- Don’t be half-assed. That will guarantee that you’re not going to write stuff you’ll come back to later. The way to keep creating writing/content/ideas worth your time is to commit to doing your best.
- Don’t repeat yourself. This seems obvious, but sometimes you’ll get on a tear and want to get something across and you’ll come back to it again and again because you’re obsessed. Even if your blog has a focus — lefty politics, trans rights, etc. etc. keep moving forward and find new angles.
- This can be a challenge. You’ve got to meet it, though. The world keeps moving. There are new angles coming towards you. Look for them.
- Care about what you write. If what you’re writing means something to you, that will come across to the reader. Your writing will be more interesting because you’re interested.
- Know why you’re doing this. Have a sense of mission. Have a goal. That is not to say you have to be single-minded. Side quests are sometimes necessary and rejuvenating. But remember your central point. Remember why you started blogging in the first place, and return to that point whenever you start to feel that sense of mission creep.
- You can refine that mission over time. Life is a process, and change is the truth. Keep up with those changes in your writing, your interests, and your knowledge.
- When you change, bring your reader along with you. Disclose. Explain. Empathize. Remember that there are two of you in the equation.
- Be Honest. NEVER go along to get along. Never give in to “audience capture.” This is part of being committed to a project. Have enough faith in what you’re about to be willing to risk shrinking your audience in the short run. Tell the truth, and keep that personal truth at the center of your project.
- Keep Blogland Weird. Embrace idiosyncracy. Revel in quirkiness. Be you. Have fun.
Broadcast From the Brain Radio 