Getting motivated to write

Michael Gartenberg | April 27, 2004, 03:45 PM

Beth Goza asks for some Blog intervention.

i need help. i think of things i want to write about every day. all day long i'm mind blogging, but it never translates into action.

I actually get similar questions a lot about writing, how to write and what to write about. Here's a few thoughts.

1. Start off by having something to say. I know that this seems sort of obvious but it's true. You need to have some passion about something. Look at some of the best webloggers, columnists or authors. They all have an opinion, thought or story they want to share. Find your passion and then go tell the rest of us about it. Look at Robert Scoble, Dave Winer or Joe Wilcox. These guys are passionate and thoughtful. What's your passion? Find it and then share your insight.

2. The best way to learn to write is to write. Just do it, as the slogan goes. The only way to become to a good writer is to write, get feedback, listen to the feedback and then go write some more.

3. The best time to write is everyday. It's a habit, like exercise or flossing regularly. I try to spend at least an hour each morning writing something. Sometimes it's research, sometimes a column, sometimes a weblog post. Lots of times, it just goes into a folder and then sits there. To date, there's very little I have written that hasn't found and outlet somewhere. Most of this little entry started life that way. The key (like exercise or flossing) is to do it every day. Especially the days when you really don't feel like it. There's no secret to motivation here, but once it becomes part of your routine, it's just another thing you do after you exercise (and floss).