Tid-bits from my Blog

I’ve been debating the future of my other blog this week. With a lack of posting and another change in job I wasn’t so sure whether I wanted to continue. I decided to have a browse of some of my older posts and discovered just how many notebook postings I did prior to starting this blog (which is of course what prompted me to start this separate blog). This has now reinspired me.

I decided to share some of my older posts from my other blog here as regular notebook lovers would have missed these:

Moleskine diary (to do list)
How to: survive the rush hour crunch (study notebook)
Improve your writing
Keeping Track (page a day diary)
Sorting out my Notebooks (notebook eye candy)
Design your own Textbook
My Study Project
Puss in Boots Notebook

On another note I am debating whether to make the a to z challenge a double whammy and enter both blogs.

How to: Organise your Blogging (#2: The Posting Schedule)

As I have previously mentioned I keep a blog journal to keep organised. For the second part of this How To Series I want to take a look at how creating a posting schedule can keep your blogging organised. The blog posts are the most vital part of your blog, without them you are not saying much.

With the Blogging from A-Z Challenge coming up in April I thought it was the perfect opportunity to show my readers how the moleskine monthly can help organise your blogging posting schedule.

As you can see from the pictures above the moleskine monthly sets out on a two page spread the month of April. In each box I have written in the corner the letter of the alphabet allocated to that day in accordance with the challenge schedule. Then in each box I have also written what I hope to write about each day (I’m still brainstorming).

The schedule allows me to see what I need to post when and about what. This is why a notebook like this is great for focused challenges like this one, although it is also perfect for organising the rest of your blog postings during an ordinary month (and beyond).

Take a look at my second example below:

The blogging journal helps me spread out my posts evenly, reminds me of any deadlines for contests or challenges and keeps track of my two blogs and any articles/guest posts that I am writing. If you have a busy writing life – this helps. I also find that it helps inspire you and shows you whether you are being to focused or vague in any particular month. It can help analyse your writing habits – e.g. Do I prefer to write reviews, share wishlist items, or share practical advice. If however, you tend to have regular postings on particular topics such as a weekly interview, or podcast you can plan for the months ahead and find those posts where you still need material. In advance. So you don’t have a last-minute panic.

How you actually organise you posting schedule will depend on the format you use with your blog – but the key points are – get your ideas on paper, book in your regular slots, post regularly and evenly and never miss a deadline again.

Blogging from A to Z

Blogging unfortunately has taken a back seat lately. So I’ve been looking for a way to get re-inspired and get back into a routine. With only days to go I’ve decided to join in with the Blogging from A-Z Challenge April 2012.

The concept?

26 blog posts during the month of  April – one for each letter of the alphabet.

A very hard challenge, but I am looking forward to it.

Check out the other blogs involved or sign up yourself.

Walls Notebook

 

Yesterday, I had a look at the Subway Sketchbook – in short a graffiti doodle notebook. I was disappointed. A much more exciting alternative is the Walls Notebook from Quirk Books which is much more inspirational doodlebook.

Cover of "Walls Notebook"

Cover of Walls Notebook - Source Amazon

It is available in the UK at Amazon, Urban Outfitters and a range of crafty/gift stores. Just look at examples of lovely work using the notebook.

It just makes me want to get stuck right in.

 

Subway Sketchbook

I was browsing the shops yesterday when I came across the Subway Sketchbook  (YouTube Video: Subway Sketchbook). With Graffiti playing such a large part of our artistic culture here, I suppose it was only natural the someone would start selling it.

Unfortunately in person I found the sketchbook rather uninspiring. The outlines, while accurate were dull and boring. The promotional video (link above) provides an enthusiastic and upbeat advertisement – but at the end of the day – why not just doodle in any sketchbook as this one doesn’t add any value to the experience.