I’ve been away from this blog for about 3 weeks (YIKES), and I feel terribly guilty. My business has exploded (YIPPEE), but that means something had to give (NUTS). Unfortunately, since I write for a living, my blog suffered the consequences.
And YOU noticed. That I was gone at least. Thank you.
Well, now I’m back. From Outer Space. I just walked in to… Oh wait. I’m channeling my inner Gloria Gaynor.
So if you I asked you to name the tone of this particular blog post, what would you say? Light, humorous? Apologetic? Upbeat? You’d be right on all counts. Those are what I try to convey in this blog (mostly). It’s called “Tone.”
Tone, as defined by dictionary.com, is:
- a particular style or manner, as of writing or speech; mood: the macabre tone of Poe’s stories.
- prevailing character or style, as of manners, morals, or philosophical outlook: the liberal tone of the 1960′s.
- style, distinction, or elegance.
A consistent tone throughout your blog helps define who you are and how people will feel when they read it. If your tone is serious, this will evoke certain feelings in readers. If your tone is humorous, people will come to expect that when they visit. When you step away from the tone (or tones) you typically write in, your readers will notice. And not always in a good way. I mean, can you imagine what would have happened if Erma Bombeck, my favorite humor writer, had suddenly started writing dirges? (Shiver)
Sometimes, when I sit down to write a post, I realize my head’s not in the game. Maybe I’m distracted by other things I need to do, maybe I’m not inspired by the topic I’ve chosen, maybe I simply don’t want to write, but feel I have to. If any of these are the case, I stop trying to write because I know the words I want won’t come. (The same is true for client work. If my head’s not in the right space, if I can’t connect with my subject matter, it’s futile to sit at my computer.)
So -
Rule #1 – Make sure your head is in the right place. If it’s not, get it there or don’t post. While one “off” post won’t chase away readers, why take a chance on damaging your reputation, especially if your mood is a bad one? Go clear your head – whatever that means for you. For me, it means doing something completely different, like working with my hands. That could mean washing dishes, working in the garden, fixing the doorbell, sorting laundry. It’s the things I can do to bring myself to a different place mentally. Usually, it doesn’t take long for me to be able to sit down at my computer again and begin to write. But this time with the tone I want and need.
Rule #2 – Stop oiling the squeaky wheel. If you ignored Rule #1 and wrote a post anyway, put it aside. Don’t post it yet. Go away and then come back and re-read it. It’s likely you’ll want to revise it, once you’ve accomplished Rule #1. But what if you try to revise it and nothing seems to work? If that’s the case, you might simply need to scrap it and start over. (GASP) Yes, I did say start over. It won’t kill you to do this. You can always pick the bones of the first post’s carcass and use them in the new post. It’s better to start over than try to fix something that can’t be fixed, no matter how well written it may be.
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Thank you Lisbeth!
I have been there, many times. It’s as if I’m Cybil at times when I try to write. But, I agree that it’s vital to keep a relatively consistant tone when writing, and not try to force it if you just aren’t ‘feeling it’.
Love this post Lisbeth, guess coz I can relate to it so much, as it happens so often with me as well, and maybe with most freelance writers!!
At times even after I have done various things, the ‘mood’ just ins’t there to sit down and write something. I just switch off and forget I also write, and turn to different hobbies and things that have taken a back seat. After a few days the ‘writing-mood’ returns with a bang and am back again!
That is SUCH good advice! I often find that if I wait until later or having written it, put it aside and give it a once-over before posting, my mood changes, creativity flows and the final post is better for it.
Love the reference to one of my fave Gloris Gaynor songs.
And congratulations on the explosion of your business!
Oh, thank you Jeanine! Love your “write it and put it aside” routine. We’re so lucky as bloggers to be able to do that. Journalists have to pound out stories in usually very little time and don’t have the luxury of putting it aside for a later read. I love blogging for that reason. I think letting a post “marinate” for a few hours or even days does help our creativity and make even better points and thus, posts. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
Lisbeth,
I have been working on a major project that could use your walk away advice. I have been working with someone else and we do not always agree….especially on tone. I am much more informal and she is more directive.
