My writing process…
It is true that I am not the most passionate person when it comes to writing. Nonetheless, I think I’m improving every time thanks to Jutta. For those who don’t know Jutta, she is my master lecturer who wants us to write a blog post every month. Yes, I know its not that fun for me at least, but heyyy I need to finish my masters :P (HI JUTTA :*)
Getting back to the main point, how do I usually start writing my blog posts? I created a step-by-step process that is helpful to me, and I hope it will also help you
#1: Choose a topic
The first step is pretty logical: I choose a topic.
My writing usually begins when I notice something that catches my attention before I write. So to be consistent and determined, I choose a specific topic and then evaluate and think more deeply about it.
I start by asking questions and creating some bullet points. For example, some of them may be:
- If I have enough information or resources about the topic
- What will I be able to accomplish by writing this article?
You may have already thought about some of these if you read my articles.
My blog is mainly for students and for people that are focused on the marketing and design field, so I always start with one of these. They generally define the topic of my post.
#2: Create a Working Headline
It’s common for some writers to write the post first and then create the title. Because I used to do it, I totally understand that perspective.
What I like to do now is come up with a working headline once I have selected the topic.
I sometimes find it helpful to create a headline before writing the article in order to come up with an original angle.
For instance, last semester I had an idea about giving a short overview of Tools used in COS. I suppose that some of my readers may be future COS students so I tried to make it helpful for them as a prior introduction.
So when I brainstormed headlines I came up with “An overview of tools (COS) New tools, tips, tricks, and trends to discover and incorporate into our studies for Content Strategy”. You can see that just by selecting one of these headlines, I already have a much clearer idea of what the post will be about.
We must keep in mind that this is just a working title or headline. As I’m writing, sometimes I realize I need to change the headline a bit.
#3: Create an outline and brainstorm
Here, I list the main points I want to address in my article. I don’t write much here. Most of the time, it is just a list of bullet points in a document on my computer or in a notebook.
To do this, I brainstorm answers to the questions or solutions to the problems I identified, along with the steps the reader needs to take to acquire new skills.
Sometimes I have more points than I am going to use in the finished post. As a result, I discard the weaker or less relevant points and concentrate on the most relevant points.
As soon as I have those points, I put them in a logical order, so they are understandable to everyone.
#4: Introduction
Others prefer to write the rest of the post first and then write the introduction. For me, writing the introduction first works best. It puts me in the mood for writing.
In the same way, like the headline, the introduction often shapes the direction of the post as well. I typically write my introductions in one to three paragraphs. Again like the headline, I return to rewrite the introduction once I have finished the post.
By showing empathy in the first few lines of my post, I think I will connect with my readers on a deeper level. This will motivate readers to stay for the full post.
#5: The Main Points (BODY)
Once I have the headline or title, the bullet points, and the introduction, I find it easier to continue, because I feel like I’m already done.
Further, I explain or provide answers to my bullet points, giving real examples or just explaining them briefly in my way. Here I am more likely to make mistakes since I tend to give more of my perspective rather than citing or quoting other bloggers.
As you will see, I write my articles in the order I think is important: the headline, the introduction, and then the main part of the article.
#6: Conclusion
In the Conclusion part, it happens that I’m a bit tired, and probably I will need one more day just to write one or two paragraphs, and generally try to sum up what I’ve written. I usually end up thinking that I have to rewrite some parts or delete them at all.
I think this happens because as I said in the beginning, I’m not a writer and I don’t feel 100% confident.
#7: Edit and Proofread the Post
The last step involves reading the entire text and ensuring that I haven’t made any mistakes or typos. This is where Grammarly comes in handy. Also, I try to find the best pictures that describe my article and arrange them in a neat way.
In some cases, I seek assistance from someone else so they can take a critical eye and help me make some small adjustments.
My Process in a Nutshell
Here’s a quick recap of my blog post writing process:
- Choose a topic
- Create a Working Headline
- Create an outline and brainstorm
- Introduction
- The Main Points (BODY)
- Conclusion
- Edit and Proofread the Post
That’s my workflow. I have to admit that this is how I start writing most of the time, but sometimes I skip this process and just go with the flow. I try to be consistent but as I have repeated it a million times, I'm not a writer and I don’t tend to be. This is a process of learning and I am trying to enjoy it.
Recommended reading
In case you still have questions about how I write, I recommend to you read my colleagues’ blogs.
On productive writing & how I write this blog — by Beate Ö
What happens to my mind when writing? — Stella Th
My daily struggle with the deadline — by Rossa WH
