A few weeks ago, Janelle from The Smudge Curve asked me to be a part of a unique blog hop that focuses on bloggers’ writing processes. Last week, she graciously introduced me on her blog and shared some insights into her own writing process.
I was supposed to find three other bloggers who would agree to be introduced and then later share some of their own writing process on their blog, but unfortunately couldn’t find any willing participants! I completely understand since none of them were “writing” blogs, and several of the bloggers I emailed are going through busy seasons. However, I do want to hold up my end of the deal as much as possible, so I’m still going to share my answers to the writing process questions Janelle asked me.
How “meta” is this picture? LOL.
1) What am I working on right now?
Right now, I have two big writing projects. The first is obviously this blog. Since I don’t work during the summer, I’ve been able to post every week day. However, it’s almost time to go back to work, so I’m trying to write as many blog posts in advance as possible. I’d like to keep up the 5-day-a-week posting schedule, but I’m not sure if that will be possible.
My second writing project is an eBook for new school librarians. This school year will be my 10th as a school librarian, and I’ve been writing an eBook full of advice for newbies. I’ve finished the rough draft, and just need to fine-tune it. I’m hoping to start selling it on my other blog before Labor Day.
2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
The cool thing about being an infertility blogger is that our stories are uniquely our own, yet we can all relate somehow to almost everyone else’s story. My work is different than other fertility bloggers because no one shares my exact story, circumstance, or feelings. That’s why I love reading all the infertility blogs. We all go through similar procedures and take similar medications, etc., but we each have our own bits of wisdom to share.
3) Why do I write what I write?
Because it’s cheaper than therapy! Just kidding. Not really. (I pay for therapy, too, so I guess that’s not a good reason!). I’m a very private, introverted person offline. Even though I’ve been openly blogging here for months, I kept my infertility struggles secret from most people in my “real life” up until a few weeks ago. Writing and blogging have helped me process my experiences and feel less isolated. I’ve made friends with women in different parts of the country and overseas.
Perhaps the most amazing connection of all happened last week when I discovered that someone who I see offline on a regular basis was also struggling with infertility. She found my blog via Pinterest a few months ago and didn’t realize it was me until last month. It blows my mind that someone in such close proximity to me was going through the same struggles, and we would’ve never connected if it weren’t for the blog.
4) How does my writing process work?
Structure and deadlines work really well for me, so I’m pretty organized when it comes to my writing process. I keep a separate Google Calendar for my blog posts and try to schedule at least a few days in advance what I’m going to write.
My Google Calendar
Since I do a lot of repeating posts (the weekly link-up, Friday interviews, monthly round-ups), I created post templates in Evernote to save me time. The structure of the post is saved there, so all I have to do is copy, paste, and add the new content for the week.
My Evernote Template
I’ve been blogging first thing in the morning during the summer, but I’ll switch to writing in the afternoon after work once school starts in two weeks. Most of the time I’m sitting at my kitchen table with a cup of tea. Sometimes I listen to Pandora’s Classical Solo Piano (I can’t write while listening to music with words), but I often write in silence.
Not very glamorous!I get most of my blogging ideas from life experiences and from processing what I’m going through, but I do like to browse the internet and Pinterest for blog topics that I can relate to infertility.
That’s it! I hope you enjoyed this little peek behind-the-scenes. If you’re a writer, I’d love to hear your answers to any of the questions. Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
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