Off to take your advice!
Sheila, I hope you came back refreshed and with a new perspective! Meshing two different styles/tones isn’t easy, but it can be done. I don’t know what your project is, but is it possible to each take specific areas to be the main creator? I’m thinking of books or workbooks I’ve read that had directive language so you could get the gist of what was being put forth, but then an area that told a story or explained the same thing through analogy, which was much less formal in its tone. I’m certain you’ll figure it out – you’re brilliant like that! Thank you for stopping by!
Lisbeth- this is exactly why I campaign my blog posts. I write a few of them when I am mentally ready and then post them later on (sometimes MUCH later on).
In my case, it not just the tone (the tuning fork) but the time (a metronome)!
Great minds think alike, eh Roy? Your metronome gives me a great blog post idea. Now to “get in the zone,” as Sherrie says.
Hi Lisbeth, great advice. I needed the reminder. My best posts have been written when I was in the zone, if you know what I mean. They tend to come from the heart more than the head. I have to give myself permission to write from that space and not force myself to write when I’m distracted. Thanks!
“In the zone.” I think we can all relate to that. I know I’m there when time just flies, I get lots done and it’s all read-worthy. When I’m not, well let’s just say my work is less stellar. Walking away, even for a few minutes, makes all the difference! Glad I could remind you of that.
Two thumbs up, Lis!
This is some of the best advice I’ve heard in a long while.
Thanks for giving everyone a virtual “permission slip” to take a break from writing if our heads aren’t really in it. And I totally see the downsides to “forcing” yourself to write if you’re genuinely not in the mood or the right frame of mind.
I’m not posting nearly as often as I used to and it’s working out a lot better for me. I’m only crafting posts because I want to now, not because I have to. And I’m only writing when the spirit moves me.
Thanks so much, Melanie! I’ve noticed you’re not posting as often – good for you for finding a routine that works for you and with you. Our businesses are supposed to support us, not drain us. I appreciate your kind words!
Great post! I have days where I couldn’t write a post if I tried. Then there are days when I write five or six and date them to be posted. I’ve been lucky enough to stay caught up in April with a post a day!
Tammy
Congrats on being caught up for April. What does that feel like?
Glad this “struck a chord” with you. (hee hee) Thank you for visiting!
Hi Lisbeth,
Happy to see you back
Being clear brings greater power to your posts. It’s like pure, unfiltered you, and readers appreciate someone who is clearly writing from their heart.
When I attract a blog post idea I usually drop everything and churn it out immediately. The idea is clear in my mind and I want to get it onto my blog quickly so I don’t lose the crispness and power of my words.
Thanks for sharing Lisbeth!
RB
Ryan, I admire that you can take an idea and give it life right away. I’m guessing you don’t get lots of ideas in the shower.
Seriously, that’s probably the best way to not lose the “juice” of an idea, especially if it’s on a really hot topic. I sometimes employ this in my work, but many times I need time to really flesh out what I’m thinking. I totally agree about writing from the heart. If I can’t do that, then the post, no matter how good the idea, can’t be written . . . by me. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Great point, Lisbeth. When my head isn’t in the right place, lots of things help like going for a walk in nature, going for a drive, playing with my grandson, having some quiet time (with candles, meditation, a book, etc.) or just changing scenery for a while and getting away from the computer. I agree that it’s important not to post when you’re “off.”
I’m always amazed how different things can look if I take the time to walk away – or at least do something different if I must stay at my desk. For me, it sometimes can take a day or two to clear the cobwebs or readjust the attitude. But once I get there – look out! Thanks for taking the time to comment. It’s nice to know I’m no alone in needing to do these things to “reset.”