What went well these past twelve months, and what could have gone better? I’m supposed to ask myself this every quarter—it’s in the plan!—but that part of the plan, two years running now, has fizzled. Still, it’s not too late:
1. TIME
On a good day, I can look up and be amazed that five hours have slipped by. But I may not have produced much, as it can take me multiple iterations to figure something out. I hate this about my writing. And yes, I do know people who get it right the very first time. (Okay, only two people. And yes, they are MacArthur prize winners.)
2. VOICE
But hey, not for nothing, all those hours this work-a-day writer has put in, for at least I have established a voice for this blog. That’s one part of the plan that went well. If you say soulofaword, you mean me.
3. THE VISUAL
Every post, including this one, comes with photographs (part of the plan). And, as was true from the very beginning, trawling the photo sites and picking the pictures continues to be a pleasure. It’s like accessorizing. The hard part—the writing—is done, and now we get to pick the shoes.
4. COMPLEXITY
My sense is that these posts are growing in complexity, both in content and in language. This was not in the plan. Is this a good thing? A bad thing? I’m not sure yet, but I will say that complexity doesn’t add to the ease or speed of the undertaking. And it takes up time that should be spent on other things, like the business of blogging.
5. THE LISTS
The stories are one thing, and people have their favorites, but many of the most popular posts here deliver information in neat, tidy lists and/or have titles that begin “How to . . . ” What to make of this? Are my readers pressed for time? Are they looking for instruction? Do they prefer to graze, not read? And from a writer’s point of view, is it easier or more difficult to use this form?
These are some of the questions I’ll be answering as I make my year-end plan. For now, though, I’m off to gather the hard data, another something I’ve left for the very last moment, but oh well, it’s not too late.
Comments welcome and edited to include first names only, and website, if provided; never your email. Photo credit – Giacomo Lorenzo.
