September 8, 2011

Creative

Shannon Spence

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I’ve been writing my entire life, but I’ve only been blogging for about half a year. I’ve found that while there’s a science to it, there is no exact formula. You can write about anything, in any style you want, which is why many have a hard time getting things going. But let’s look at this as a positive.

The first issue I had to overcome with blogging was discovering my voice. The thought of finding that intangible element terrified me. But it shouldn’t have. It’s simple really.

Just write. Pay no mind to what you’re writing, who you’re writing for and to what end you’re writing it. Eventually, your voice will start to show through all of the crap you’ve transferred from your head, through your fingertips and onto the screen. And it probably will be crap. Don’t be discouraged. Just practice, practice, and maybe have a glass of wine while you’re at it. Can’t hurt. In fact, that can be your first topic. A blog about drinking for inspiration. (Don’t judge me.)

But why do you need a blogging voice?

Without a voice, your content is just content. You’ll be hard-pressed to acquire a good following if you’re writing in monotone (think Ben Stein’s voice). Sure, he’s made a name for himself but you can see and hear him, which naturally creates an ironic humor that’s funny rather than boring. In a blog, monotone doesn’t translate well.

I’m only hitting the tip of the iceberg here. Blogging is an ongoing, everlasting learning experience. To be a successful blogger, you have to hone your skills daily. But for starters, find that voice and let it be heard. Just not á la Ben Stein.

Shannon Spence

Content Strategist

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