Your Work Is Your Art
Let's face it, sometimes writing and blogging can get pretty tedious. Even before I got to WA, I was experiencing this as a freelance writer. Believe me, while it certainly is more fun to write for your own sites, there will be days when you will struggle to come up with anything worth posting.
Earlier today, I was flipping through some links and such that I have saved on Evernote. I also store pics in there, useful graphics, charts, references for articles I'm working on, etc... Sometimes I won't see them again for some time, until I go looking for them. It turns out I had saved a pic of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and forgotten all about it.
So this got me to thinking... I didn't feel much like writing today, because I knocked out about 3,000 words late last night and just wasn't in the mood this morning. But when I looked at Michelangelo's beautiful masterpiece, it got me to thinking about how much work had gone into that and how much love he had for his work.
It took Michelangelo about four years to finish the artwork on that ceiling. He didn't even want to do it, because he considered himself more of a sculptor than a painter. But the pope at the time insisted, so he gave it his all, working at it day and night to the point where it even took a toll on his eyesight. But he finished and people today are just as much in awe of it as they were then.
So before I can even begin to fret about what lies before me, I have to put it all in perspective. I can stop whenever I want to, but he was under intense pressure from the powers that be. By comparison, what I have to do is pretty easy. Aside from all that, think about how much love he put into each stroke - regardless of whether he wanted to accept the job or not. Had that not been the case, it wouldn't have come out as perfect as it did.
That got me to thinking of each article or blog post I create as something akin to a painting or sculpture. My website itself is like my own Sistine Chapel ceiling, with various scenes (content) depicted in different locations. While my work isn't nearly as good as Michelangelo's, I do like creating quality and that includes the overall appearance of my site.
If this sounds silly, keep in mind that I have a tendency to channel people I admire when I'm in need of inspiration. Until recently, I was doing this unconsciously. But it really does help me to see what I'm doing in a new light. After looking at that pic of the chapel ceiling for several minutes, I suddenly felt like writing again and managed to keep it up for several hours.
I'd say that made a heck of a difference! Sometimes it's all just a crazy mind-game that we have to learn to master.
Mark
Recent Comments
34
Mark you are a inspiration to my writing because I have dyslectic mind and tend to write things backwards. I never thought I would even be a writer.
But working at it, it has only become better. It's much like talking, if you know the subject you can captivate peoples minds. I am actually finding it better writing it then facing people with questions. Thanks for this.
Linda
Beautiful post, I admire people who can write easily, I 'm struggling all the time when I have to write an article, I hope I will get more inspired soon.
Jacqueline
Hi, Jacqueline!
It takes time to get good at writing, but you'll get there. I'm decent at it, but can't write nearly as fast as I would like to.
What has helped me a lot is dictation software (Dragon). Between that and meticulous planning, I'm getting it done faster than I used to. It's not that I don't type fast, because I probably type at least 90 wpm. My problem is that I obsess over each sentence and it takes me forever to move on.
The dictation software encourages me to speak in a conversational tone and knock out the rough draft at lightning speed. After writing an outline, of course. Then I just go back and dress it up later. For some reason, that works out a lot better.
Mark
I've never had a problem writing. One of the things I learned years ago is to just write the words you would be saying as if we were having a conversation. It looks like you've been pretty successful here so you must be doing something right.
A bien tot
Joe
Yeah, I have no problem writing for my own sites. But some of the editors I deal with in the freelance world are a real pain. I've read articles in major publications that would never get past these wannabe elitists, due to things most of us might not even think of as "errors." If they want it written according to AP style guidelines, or the Chicago Manual of Style, they're going to find all sorts of things wrong with it. So as a result, I write more slowly and carefully than most folks.
Interesting perspective. What kind of freelance writing do you do? I'm attempting to become a freelance writer and have had my first article published last week. It was a travel piece about a trip we recently took to Portugal. The site I'm working with has now assigned me a second article that I'm working. It isn't paying much but it's a start. As you know, the first one in almost endeavour is the hardest one.
