My process on how to write a blog entry

What have I been doing all month? "Where are the updates?" my readers have been asking. Have I been snuggled up to my cat in her basket? Why yes, I've been working on other projects, from writing, to a website, to making crafts for Vancouver Fan Expo.

I recently signed up for article writing on one of the many websites out there for that purpose. Constant Content, Scripted, Helium, etc. I was bemoaning my waste of time, as it can take hours and hours to set up a profile, when suddenly, article orders started coming in. It's still not enough to quit my day job, but I have to start somewhere. Oh wait, this IS my day job. 

Today I thought I'd write about how I go about writing a blog. Since I'm writing to order, they give me the topic and the website. So, let's post in a numbered format, and I'll let you know how I actually accomplish this task. 

1. Research the topic. Generally my client will give me their website URL. They'll give me keywords to optimize SEO. This will significantly allow me to narrow down the topic. For example, the website is about a lighting company. I could despair of ever finding a topic to write about, but my client has given me the keywords of "LED lighting", "low-cost", and "energy-saving". So, right there, I have my topic. I'll write about effective low-cost and energy-saving LED lighting, tailored to the products on their website.

2. After I know what I'm writing about, I'll start making point form notes. 

3. Next, I'll start writing the article. If there's some research that needs to be done, I'll just leave brackets for information to be added later.

4. Now I'll do a read-through. I'll correct grammar. I'll add in the missing research, make sure owner's names are spelled correctly. I'll check and make sure I've made my word count. 

5. This next read-through will confirm word count, as well as ensuring that all key words can be found in my text. I'll correct any highlighted spelling errors. Depending on US or Canadian markets I'll adjust spelling. I'll make my article engaging and clever.

6. The final editing and proofreading stage. I'll read my story out loud to be sure it sounds engaging and friendly.

7. Submit through the website portal. One last chance to double check that everything is correct. 

Rejoice! My homework is done! Mix and repeat.

An Interview with Mel Dawn... by Mel Dawn

What kind of writing do you do?

I currently have a variety of writing projects on the go. I write for my own blog, which keeps the writing side of my brain functioning, plus I have a few pro-blogging pieces on the go, plus the occasional fictional piece. I probably write about one fictional piece for every fifty non-fictional pieces however. 

What's in your writing portfolio?

I first was published in the fan fiction magazines for DWIN (Doctor Who Information Network) and James Bow's Mythmakers which is still being sporadically published by the Doctor Who TV show writers now. I've had articles in Business Examiner Newspaper, The British Link, Associated Content, Yahoo Canada, Canada Credit Cards.com, Yahoo Voices, and various blogs around the USA. I'm still finding some of my articles online. Sometimes when you get an order and you get paid, they don't tell you where the article is going, especially after the 200th one. It's funny though, there are a few out there with my name, actually someone else's on them, but I didn't write those. I'm hoping that writer won't write anything too embarrassing!

Do you suggest writers have a formal education in journalism?

I believe it would definitely help in terms of grammar and punctuation. Plus, I know many pro-writers have been successful. It's all their lives have been about, unlike the rest of us who have to fit writing into our daily lives. I'm lucky I have two writing certificates, though the programs I took aren't really recognized in the writing world.

Can you tell me about your future writing projects?

No, I can't sorry, I keep them secret, even from myself. Actually, I'm working on a few fictional steampunk pieces that I'm submiting to professional publications. I've also decided to do a 3-day book writing challenge.

You've mentioned pro-writing or professional publications. What does that mean? 

It means that some form of payment has been exchanged for my writing talents. In other words, I have not written for free. I will also do trades for product, in fact I prefer them, as income tax just gobbles up any writing income.

Do you write full-time, if not, do you desire to?

I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around that. Perhaps if I didn't have to work at an outside job, I would have copious amounts of time at home to spend writing eight hours a day. I really don't know, it hasn't happened yet.

Is there anything else you'd like your fans to know?

Yes, if you'd like me to write a piece for your company, please comment below with your information and I'll contact you in less then a day.