So here’s the thing, since 2007 now, I’ve been participating in National Blog Post Month. Basically, you blog once a day for 30 straight days. It typically coincides with NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in November. I’ve never felt the desire to write the novel, but I love doing the daily blog updates. For the past two years, I’ve even managed to do my daily posts while going on vacation (short trip to the wine country the first year and a longer trip to Ireland last year).
It’s not about having to do something. It’s about playing the game. Oh and did I mention that if you finish you could win a prize? Cool huh?
But as I was saying…it’s not about the obligation to do something, or putting yet another thing on your to-do list. It’s more about getting those creative juices flowing. The more you write, the better writer you become.
In fact, you don’t even have to worry about quality content. In this case, it’s purely about having a post go live every day. In the past two years I’ve done this, I’ve posted photos, YouTube clips, etc. The point is just to post.
And to be honest, last year I didn’t even finish. I stopped playing along with only 8 days left. The funny thing, I still managed to post all but three days. And some days, I posted upwards of three times (granted, I was in Ireland and photos were involved, but still). Again, it’s just about the game.
Another cool side effect of participating in NaBloPoMo (even if you don’t finish), you become part of a community. People that are open to blogging and the experiencing of sharing their lives and their knowledge. There’s no judgment. Heck, in the forty-something group, we’re chatting about how we don’t feel like we’re forty-somethings and want something else to call ourselves (I opted for the appropriate “just beyond 30-something”).
So if you’re new to blogging, or have been looking to get better or more comfortable at blogging, why not give it a try. If you’ve ever thought about posting some of your recipes, your poems or your photos, do it now. If you’ve ever thought that you wanted to get started and try your hand at sharing your expertise and giving blogging a shot…no time like the present.
Head on over to the NaBloPoMo site and get signed up. Then spread the word.
While you’re at it, be sure to comment, comment, comment. Remember, it’s all about community and networking.
PS – I won’t be doing my daily blogging on this site, but if you’re really interested in following along, you can do so at my personal blog here.
