All right — it’s yet another How To blog post to add to the millions on the web! Today I’m going to make this quick:
If you want to make an impact with your writing and you only have 15 minutes to do it, the first thing you do is focus on one single solitary idea. It should be something you could easily explain to someone in a passing, casual conversation.
For example, how about explaining what Twitter is? Or how about the reason why you’re blogging. Okay, I’ll take that one:
I blog because writing is my natural predilection. I’ve gone years without writing much of anything, other than filling out applications and boring office-job related stuff. Let me tell you those years definitely felt unfulfilling. Even with a beautiful wife and growing family — there was still something missing in my life.
Nowadays I go by a motto that goes something like “Writing will set me free” or “Write or die a slow painful death.” Yes I admit it harsh, but as I get older I start to realize that if we aren’t following our passions or doing things that we are naturally inclined to do than how purposeful are we going to feel later on?
I’m standing by this idea. I know it’s much easier to work for the man and collect that salary and go home at five and mow the lawn every other week, but c’mon, those are only things you do to get by. Mediocrity is no longer an option. Struggling every now and then, with a grand goal and vision in mind, is so worth it.
So I hope I’m not sounding out of place on this blog, even though maybe only one or two people are reading it at this point. But you all wait and see. It’s only a matter of time (and really really hard work) that my writing will indeed set me free.
And I still got one minute to spare. That’s how you write a blog post in 15 14 minutes. Is it good? I really can’t say, but it sure was enjoyable to write. You decide…
UPDATE: Okay, I took an extra three minutes to reread and edit the post. But that’s not writing time. And I’d like to add that it’s not so important to sound eloquent or branch off into some grand ideaology — just write and focus and love every minute of it.
For me writing is all about me! Heh heh… slightly selfish I guess, but that’s just the way I write. My needs come first and I just hope that in the process of satisfying them I can bring a little joy or enlightenment to someone elses life
As a technical author for twenty years or so, becoming a mother at age 46 was a bit of a blow; to the financial independence, the self image and, dare I say it, the social status.. “Why did I stop writing?” I asked myself after reading your article.. After 10 years of motherhood I now know more about time management, logistics, and follow through than I ever did in the corporate world.. and don’t get me started on people skills! You are right sir! I miss writing terribly; the chance to express, disseminate, inform and basically tell the rest of the world how it should be done.. I will return to it forthwith. My sincere thanks for the inspiration.
Best regards,
Lyn Soussi
Down Under
Thanks Lyn for such an impassioned and insightful comment. If you’re a writer — meaning you know it’s your true calling — then you will be always tormented when you’re not writing. Years may go by without writing but your heart and mind will stop at nothing to remind you of it. I’ve been there so I know, and it appears you have been, too. I’m still struggling with the consistency and discipline part, but slowly my writing once-suppressed persona is emerging.
ohhh… tis is good stuff. I am a perfectionist by nature which also becomes a great advantage because when I want it perfect I tend to procrastinate, and so many time I have a blog post in mind that I wanted to do but never get uploaded because I keep on wanting to have it perfect and I didn’t have the time. Your tip here will definitely help me 🙂
i love your sentence:”Struggling every now and then, with a grand goal and vision in mind, is so worth it.”
Congrats on your blog! Great design and content. I admire your vision that “mediocrity is not an option.” Reminds me of some lyrics from Rush…
Thanks, Laura. There’s no such thing as “settling” in my book. Either aim high or aim low (I prefer high), but aiming for the middle is unacceptable.
Just for you:
http://damontucker.com/2009/06/06/how-to-write-a-good-post-in-5-minutes/