Every once in a while, things come up that totally mess up our schedule. Most of the time as a starting out blogger, or just a blogger with lazy tendencies, there is no backup.
The situation I am talking about of course is rushing in posts at the last-minute.
As you know first hand, keeping up with your post schedule isn’t easy. If you’re a serious blogger, you probably have had a time on your blog where you actually missed a day of writing due to an unforeseen emergency, or something else. We all have. We had plenty of missed days when we started this blog as well, so it’s not like you’re the only blogger who can’t get around to writing.
Writing posts has a lot to do with how inspired you are as well. If you are feeling uninspired to write, you will start missing days where you were meant to post. Sometimes inspiration comes at just the worst times (like, two hours before your post should be up) and you have to write your blog article before that deadline. Pretty stressful right?
Well, it’s important that you keep one thing in mind, if anything at all:
Don’t Panic
Did I surprise you? Probably not, but when it comes down to it – you probably still panic a little in this situation. Just be honest.
I myself can sometimes get a little stressed if it ever comes down to writing at the last-minute, but lucky for me, I have written plenty of great posts at the last-minute (okay, maybe that’s not something I should be bragging about too much)!
But when you panic in situations – what happens? You can’t think straight because your mind is all over the place with fear, stress and plenty of other negative emotions to follow along. When you are thinking so negative, you get less work done. While I’m all for getting less done, you should never gamble when it comes to creating content for your blog.
Finding that comfort zone no matter what
It is important that you are in the most relaxed position possible to work at your best. Put negative thoughts aside for now.
The key to finding your comfort zone is doing whatever you can to think positive in any situation possible. Yes, it does suck you may be working late to get a blog article done and have to be up early tomorrow, but you also are happy because you just wrote a post that broke over 100 comments. Just find whatever there is to be happy about, and enjoy it! Seriously, the optimistic side of life is the greatest.
Also, if things like listening to music or keeping a television on keep you relaxed then work with that! Put music that makes you happy. Like for me, I put on Jason Mraz when I write (say what you want, he has a great voice). His songs are full of positivity, and they really get me feeling good about what’s happening around me.
Don’t get consumed by your deadline
Deadlines do make everything stressful, and no amount of positivity in the world is going to magically extend the date of when your post should be published. Even though you need to treat this post very differently than regular ones, you still need to keep the basic fundamentals of a good post in mind.
Nothing is to be half-assed or left unsaid
Say what you have to say to get your point across. If doing that means searching through Google for information about your topic, then it should be done.
Grammar, spelling, and basic formatting still intact
Don’t forget to spell check your post as you may have just rushed through the whole thing to get it out. If you find large paragraphs of text, break them up or format them with bullets. Don’t have an image? Get one! Images are important to any post, and they may even save someone who wrote a sloppy looking post.
The topic is useful, not useless
Coming out with a post that is about 300 words about why you couldn’t come up with any good post ideas isn’t exactly something you should publish on your blog. Now, a post with 10 reasons on how to get inspired to post is a little more useful.
Just because you can write something of lesser value to save yourself some time doesn’t mean you should. Remember, your readers aren’t drones – they don’t like seeing useless content thrown on a blog just to get by for the day.
Use this experience as a lesson
For all of the times I saved posts to write for the last-minute, I like to think I have gotten better at scheduling my articles with plenty of time to spare now.
Every time you have to write a post at last-minute, just remember what you are sacrificing to do it. Maybe it’s sleep, relaxing, or hanging out with a friend. Use those feelings to motivate yourself further and start preparing earlier!
How do you work?
Now I’m curious – how effective are you guys at planning your own posts? How many times are you writing posts at the last-minute? Share all of your dirty (blogging) secrets in the comments section and we can talk about it.
The Discussion
Leave a Comment Read Again?Thank you very much!
I often find myself having to write a post at the last minute. Unfortunately, it often happens when I’ve promised to write a tutorial that involves some code, too.
.-= Eric B.´s last blog ..Creating a Wordpress Theme — Part 3 =-.
I hate writing at the last minute myself, and if I somehow convince myself to start writing a tutorial at 9:00PM on a school day – I’m going to hate myself at first…but when it’s all done, I’ll be an extremely (and probably tired) blogger!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
I’d like to know how you explain that to teachers.
.-= Dennis Edell´s last blog ..How Do You Feel About A Static Homepage On A Blog? =-.
I find I usually work best under the pressure of a deadline, but it helps to have a stockpile of resources. I rely heavily on delicious and other collection and categorization tools to give me a virtual toolbox of information from which I can draw for quick information on almost any subject I’d be blogging about.