What kind of site/niche are you in here? I'm a newbie and looking for as much information and help as I can find.
Hi, Joseph!
I write general web content, so nothing really specific. I've been trying to move away from it, actually. It's alright, but my goal is to eventually just write for my own sites, get into the Kindle market, and so forth. I guess I'm just burned out on writing for some of these really picky (and often indecisive) customers. But yes, it is a great way to build up your skillset and you can earn a good deal of money at it.
As far as my niches, I have two sites. One is a home-based business site that I primarily use to promote WA. The other is more of a personal development website, since that's something that means a lot to me. I have ideas for a couple of others, but my plate is a bit full at the moment. It's hard enough to work around the freelancing gigs with the sites I already have, so any other site ideas will probably have to wait.
I see you have a real estate background! I've always been interested in that for investment purposes. It's not something I can devote time or money to yet, but it is part of the "grand plan."
Thanks for the response. I thought about doing real estate and may go in that direction for my second. To start I'm doing a health care site on a specific disease: acid reflux which is something I've suffered from for years.
Awesome! Yes, that's a good niche. I have it really bad, myself. I used to just grin and bear it, but all that did was make it worse. That's the kind of niche people are always looking for info on.
Thanks. I have an aloe based product that I've used successfully over the past year. I can send you the name if you'd like.
Lily of The Desert Organic Aloe Vera Juice, 32 Fluid Ounce. There are two versions, be sure to get the one with the pink label.
available on Amazon and most vitamin websites and stores. Also Publix supermarkets carry it. I'm hoping to sell a bunch of it once I get my site up and running
Thanks, Joseph! I will look for it. I have to try something soon, as it beats taking Zantac all the time. I think you have a great niche!
I was on Zantac and Gaviscon for years. This is worked great and I no longer need anything else. Good luck
Thank you for this thoughtful post. I too am a freelance writer and have to discipline myself to finish my clients work first, before I launch into the joys of writing for myself. Your comparison with artworks is very apt; sometimes I just sit and look at my website for the sheer pleasure of admiring what I have created! All the best for 2019, Diane
Wow,
What a beautiful post. So true too. What you have written about is amazing and also inspiring. I bet your site looks amazing and I have never seen it.
Drop me the link sometime I'll leave you a few comments.
I have to admit I am having a lull right now with one of my sites. I do believe this post has given me the boot in the right direction.
I need to get on and do it.
Your the best Mark AKA Vinnie as you know I like to call you Vinnie . :)
Awesome post and thank you so much for this. It's always cool to read good posts like yours.
Hope you had a fabulous Christmas too by the way.
Your friend.
Debs :))
Thanks, Debs! Will do! And yes, I can relate, lol. I've spent so much time with freelance work that it's hard to find enough time for my sites.
I have all these half-started blog posts and lists of ideas that I'm picking at rather slowly. The posts I had planned for my sites for last week are already a week late and I'm buried up to my eyeballs in other work. But I'll get there! Hopefully soon, lol.
I had a great Christmas! Hope you did, as well! And glad you enjoyed the post!
Have an awesome day, Debs! Or maybe night? Lol. :-)
Mark
Beautiful! Well put. I've been struggling lately to come up with ideas for articles.
Thanks for sharing this inspiring story.
Cool post.
Right (write) now I am struggling to continue with a rather technical review post.
Like you I try to make my post not only read well but also look attractive.
Thanks for the kick up the butt - I needed it right now.
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Nice Mark...I appreciate good writing when I see it. You do have a way of words and you get your point across very well.
It’s hard to see that it takes you as long as you say it does to get out an article. You are so accurate in your analogy to the Sistene Chapel.
The quality of our work is important and we need to mindful of the articles we write as it is a reflection of us...especially when on our websites.
I wish you the best!
Bob
Thanks, Bob! Likewise, my friend. Best wishes!