Writing in a blog to express oneself seems, at first, pretty simple. What easier task is there than to put one’s thoughts on paper?
Well, it’s not as easy as it looks. As I attempted to write my first article for the university’s translators’ blog, I learned a few lessons that not only changed my perception of the task but also deepened my interest in the whole process.
Lesson #1: Write in the language you are most comfortable expressing yourself in. I challenged myself to write in French only to realize that, while the articles were correct, they neither transmitted the message clearly nor captured the reader’s attention. On the other hand, my third attempt, in English, found very good reception.
Lesson #2: Practice. Blogging is in itself a skill. It takes a few tries before you can write a consistent text of just 300 words. Writing constantly, about anything, awakens your capacities and your choice of subjects.
Credit: http://www.blogelina.com/2014/04/beating-the-blogging-blues-focusing-staying-motivated-even-when-its-difficult/
Lesson #3: Keep trying. The first article is always the most challenging. I had to modify, revise, and rewrite mine several times before it turned out to be good. It took me three whole weeks to finalize it. Instead of getting discouraged, benefit from such an experience. It will push you to write better and more rapidly.
Lesson #4: Be transparent and genuine. Instead of searching for the most sophisticated words and refined expressions, opt for simplicity and stay close to the reader. Be who you are; transmit your ideas in your own style.
Blogging pushed me to give my work a personal touch and learn a lot more than I imagined I would. It is a great experience, especially in an academic context, and adds a unique touch to the student’s journey. It’s no piece of cake, but once you get the gist of it, it becomes as good as cake!
Credit: http://chri1311.blogspot.com/
