Chris Carter, my good friend and the inspiring writer behind The Mom Cafe, recently tagged me in a blog hop thingy (pretty sure that’s the technical name for it) that’s all about the writing process. Bloggers are sharing a bit about why and how they write and then they ask a few of their favorite bloggers to do the same.
You can read about Chris’ process here. I love how thoughtful she is about her posts. The work she puts into her writing shines through every time I read her words.
While I don’t usually do these sort of blog hops thingies, I think this is a really fun one. I’ve enjoyed reading about the process behind some of my favorite bloggers’ writing. And it has made me think about my own process, if you call it that.
Before I answer the four questions about my writing, I’m going to go ahead and tag two bloggers whom I would love to share their own writing process. Alexa at No Holding Back and Katie at Pick Any Two, are you up for the challenge?
Here goes nothing.
Why do I write what I do?
I write a lot. It’s what I do for a living. So I guess it depends on the day. Sometimes it’s for a client and sometimes it’s for me. This blog and my work in the nonprofit sector has inspired me to explore the topic of philanthropy in particular. Over the past few years, I’ve looked at what it means to give back from every angle. I’ve connected with and interviewed those who give back in creative and unique ways. It’s been an amazing exploration.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
When it comes to my writing about philanthropy, giving back and social good in general, I think my perspective as both a donor and someone who works in the nonprofit sector makes me somewhat unique. My professional experience allows me to observe the ways in which people do, want and can give, while my personal experience allows me to test out what it means for me. I’m big on research and action. Talking about new concepts while also trying them out. My Nicaragua trip is the perfect example of this. I try to dig deeper into those concepts, so that I can fully understand how things work. I love to interview social entrepreneurs, for example, because I get a fuller story for my posts and I can get a sense of the passion for their work. I hope that shines through.
How does my writing process work?
I’m not sure I’ve ever thought about my writing process. I have to admit that I’m a last minute kind of writer. I’m the kind of person that does great under deadline. If you don’t give me one, I’ll drag my feet. It’s not that I don’t want to do the work, I just might not be inspired. Put me under the gun, however, and I write like nobody’s business. I’m the girl that could crank out 20-page research papers the night before (on a word processor, no less!) and still get an A in high school. To get myself motivated and inspired, I often have to take a walk or do something completely different to clear my head. I always come up with my best writing ideas when I’m doing something else. This is why I always at least have my phone nearby to jot down writing ideas when they pop into my head. I might be shopping or outside with the kids. If I don’t note my ideas, I’ll never remember them later!
What am I working on?
This is where I have to be a bit secretive. I’m working on something pretty big, but I can’t say what it is quite yet. I will say that it’s something I am very passionate about. I’m also working on a presentation for an upcoming conference and lots of stuff for my biggest client. Of course, I’m always looking for new stories to share for my Philanthropy Friday series. (Drop me a line if you have a lead for me!)
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