Tues Ten 091509: The Post Behind the Post

Over Labor Day weekend I had the opportunity to do some thinking, brainstorming and evaluating about my blog in between looking after a little one-year-old flu statistic and giving out big-brothers-of-the-year awards. I’m still hammering out the results, but so far they involve some re-thinking of how I approach my writing. I thought I’d share some thoughts as a preface to the “PBP” Tues Ten list.

As you might imagine, I have precious little time to devote to writing, what with 3 preschoolers, a full time job, a house and a family to feed and care for. Even less of that theoretical time is uninterrupted. I wouldn’t have it any other way. The hugs and “I love you”s and DVD changes and “why”s are all little motivators to focus on what really matters.

I started EyeJunkie.com as a creative outlet with just those interruptions in mind. Unlike other creative pursuits I enjoy like painting or crafting or book-making, writing lends itself more easily to the serendipity of day to day living, and requires very few materials. And, from the mundane to the profound to the much sought after to the little noticed, subject matter is all around for the taking.

As I was thinking about my writing habits in general, time constraints seem to be the deciding factor for much of what I envision. I enjoy writing. Time is limited. Facts. I want to make sure I use my time in the way that brings me the most joy. To that end, I decided to re-appropriate my writing time and focus less on writing freelance articles. While I enjoy writing about specific topics, it doesn’t give me the most joy. And, life is too fleeting to choose options of lesser joy. In short, I want to spend less of my “free” time frenzied by a deadline, writing pieces I’m not all that excited about. I’ll be limiting the weekly and monthly commitments I make for article writing in search of more writing joy. Yay!

I hope to focus more attention on this blog as my primary writing outlet, building it with more regular content–writing that gives me fulfillment. Quality writing that earns your trust and support–and maybe even a few of your giggles and tears. I’m sure I’ll fine-tune themes and goals more specifically as I delve in, but suffice it to say that I want to write it for my own joy. I hope it will, in turn, add something to your day as well.

In my brainstorming, I’ve made lots of notes about the post series on this blog–what’s working, what needs extra attention, what I’m tired of. I’m made notes on how to incorporate more of my design work as a supplement to the writing–how to give it a fresh look, how to extend the life of pieces I post, how to share more. I’ve listed out a few hair-brained ideas that may see the light of day at some point. Time will tell. I’m sure I’ll share more “writing about writing” as thoughts gel and turn into some kind of gooey subscriber-worthy confection. Until then, I give you this week’s Tues Ten Twelve:  The Post Behind the Post.

The Queen once gave me a book called QBQ: The Question Behind the Question. It is a little book that challenges some of the traditional notions of customer service with a heavy slant toward personal responsibility–a concept I can absolutely get behind. It challenges us to answer the question behind the question in our dealings with others in a business setting and beyond.

So, I listed (in my compulsive list-making sort of way, the way that involves illegible hand-writing) out twelve post subjects or goals that underly much of what I write. Articulating the post behind the post is a good barometer for whether I’m writing for the most joy (woo!) or settling for a lesser joy (bleh!).  Hold me accountable with your comments! I love hearing from you.

I find the most writing joy and fulfillment when my words:

1. Observe and communicate effectively

2. Tell stories

3. Get real

4. Articulate values

5. Make me laugh

6. Turn the mudane into the profound

7. Find ways that faith intersects with real life

8. Show how kids are gifts that keep on giving

9. Encourage responsibility

10. Share working mom antics we all know, but are reluctant to admit

11. Remind that media and culture are often ridiculous

12. Help me pay attention