Comments on: Efficient Writing Through Assembly Line Blogging

By: Steven Bradley

Steven Bradley — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:33:33 +0000

I hope it works for you. It’s still a struggle for me to get it where I want. I’ve managed to start the process and I’m getting better at collecting the initial ideas, but I still haven’t worked the process into my weekly routine.

I’ll keep at it though. If you find this works please come back and share your experience with it. Thanks.

By: Steven Bradley

Steven Bradley — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:32:08 +0000

I guess I do a little of both too, but I haven’t been very good at writing the post where I’ve been collecting notes. I’m trying to formalize that process more and make it more a part of my weekly habit so those posts actually get published.

By the way anyone ever tell you that you look an awful lot like Skitzzo?

By: Recruiting Services

Recruiting Services — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:48:21 +0000

This is an interesting idea. I need to balance both school and blog. And I think some type of organization might help.

By: Yura

Yura — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:35:53 +0000

I use it both ways: I sometimes create everything from scratch in two days for one post and at the same time, I save links for future posts in files, named for the idea (and I already have the title in mind).

It works, but there still isn’t enough time for everything.

By: Steven Bradley

Steven Bradley — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:53:45 +0000

The process I’m describing for myself is similar to what you described in many ways. I guess I’m trying to take it more to an extreme.

I don’t want to eliminate the spontaneous side of writing, but I don’t want to force spontaneity or rely on the muse showing up the day I need him to be here.

You make a good point about finding the balance in creating a system without losing the muse. That’s really what I’m after.

My phone has a voice recorder and I’ve been thinking of playing with it too. There are times I’m sitting outside and an entire post runs through my head only to be gone before I get back inside. I’ve thought why not get that post in my head into the recorder.

With this process I probably wouldn’t publish right away though. I’d site on the post a bit and see what I could cut from it and what I could add to it.

By: Steven Bradley

Steven Bradley — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:46:14 +0000

I don’t think this would work always for everyone, but I think most people can still benefit from parts of the process.

For example keeping a list of potential topics is the first step in what I’m describing. Instead of just jumping in to write the post I’m suggesting spending a little time researching the topic, collecting resources to link to, etc before the writing begins.

I think it’s still ok to write solely from the inspiration too. I’m not thinking of abandoning that at all. But I hope this will ultimately help be build a store of posts I can use at any time.

By: Dr. Pete

Dr. Pete — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:15:32 +0000

Nice discussion, Steven. I’ve struggled with this a lot too, and the problem of creating a system/process without destroying the passion and impulsive side of writing. When I get a spark for an idea now, I try to brainstorm it ASAP, create a document and put as much down on paper as I can. Then, later, I go back and, if it still sounds good, schedule it as a blog post. I’ll finish the writing closer to the post date, but at least I haven’t lost the initial spark.

I’ve been playing around with using a voice recorder, too, as I find that my brainstorming is more verbal in nature. I come up with great ideas when I’m walking or in the shower, but then draw a blank when I sit in front of the keyboard. So, I’m trying to tap that inherently verbal process.

By: Kristine Shreve

Kristine Shreve — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:32:29 +0000

I think your plan is a good one. I’m not sure it would work for me, but it would probably work for a lot of people. I tend to be more of a by the seat of my pants blogger. I get inspired, I write, I’m done.

I do keep a list of potential topics just in case I get stuck for an idea. That does seem to help.

By: Steven Bradley

Steven Bradley — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:40:55 +0000

Thanks Adam.

A rhythm definitely helps. I think without a process in place it can be easy to lose your rhythm. For much of this year I’ve had other things that needed to take precedence over the blog at times.

Good point about keeping pen and paper near. I have a Moleskine notebook that I carry around. I can also type or speak notes into my cell phone.

Even with an assembly line process I still expect I’ll sometimes just go when the inspiration strikes. I’m hoping that the process will make it so I don’t have to rely on inspiration. I’ll follow the muse when he’s there, but if he doesn’t visit there will still be posts to publish.

By: Adam Singer

Adam Singer — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:09:43 +0000

Even if your process isn’t formal the content here is always great. I find it good to get into a rhythm and try to post once every other day at minimum. Works nicely.

Keep a pad of paper and pen with you at all times and always write down ideas…

Inspiration strikes at the weirdest times.