The Creative Process in Blogging (and Life)

Jillian Tohber Lesliecatchmyparty.com

facebook.com/catchmypartytwitter.com/catchmypartyjillian@catchmyparty.com

Three seconds after I learned I was speaking at Bloggy

Bootcamp...

Happy & Excited

100%

Five minutes later...

Happy & Excited Fear & Dread

95%

5%

What happened?

The “Voices”

• What if I’m lame?

• What if I don’t have anything to say?

• What if I come across as boring or stupid?

• What if they tweet bad stuff about my outfit?

What do I do?

Get my work done anyway...

But how?

Eight tools I use to help me get out of my

own way...

Tool 1

15 Minute Timed Writings

What is it?

• Write for 15 minutes every day without stopping

• Write anything you want, and fast

• The only way to fail is to stop writing before the time is up

Tool 2

Small Goals

What is it?

• Break tasks down into manageable chunks

• Set goals you can achieve and you will achieve

• It’s an exercise in under-promising

Tool 3

Write Now, Edit Later

What is it?

• Treat your creator and editor as two separate entities with two very different jobs

• Let the creator be free to make its mess, then let the editor do the clean up

Tool 4

The Golden Circle

What is it?

• Cultivate relationships with the people who support your creative work

• Set boundaries with the people who don’t

Tool 5

Co-Create With Your Online Community

What is it?

• Use your readers, fellow bloggers, and anyone in your online community for ideas, support, and feedback

• Realize you are not alone

Tool 6

Replenish the Well

What is it?

• Make time for yourself so you don’t overdraw on your creative bank account

• It doesn’t have to be anything big, but step away to recharge

Tool 7

Become an Expert

What is it?

• To find your voice, try being an “expert” beginner

• Go deeper, not broader

• Explore a topic from every angle imaginable

Tool 8

Notice How the Universe is Conspiring

to Help You

What is it?

• Pay attention to the synchronicities in your life

• Have faith that there are larger forces at work guiding you

Yay, I finished my presentation!

How I Feel Now...

100%

Great! *

* As long as no one tweets anything bad about my shoes or hair or dress or makeup...