I won’t be winning the Pulitzer Prize for literature any time soon but I like to think what I lack in writing skills I make up for in enthusiasm and determination. Those qualities have helped me travel to some of the most exotic and far-flung places in the world and they’ll take you far too. More than anything, I want you to know that even if your writing’s not great today, you do have the potential to become a brilliant writer over time.
I started my first blog in 2006 to overcome my fear of being read. I know it sounds odd but I was used to writing web copy anonymously (I’ve been a professional web copywriter for 15 years) and was scared of putting my name to my writing and claiming it as my own. It seems ridiculous today but back then the fear was very real. So real I only wrote one blog post in 2006, and when I finally picked up blogging again in 2009 that fear was still there.
These days I’m not scared of putting my name to my writing and I’ve become a confident writer. Well, as confident as any writer will ever be. I’ve experienced having my writing rejected and learned how to bounce back from rejection. That’s probably one of the greatest skills you’ll need to succeed in writing or life.
Rejection’s a natural part of the process of becoming a successful writer and these days I’m happy to send my writing anywhere. If someone rejects it I send it to someone else who might appreciate it more.
All the things I previously feared about writing like rejection, ridicule, and judgment don’t rule me anymore.
My writing may not appeal to everyone but it’s more likely to be a reflection of their interests and taste than a personal reflection on my writing.
If I publish something with a typo it’s just a typo, not the end of the world.
If someone disagrees with me that’s okay, it doesn’t make me a bad person.
Here’s what I’ve been doing to improve my writing skills since I started blogging. I hope you’ll get stuck in and do them too. My writing might not be brilliant yet but it’s getting better and I enjoy the writing process more too. You can’t get better than that.
5 Secrets of Brilliant Blog Writing
1. Practise
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. All those successful bloggers and brilliant writers weren’t born that way. They got good by writing regularly and we need to as well. If you really want to improve your writing you’ll have to put in the time too. Write for at least an hour a day five days a week. If you want to be a writer hopefully you enjoy writing anyway so make writing practice a highlight of your day.
2. Have Fun
Write about things that please and interest you. Write about them in a tone that flows naturally and stop worrying about what other people think. I recommend practicing your writing but I’m not saying you need to publish it all. But do write about those secret things, the things you aren’t ready to share with the world. Do write about the funny things that happened to you today even if you don’t think anyone else will be amused. Put your inner critic in time out. Just write and enjoy the process.
3. Bin Your Agenda
Have you heard of writer’s block? But builders don’t get blocked and are unable to lay another brick. Teachers don’t run out of things to teach. I can’t think of any other job where people make excuses for not doing their work. If you’re having trouble writing forget everything else I told you in the Blog Writing Magic series and just write what comes into your head. You can worry later about if you can make a blog post out of it, if anyone would want to read it or what your colleagues will think when they find out about your quirks and quibbles. Just write.
4. Give Fear the Finger
Actors get stage fright and I bet writer’s block is caused mainly by fear. Writing is scary. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with other people is a worry. Especially when you don’t know who’ll be reading, and let’s face it, anyone could be reading your blog, even that old school teacher who told you you’d never make anything of yourself. Putting your neck on the line by teaching other people what you know is scary.
But don’t be scared into submission. Just write anything, every day and see what comes of it. Then create a compelling headline, edit your blog post, format it, be brave and publish it to see what other people think. You’ll write killer blog content and some stuff that never gets published but your writing will improve.
5. Share Your Voice
I live in Australia and we enjoy the freedom of speech. I hope you do too. Let’s make the most of it. Let’s stop censoring ourselves by listening to that little voice in our heads that tells us our work and ideas aren’t good enough. They are. Please share your unique voice through your blog because your story needs to be told and we want to hear it.
Start Your Blog Writing Practice Now
It’s perfectly normal and nothing to be ashamed of to think your writing isn’t much good. Now get over it and get writing.
I’m more enthusiastic about writing and blogging every day and I’m determined to help you succeed. Tell me what scares or worries you most about blog writing and let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help you enjoy writing your blog with more confidence.
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Please tell your friends about Successful Blogging by using the share buttons below. Every retweet, Facebook share, and stumble help me grow my blog. I look forward to seeing you here again soon. Happy blog writing and thank you for reading! Annabel
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