.-= Brandon Cox´s last blog ..Email Newsletter Sweetness from Themeforest =-.
That sounds really useful Brandon. I don’t really use Delicious, but I think I might check it out now if it can help with getting more useful information for my posts.
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
not panic and in comfort zone, surely will bring a great article even in last minute.
.-= Dana @ Online Knowledge´s last blog ..Google Adsense Plugin For Atahualpa WordPress Theme =-.
Tips in this post help me a lot. I find that keep several post available in draft box is helpful. Just hit the publish button on the right day. Darren from problogger.net shared in his post that he has a plan of post for the next month and always have more than 20 posts available.
.-= Phaoloo´s last blog ..12 Best Tools To Find And Manage Proxy Servers =-.
I’m glad this article was useful to you!
I usually schedule my posts on the weekends and have them publish during the weekdays. If I don’t take care of them on the weekend, then I often find myself scrambling to find some time during the week (where I plan other things leaving no time for writing) to write that last minute post!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
I do write last minute a lot, but most of the time it is something that I already write in paper or notepad or in my book, so in blog i take point from it and expand it to give more detail for it. I do keep some post in my scheduled that I will use when I simply have no time to write new one.
I still not have much problem about writing in last minute because even I can’t finish the post, I just need to click publish to post that on scheduled.. but when I’m out of emergency post, I think I will become pretty mess up.. but hope can keep up with the pace..
.-= izzat aziz´s last blog ..Four steps to great articles =-.
Having notes already prepared can make the process of writing a last minute post so much easier! Usually when I write at the last minute, I am debating over which idea to use, then I have to brainstorm ideas and of course, write it.
Emergency posts are always great to have for sure! I think I am a good enough blogger and have been blogging for a long enough time to keep up with writing, but I do always like saving guest posts for when I either can’t get around to writing or DON’T feel like writing!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
I always try and stay 2 blog posts ahead of myself, that way there is always some backup in case of emergency.
Very interesting post, thank you!
.-= David Shaw´s last blog ..6 Benefits Bloggers Can Gain From Twitter =-.
You try? How well are you keeping up Dave? :p
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
Plenty of good ideas in your article! Sometimes it’s good to have a deadline.
I always have a few ideas to back me up if I haven’t been inspired by anything else. probably about 40 of them! And I currently have over 20 drafts so I can always polish one of those up for publication.
What I prefer to do is mix things up. Sometimes I get tired of writing the useful, concise posts my readers want. And I wonder if my readers are tired of being informed too. I know they also want to be entertained and surprised be my blog so I work on that.
My aim is to inspire and inform people on how to live their dream so sometimes I try to think of a way to do this without words . For example, I put up a photo story with a quirky, inspirational travel tale (most people dream of travel).
Once I compiled a list of 6 inspiring dance videos from Youtube to inject a bit of energy and fun. It was popular so I’ve started making another one for next time I run out of ideas and need a little inspiration myself:)
I really want to do a podcast or video post too. Just waiting for the Blogussion boys to tell me the easiest way to make a video or create a video interview. Hint hint:)
20 drafts huh? Very nice, I have to hand it to you – that really says a lot about how much you care about your blog Annabel! We don’t even have 20 posts/ideas saved up and there’s two people writing actively for the blog!
I like how you mix it up too. I went over your blog briefly and see that you’re true to your word there! I really want to get away from all of these giant articles every once in a while and put up some cool stuff like that, but unfortunately I haven’t sat down and thought about what I wanted to do.
But I’m with you, I really want to get into videos too! I have iMovie on my Mac burning a whole through the screen waiting for me to use, but it probably won’t happen for quite some time!
But I know Seth is getting into videos. He made some pretty cool videos in a past post here, so I think I’ll have to talk to him about getting us some video posts!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
I sometimes create my best posts when I’m stressed, but not always. Once the clock gets ticking too loud and panic sets in, it’s difficult to think for a while. I’m a planner, and with two sites to manage, have found posts written in advance come in handy on such days so I keep a batch of ten to fifteen; completed, first draft and ideas. Sometimes rather than post something lengthy, I release a short video. I find talking takes the weight off my urgency and I’m more relaxed
.-= David Walker´s last blog ..First Webinar (Almost) a Success! =-.
Would you say it’s easier to create and edit a video at the last minute rather than publishing an article? I’m curious actually because like I said above – I’d like to get into videos myself.
