One of the bad things about blogging is that it has a tendency to take over your life. Have you noticed that? 
This has happened to me recently and I finally realized (again) that I can only do what I can do. Something has to give somewhere.
So, I'm in the process of setting up an editorial calendar. I'm hoping it'll give me some direction and will get rid of this feeling like I'm working like crazy but not making as much progress as I'd like.
How I Set Up an Editorial Calendar
There are plenty of ways to make this really complicated, but I like to keep it simple.
My process looks like this:
- Take stock of what blogs I have and whether or not I want to keep them all.
- Choose the main topics I want to cover on each.
- Determine how much time (realistically) I can devote to blogging daily.
- Set up a weekly schedule that will provide some direction for my writing. In other words, each day gets it's own general topic. So, for example, every Friday might be a tutorial and every Wednesday might be "share a resource" day. (Haven't made any final decisions on this one yet.)
- Keep a notebook or app handy so I can jot down notes with post ideas etc. Not only does this eliminate the problem of sitting down to write only to find I can't think of anything to say, but it also relieves the mental energy it requires to keep a running to-do list in my brain.
How about you? Do you plan your writing? If so, what are your favorite tips?
Photo by Sarah Parrott.
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I have made a writing schedule, and I like the concept. However, I have recently given myself permission not to worry if I can't stick to it. If I sit at the computer all day, I won't have much to blog about.
I'm all about giving myself grace too! And you're so right about actually needing to live in order to be able to blog.
I need to get on a writing schedule! I will think of a topic I want to cover & forget about it the next day. Probably would help if I would write it down! Thanks for this post.
I do not plan my writing. I only write when I get inspired by something or someone. I've tried to follow an editorial calendar but always seems to get off track due to inspiration.
I use a similar strategy. I keep all my blogging ideas in Microsoft OneNote and then block out a certain amount of time each day to write/edit my posts.
Once a week, with my hubby's blessing and help, I take a few hours to map out upcoming blog posts and do as much research and or writing on them as I can.
I am like Jackie, although I know it's best blog regularly. There's times I've gone weeks without a single new post. Now I blame my blogging when people ask me why my book isn't done yet
But I do keep track of sites I like and seek out opportunities to guest post (again, when I am inspired).
On my personal blog, I do the same thing (i.e. post irregularly). I think the key is not beating myself up for it!
I have a couple days that have their own theme. I do "Works for Me Wednesdays", which is part of a weekly blog carnival and "Food Filled Fridays". Since I try to blog M-F that leaves me three free days to blog on whatever topic I like. Best of both worlds.
I also really like blogging in bulk and scheduling my posts ahead of time. This saves me when we have a crazy day (or week) and I can blog when the mood strikes.
Yes, the blogging in bulk skill is one I definitely want to hone!
Amy,
I'm working on getting into the groove of having an editorial calendar. Would you recommend letting your readers know what days you will post and on what topics. Perhaps, stating it in your About page.
Thoughts???
I think this can be a great idea, especially if you're the type that really sticks to it. Personally, I think about announcing my schedule (and have done so on occasion in the past) but have since learned that my follow-through isn't always the greatest. So, now I just don't announce anything.
Thanks so much for this post! I'm a brand new blogger and some days I feel like I'm chasing my tail – I need to plan my work and work my plan! If you get a chance, please come by my blog at http://unintentionallyunemployed.blogspot.com and say hello! I could sure use some blogging buddies1
i do 2 regular features (feed your itunes library every tuesday and a link love roundup every other friday). everything else just gets written as i'm feeling inspired to write. if i wait for the mood to strike, i can write a lot faster and more passionately and i get a lot more interaction on those posts. i do jot down notes for future posts in the drafts section of wordpress or evernote constantly
I am working on this..I am fairly new on the daily blogging area. I am loving it, but it is consuming my thoughts and brain most of the time. I know that I wont be able to keep up this pace if I am going to take care of my family at the same time!
Now, for instance I am wasting away my 2 month old's nap skimming blogs! 
I relate 100%.
I just bought a notepad last night, because my thoughts alwqays seem to come to me when I am on the go!
Wow, I think I am starting to think like you. (I'm setting up my blog, following your ideas and steps.) I clicked this link to get more information about organization, but as it turns out, I already do this! HAHA! That's a great feeling.
Thanks for the wonderful advice Amy, keep up the great work.
(Look for my new blog to be officially "open" January 1, 2012.)
Meg Logan, "By the Spoonful"
Always encouraging when that happens!
You are welcome and congrats on the upcoming blog!
There is a quote we use a lot in our vending business "under-promise and over-deliver" I have been disappointed in the past when bloggers say something like, "find out the rest of the story tomorrow" and tomorrow comes and there is no post. I think if you already have the post written and scheduled on auto-publish then that's one thing, but life happens, so if it's not written I wouldn't make any promises – it saves stress on your end and disappointment on your reader's.
Oh, I'm guilty of this.