have lots of fun and success with your blogging!

    ReplyDelete

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