Let's start with the dark part of this post. When you decide to start running a blog, you are likely to fail before the end of the first three months. It is not easy to write, and moreover, to write things that interest others. Professional life and personal constraints (family, schedule, etc.) are often the first causes of slacking. In the same vein, one can also note the useless pressures and deadlines that we impose upon ourselves. For example, some may start by committing to writing at least one article every day at a given time. This is not really necessary because you need a minimum degree of inspiration to write. And when you don't have it, you should have a way to get it.

 

In 2005, when I was in my last year of study, I had created a personal site (to present what I do) and profile pages on sites dealing with technical topics related to the development of web applications. Since then, I have tried to keep several blogs (often in collaboration with other people). But it's only since starting this latest blog that I've been able to find the rhythm, the motivation, the desire to publish despite the lack of inspiration.

 

This article you are reading right now derives from the fact that I did not have a specific topic but I wanted to see a new post on this blog. Hence, it's only natural that to start talking about what prevents or motivates us to write. As a result, I find myself looking on the web for elements that can help me fill-up this ticket. That's how I came across a 7-points list written by Jamie Wallace of "Live to Write - Write to Live". This list is intended to help cultivate real habits to keep a blog:

1. Find the time to write, otherwise create this time

2. Have an end goal

3. Avoid saying "I should..."

4. Start small. For example with notes of a few dozen words at a reasonable pace. or big tickets fairly spaced in time

5. Stay consistent

6. Measure progress and welcome it

7. Have fun

If you are lacking inspiration for your next article, you can simply complete the list above with two or three sentences per point. As for me, I would say "talk about what you love" because there are always people who like the same thing and it is therefore a great way to make good contacts.

 

[Translated from a contribution by Jean-Patrick Ehouman]