When I first started this blog, I had no idea what would become of it. I just wanted to get my words out there. I wanted to put myself back in the habit of writing on a regular basis. I thought maybe a few of my friends and family members might read my posts. I thought maybe I might meet a few other writers out there in the blogosphere. I did not expect blogging to become such an important part of my life.
I participated in the WordCount Blogathon last year. At the time I registered, I had been blogging for less than two months. I didn’t really think about what I wanted to get out of it. I just thought it would a challenge and it would be fun. It was both of those things and more.
Since last year’s Blogathon, I’ve learned a lot about myself as a writer and as a blogger. I’ve connected with some pretty awesome people. I’ve participated in some extremely thought-provoking discussions. I’ve written a few pieces that I think were pretty damn good. I’ve also written some not-so-good pieces. And I’ve struggled to keep up with writing on even a semi-regular basis.
This year, I’m participating in the Blogathon again. Only this year, I know what I want to get out of it. I’m going to use the opportunity to help discipline myself as a blogger. I doubt I will continue to write a post a day once May is over, but I’m hoping to keep up with at least a few posts per week. I’m working on becoming more organized and doing more planning. I’ve already planned more than half the posts for this month. I’m going to work on scheduling posts instead of just posting when I write. In fact, I’m writing this on Sunday. Basically, I’m using this as a blog reset to figure out what works best for me and to get into a groove.
I’m also going to seek out more connections with other bloggers than I did last year. I met a few bloggers last year and made a couple of connections, but I didn’t seek many out. While I need more blogs to read like I need another utility bill, I do enjoy getting to know other writers. I learn from them, get ideas from them, and sometimes make new friends.
So, I have a plan this year. I’m not going about this all willy-nilly. I’m looking forward to seeing how this goes!
Check out all of the other bloggers participating this year!
Posted by Jen Hurowitz on May 1, 2012 at 2:40 pm
I wish I was brave enough to do this! I’m going to just blame it on “preggo brain,” LOL.
Posted by Dayle Lynne on May 1, 2012 at 9:43 pm
I’m gonna be exhausted at the end of the month, but I’m hoping this gets me in the habit of scheduling posts!
And go for it with blaming it on “preggo brain”! You only have another 5-6 months of that excuse – use it as much as possible!! :p
Posted by Lisa P on May 2, 2012 at 6:35 pm
Dayle I love that you are doing this!! I gave myself an unspoken challenge to write one post a day for just a week…but now I’m thinking I should do this with you. Signing up will probably scare me off so I’ll silently commit the non-committing way..does that make sense? Good luck! I’m trying to be a better blogger too because I get so much out of it. I’ll come cheer you on regularly!
Posted by Dayle Lynne on May 2, 2012 at 10:04 pm
Thanks, Lisa
You know, I was going to comment about how awesome it is that you’ve been posting a lot this past week or so!
I totally get the non-committing commitment . . . I’ll be over to cheer you along as well!!
Posted by anne katherine on May 3, 2012 at 11:38 am
You are inspiring! I need to get more organized myself…that would definitely help!
Posted by Dayle Lynne on May 4, 2012 at 7:50 pm
I created a spreadsheet in Google docs (I’m a tad obsessed with Google docs). I listed every day for the month and the listed some potential blog topics for as many days as possible with notes when needed. I highlight them once they’re written and scheduled. I have more than half the month planned – now I just have to get writing!
I’d LOVE to see you post more often, so I definitely encourage you to get organized!! (But I also know how hard it can be!)
Posted by Bluejellybeans on May 5, 2012 at 5:23 pm
Good luck Dayle! I wish I could participate too, but one post a day is out of my possibilities
Posted by Dayle Lynne on May 6, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Thank you!