I'm a sporadic blogger. I've come to this conclusion many times over the last decade. While we were on vacation last week I brainstormed things that could help me blog on a more regular basis.
- Write a series of posts on a single topic, where I sit down and write all the posts at once and schedule them out one per week.
- Post daily gratitudes and a picture representing the gratitudes.
- Blog about the book I'm currently reading - as in blog my reactions to the book, kind of like live tweeting during a TV show.
- Link to interesting websites/blogs/articles I've read and share why I thought they were interesting
- Do nothing and blog sporadically and never really develop my blog beyond what it is
I love all these ideas, especially the last one since it doesn't require any changes on my part. However, I also know my weaknesses and ever since I've quit my job my internal locus of control has been AWOL. Even if I use my calendar to schedule tasks, I have become very good at ignoring them.
That said, if I'm going to make any type of money as a writer I need to make peace with deadlines and task lists. Earlier this summer I brushed off my Pomodoro Technique notes and purchased a timer for my iPad. This has been helpful for focusing on writing in twenty-five minute sprints. I used to do #1k1h drills where the goal is to write 1000 words in an hour. That worked great when I had an hour lunch break at work and wanted to get in some writing. It's not as doable now. The dog won't let me focus for more than about 25 minutes at a time.
So maybe I need to take my Pomodoros and organize my tasks into 25 minute buckets and use my timer. And offer myself rewards for making task goals as well as writing/publishing goals. Hmmm, maybe.
And all of this is a way to say I hope to be blogging more often! Don't get too excited. ;-)
- My laptop, which continues to plug along with no issues even though she is almost five years old.
- Crisply flavored green tea, the perfect early autumn afternoon beverage.
- My dentist. He's gentle and kind and funny and I adore him!
Photo by Jussi Linkola via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
