From beautiful spaces to well-crafted stories, applying the elements of design to create blogs.

Standing in line at the grocery store has been an exercise in patience for me. As I picked up a magazine, with no intent to buy, I would slowly peruse it to abide my time. When a familiar image would appear, to my pleasant surprise, right there in living color was one of my beautiful design creations. As a novice blogger I am eager to have the same sense of satisfaction when surfing the web, but the web is full of bloggers vying for attention. How does one make a splash on the web? Where are the designers blogging tips?
As an accomplished casework designer I am in awe that my work has been used as a marketing tool or gracing the pages of a local trade publication. Although I enjoy curating beautiful spaces it doesn’t compare to the passion I have for crafting the well written story. But to succeed as a writer, writing well alone doesn’t get you far. I have found it is far more difficult to get your words noticed than a completed design project.
Although I underestimated the writing process, within twelve months of my sobriety I completed writing a speculative memoir manuscript. It was not difficult because I had a burning desire to get my words onto the pages of my story. What I found daunting was the idea of platform building, and blogging would be my answer to grow. So, I started, and slowly I am progressing with my blog creation.
Designers Blogging Tips To Create Engaging Post
While researching how to create a successful blog I find there isn’t much difference between filling a kitchen with cabinets compared to applying words to a page to tell a story. Both approaches the artist employs creative tactics to accomplish the task. To succeed as a designer certain rules and elements of design are implemented into a project. The same is true with creating blog posts or writing books. If I can follow the same formula, success should be within reach.
“It is the words which add color to our story.”
~ Karen Esbenshade
Rule One – Do not start with a blank canvas.
When starting a project, work with what you got. If a client has a unique piece of furniture or a working budget that would define my starting point. The same is true with writing, share your unique experiences and your authentic self to demonstrate your strengths and knowledge.
Rule Two – It is perfectly acceptable to break the rules.

Those who possess a creative mind often times think outside the box. But tread with care because we are taking a risk which could result in an epic failure. To avoid failure do your research and study those who have paved the way. Do a search of which authors/bloggers are addressing your subject matter, see what works for them.

Designers blogging tip, employ the elements of design.
Theme
A theme should be established to create a cohesive project. The theme will contribute to defining the message. Find your focus key phrases to attract readers to your site. For a blog the Meta-description will offer insight including keywords for the reader on what they will learn.
An overarching theme for my blog is addressing my daily struggles. This current blog post my underlying theme focuses on finding a solution to creating an engaging post.

The Dramatic Question

Make sure to address a problem and offer a solution. To build a rapport with your audience you need to identify a need, preferably an immediate need. Once the need is established, then sell your solution.
But beware… don’t oversell yourself. Make certain at the completion of your written piece the reader will be satisfied by your message.
How to create an engaging post? Reference the designers blogging tips.
Collaborate With Others
Hire your support team. I employed an editor to assist with my manuscript. It is my editors job to be objective and find fault in my work. Join a writers network, ask for constructive criticism. We can only grow by listening to others and consider their ideas.
Also, it is important to consider communication. Be responsive when a reader comments, show your appreciation and offer practical advice immediately. Offer convenience by allowing the project to be seen on different platforms.

Details

Add drama and build excitement with arcs to propel your story forward. A good story needs to maintain the attention of the reader.
Be a curator of words, arranging words properly to make the statements pop. Transition smoothly to keep the eye engaged.
Keep it clean, avoid clutter and keep your message on topic. Do not use unnecessary words, but be strategic. Less is more.




Casting Call
Consider your cast of characters and find where they fit into your theme or story. Utilize your existing relationships when creating fictionalized characters.
By researching other authors to discover their followers will help build your niche.
Invite the audience into your story.

Designing From A Grateful Heart
Earlier this week I posted a companion post to my blog on social media. The post highlighted a personal project and the audience, my diverse general FB friends, reacted with excitement. From the feedback I received, perhaps, I should not quit my day job, but my heart is leading me in a different direction. So I will take what I learned as an interior designer and apply it to my written word, sharing my grateful heart.
As a designer I like to capture my client’s personality. But as a writer my voice needs heard with a goal for my message to resonate. Both designers place their stamp of approval on the finished project. As a result the designer, client, and reader will all be satisfied. And, both projects will make use of the designers blogging tips!
Patience and Consistency Key Elements
My final pieces of advice is to enjoy each stage of the project and exercise patience. It took me six months to create my blog site. And, once again my problem is me! I want immediate gratification. I have to learn to listen and be faithful. God has a plan for me and He is telling me it wasn’t time for me to share my flawed self. I needed to build my strength and courage to openly share my story. And through my faith in Him I will slowly garner an audience by routinely blogging. I was tempted to forgo this blog post and focus on revamping my blog site, but I didn’t want to let my audience down, because consistency is key.
Tips for creating a successful blog. https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2017/02/21/six-steps-to-creating-a-successful-blog/?sh=108e6b6f564f
“And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.”
Luke 8:15 NLT
- Wrath… She’s such a drama queen.
- Greed, That’s Mine Not Yours
- Truth Hurts, Life Goes On Without You
- Envy, don’t you see my pain?
- Truth Hurts: I can’t be changed.
As an imperfect human my growth has been spurred on by a life catastrophe, because I chose to ignore my struggles. Instead of choosing to look inward and identify the source of the problem, which was ME, I placed blame on the society around me. The end result was to numb my discomfort and quell my anxieties with that one glass of wine. By the grace of God I was able to seek forgiveness and unearth my flaws. Through sharing with others I was able to accept my flawed self and learn I did not need to suffer alone. The result peace, from a loving God, not the spirit in the bottle.
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