The Challenge of Writing Daily
Writing content for your blog or website on a daily basis can be very challenging and quite daunting. That’s why I’m very impressed with those who have stayed the course of this year’s Blaugust writing event and fully understand why others opted to stand down. For some posting a blog post everyday simply cannot be sustained due to time restrictions. Real life can be very demanding. For those who have managed to sustain writing throughout August, it will be interesting to learn their thoughts on the event and whether they choose to continue to post every day.
Blogging on a daily basis is a great way to improve one’s writing skills and refine your creative processes. It teaches time management and the realities of working to a deadline. I’m sure many bloggers may have noticed a change over the month as their personal approach to writing has evolved. Hopefully the process of creating a post is a lot quicker now than it was thirty one days ago. Over the years I have found that continuously producing content has made me a more organised writer. I frequently make notes, conduct research and ensure that I have a suitable writing environment, free from distractions.
Blaugust has also had a very positive effect on the blogging community. I believe more writers have undertaken the challenge this year than last. There have been several posts of an interactive nature, encouraging writers to pick up the baton and offer their personal perspective on specific subjects. Riffing off each other can be an excellent solution to writers block. It also means that comments and traffic are shared as the discussion moves from blog to blog. The trackbacks and links have proved a great way to discover new writers and sites and as a result I shall be creating a new blog roll.
One of the best things about Blaugust is the way it’s encouraged many writers to diversify their content. Writing about a single subject has benefits but can be restricting at times. It has been very enjoyable to read peoples thoughts on subjects other than gaming. Perhaps it may encourage others to broaden their creative remit. Doing so can certainly make content creation a lot easier and extend the lifespan of your blog. After all interests and passions do change and take new directions overtime. There used to be a mind set about five years ago that a blog had to be specific and focused. I think we are now far more accepting of lifestyle related sites or those that cover popular culture or provide a stream of consciousness.
As I stated in my relaunch post at the beginning of August, Contains Moderate Peril, it will no longer continue with its daily schedule, after the Blaugust event ends. I have written virtually every day since 2011 and although it has proven to be both enjoyable and rewarding, I can no longer sustain such a schedule due to real world commitments. As a result of my evolving relationship with gaming I prefer to write more in-depth “think pieces” about the industry and community, rather than commentary on what I'm currently playing. So there may be a shift in style and tone in my posts.
Despite a potential reduction in output, I find that I'm enjoying writing and creating content more so than I have previously. I feel that I have finally got a handle on both podcasting and blogging, after nearly eight years. Rebooting the site has also proven to be a shot in the arm and has contributed to my positive outlook. Hopefully Blaugust has had an equally positive effect upon my blogging colleagues and that the rigour of a daily writing regime has also afforded an opportunity for introspection and growth. I still firmly believe that it is both important and beneficial that regular people express themselves through the written word and that there’s always an alternative to the mainstream press.