The light drizzle and the soft blowing wind. The thunder cancels out the traffic while the coffee brewing on the side provides the much-needed energy. There cannot be a better setting than this for me to (finally) type down the 100th Post for this year. (Yay!)
The intent was to make this post extra special and write a meaningful post describing the 100-post journey. A big ask.
I’m not being humble here but it is extremely difficult to play matchmaking for intent and output. They are literally never on the same page. Even if, in my head, the intent was always to write a piece that specifically touches people’s thoughts and provides meaning to help grow a discussion. The response, often, tends to be bleak.
Not complaining. There’s a ton of good content out there and it is difficult to stand out.
On the other hand, posts written as an after-thought of a far-fetched reverie tend to garner a few heartfelt responses in return. Feels good? Hell, Yeah!
But figuring out ‘what works’ and ‘what doesn’t’ is an analysis that is bereft of metrics that can lead subsequent action. And, results.
Self-analysis is tricky. One tends to throw themselves at the either end of the yardstick. I cannot, in my best day also, identify myself as a writer. Pretty sure, I’ll tremble to get that word out even if a gun is put on my head.
Hence, I thought of asking the good folks around for their opinion on my writing and of course the blog- My companion extraordinaire!
And Boy! People were kind enough to share their thoughts. All I can say is, I’m grateful!
I’d be happy to return this favour, in any way possible.
To summarise what I’ve learnt at the end of this 100-post experience and rephrasing few of the comments, here’s a 10-point list:
- Proofread, at least once, before hitting the publish button.
- Grammar Issues: Check for tenses in sentence structuring, Subject-Verb agreement
- Don’t be in a rush to finish off posts
- Pick a broad range of newer topics and experiment
- Readers prefer personalised and positive stories over negatives/rants
- Stick to a schedule as readers get used to one
- Writing has to be funny, witty and has to have dollops of sarcasm
- Writing can be less vague and control over ‘writer’s indulgence’ is required
- Focus on the Introduction to get reader’s attention
- Continue Writing regularly
I had initially thought of including, word-by-word, feedback from the readers in this post. However, as those were provided to me while conversing on WhatsApp/fb, I thought to add all the feedback without adding any names (for now) and wait to get their permission before I added the names. You might see more of them on this page soon: Click here for Feedback
I’m not sure if you’re still reading this longish post. Although, I can add a few more hundred words to this, but I’d restrain myself.
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is that perseverance pays off. A friend reminded me to check my writing from a few years back and check myself on how much I’ve improved. And yes, I have.
I still write with the same zeal and flow like years before, and I reckon that’s a good thing. Right?
That flair for writing has remained constant. The road ahead is ambiguous and certainly won’t clear out anytime soon. But baby steps, perhaps?
As always, please comment away your feedback! See you soon!