Behind the Scene: Writing My 1st Blog Post.

Writing my first blog post has been an exciting journey. As I sit down to share my writing process, I want to take you behind the scenes and show how I turn my thoughts into words. This post is about more than just the mechanics of writing; it’s about the rhythm and flow that come together to hopefully, create something meaningful.

Finding My Inspiration

Inspiration can come from the most surprising sources, and it often arises from everyday experiences, conversations, and circumstances. For me, the inspirational source always constant, is music. Even now as I write this, smooth jazz on Pandora is playing in the background; specifically Rick Braun Radio. On other days, it may be classical music, and J.S.Bach could be the composer of choice. Whatever the genre, music helps me tap into a creative vibe. The soothing nature of jazz mirrors my writing process, allowing me the space to let the ideas and creativity flow.

I am a list maker. If any idea, event, news alert, disaster, or an interesting characteristic of any species, has ever peaked my curiosity, I add it to a list for further research. Because you never know. It just might come in handy one day. I've returned to my lists on many occasions.

I may begin my writing process by jotting down thoughts or phrases that resonate with me from my List of Affirmations. Some are faith-based, some pertain to writing; and some I thought were just plain cool. You don't really need a reason. This brainstorming phase is crucial, as it helps me gather my ideas and set the tone for my post/story. I encourage aspiring authors to embrace this stage—it’s where the magic begins.

Structuring My Thoughts

For the record, I am not an outline person. I'm pretty laid back in my writing style. I do my research first, which may take months; organize my thoughts re: what message I want to convey; and then I quite literally put pencil to paper (as we use to say), and the first draft is off and running.

For my first blog post, there is an introduction, key points about my writing journey, and a closing reflection. In other words; a beginning, a middle and an end. This structure not only keeps me focused but also ensures my readers can easily follow along. A well-structured post can keep readers engaged. Studies show that well-organized content leads to a 40% increase in reader retention.

The Writing Process

I prefer to write whenever inspiration hits me; and because I've always been a night shift person, a lot of times that's at 0300 in the morning. I will write until the task I've assigned myself (for whatever the time-frame), is complete. However long that takes. This keeps the words fresh and authentically 'in the moment', and allows me to lose myself in the writing, express my thoughts clearly, and be vigilant re: grammar and punctuation.

A cozy writing nook, a cup of ginger tea. Perfect for inspiration.

Revising and Editing

All revising is done on yellow legal tablets, and I edit as I write. During this phase, I revise multiple times until the ancestors tell me: 'That's it child. That's it.'

By the time I sit down in front of my computer, all revising has been done, and I expect only one or two more drafts will be required.

I'm focusing on clarity and coherence in the last drafts. I ask myself if each paragraph serves its purpose and contributes to my story/post's overall message. For example, I once realized that adding a video about my post's content increased its impact. I also try ensure smooth transitions between sections to keep the flow.

Editing is where I polish my writing. I check for grammatical mistakes, awkward phrasing, and repetitive language. This step plays a vital role in maintaining professionalism and ensures that my readers have a pleasant experience. Studies indicate that well-edited content sees a 50% increase in reader enjoyment.

FYI: You will never catch everything. Invest in good software that will automatically check for errors, and trust it. I use Perrla, an add-in for MS Word. I used it way back in the early 2000's. Of course it's been updated since then; but I remain a creature of habit, and I stick with what I know, and with what works. If you're interested in giving Perrla a try, I've included the link: https://www.perrlacomplete.com There are other programs e.g., Scrivener and Grammarly.

Remember, if you are writing a book, it is imperative that you invest in having it professionally edited; especially if you are pursuing traditional publishing. Trust me.

Seeking Feedback

Before hitting publish, I've always sought feedback from others. Share your draft with a trusted friend, fellow writer, or beta reader, as their insights can be incredibly valuable. They can catch things you may have overlooked or suggest ideas that enhance your post. A professional editor can also edit for content. They will inform you if your plot is weak, or if a character needs greater development.

I encourage new authors to seek feedback from peers. Constructive criticism is essential for growth and can help refine your voice and improve your writing skills. I remember when a friend pointed out a paragraph that needed clarification, which improved that chapter significantly. I also remember having read through my manuscript and found no errors. I hit 'SEND' and off it went to an agent. Then I looked down, and there was a glaring error, in the first chapter. 'HOW?!' I screamed. Sigh. Life; that's how.

Final Touches

After incorporating feedback, I do a final read-through. This is when I add any finishing touches, like images or links to resources that may help my readers. I also ensure that my SEO keywords fit naturally into the content, which can improve visibility without disrupting the flow.

As I prepare to hit the publish button, I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Sharing my thoughts with the world is a vulnerable act, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

Wrapping It Up

Writing my first blog post has been a rewarding journey of growth and creativity. The moment I stepped onto the writing path in 2009, and later published my first website in 2017, I've learned the value of having a vision, structuring my thoughts, revising my work, and heeding the advice of fellow writers, editors, and readers. Each step along the way has contributed to my development as a writer.

I hope that by sharing my writing process, I can inspire fellow writers and new authors to embrace their own paths. Remember, writing is not just about the end product; it’s about the journey, the rhythm, and the joy of expressing yourself.

As I continue to explore this new venture, I look forward to sharing more lessons and experiences with you. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I can’t wait to see where our writing adventures will lead us next!

NeorahYah Germaine McGuffie