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
As I mentioned on a previous article here, I’m changing my blog schedule from weekdays to M-W-F (started this week). This has enabled me to do much more when it comes to the full plate that every blogger faces each day.
.-= Gabe | freebloghelp.com´s last blog ..The top 3 biggest myths of FTC disclosure =-.
That’s awesome Gabe! Just out of curiosity, did my post about post frequency help with you making that decision?
But yeah, cutting down your writing schedule really makes it easier to get other important things done.
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
I am one of those that write a post at the last minute. I know I have to find a better way to write posts. Greg Ellison
.-= Greg Ellison´s last blog ..I have made my first affiliate Sale Yesterday =-.
Glad you can admit that Greg!
If you write your posts at the last minute, I’m curious – how well received is it by your community?
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
I write posts first thing in the morning. My mind is fresh and I have no excuses to do things last minute.
I work pretty good on a deadline though. The key is not to rush. If you miss posting for a day or 2, no big deal. Your readers won’t head for the hills. Better to take a break and come back refreshed. Forced posts are rarely good posts.
.-= Ryan´s last blog ..What Is An RSS Feed? =-.
I always feel best in the morning right after my shower, but unfortunately I can never write in the mornings! Monday-Friday I have to go to school and don’t get home until the afternoon. Saturday I go to school activities in the morning as well, and on Sundays, well, that’s my day off from everything!
I agree, if you do miss a post then don’t even bring it up. Just keep going on as nothing happened, and make your best effort to bounce back.
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
I always try to post at a decent time, but eventually end up posting right at the last minute sometimes. It’s a really bad habit and makes your content less quality. I have created a kind of schedule to try to avoid this kind of situation.
I’ll rather post quality over quantity.
I’ve also chosen days when I will post and mostly this will be, Monday, Wednesday, Fridays.
This will hopefully keep me on track.
Well, I don’t think it always make content worse. A couple people in here said their content is actually best when they write at the last minute. But honestly, it all depends on how well you can work with a deadline creeping up on you!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
I’m not terribly good at writing in a hurry. Truth be told, I’d much rather skip a day then have the post come out sub-par. I’m somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to grammar, etc. Great post.
.-= Chris Mollo´s last blog ..ITRH Launches Free Blogger Templates Blog =-.
I actually don’t think there’s anything wrong with that approach. Why dish out a half-assed article and make yourself look bad when you can just skip a day and bounce back with your best next time? Right?
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
This happen to me many time when I just rushed for an article before leaving my room for some reason. However, in rush time I able to produce much more thoughtful article than usual. I don’t know why, may be my adrenaline boost my sleeping brain.
.-= Arafat Hossain Piyada´s last blog ..Switch Off Your Monitor Using Single Mouse Click in Windows 7 =-.
I know I wrote up a very good article here at the last minute. Somewhere buried in the archives here, but the point is – sometimes your thinking clearer when you are being rushed!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
Here is a tip: Don’t post in anger. I think a lot of bloggers have learned that the hard way. If you are writing soemthing because you are mad, cool down before you post it.
.-= Eric C´s last blog ..A DMV, A Contractor and A Captain Walk Into a Bar… =-.
That should be avoided if you don’t want to write a crappy article lols. Try to be calm first before you try to write again
I have never blogged mad. If I am mad, I think blogging would be the last thing I’d want to do!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
80% of the posts on my blog were written “last minute.” With all the non-blog responisblities that keep me (and others) busy throughout the day, it seems really hard to stay disciplined enough to crank out posts consistently.
I’ve started trying to make the habit of writing posts for 2 or 3 days at a time, so that I never get too far behind. If a post starts to get too long, a lot of times I’ll hack out part of it and save it as a draft for another post. It always seems easier to get the ball rolling again if you already have an idea started. (sometimes this can be a bad thing too though. If you get too stuck on the topic that you can’t think about the big picture, that often causes problems too).
.-= Blake @ Props Blog Reviews´s last blog ..Twitter Testing ReTweet Button (With RT Tracking) =-.
Discipline is an important part of keeping a well balanced blog. It’s not just offline activities that keep me distracted, but stuff online too like Facebook or Twitter.
I have only written a really long article and broken it up once. I don’t know why I don’t do that more since some of the articles I throw out here are huge. Might have to think about that more carefully next time, thanks for mentioning that!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
This is one of the reasons I don’t bother (much) with posting schedules. I post #2 when I’m finished promoting #1…
Now having said that, one of my major promotional avenues is blog commenting (don’t all say DUH! at once) and this DOES get stressful. lol
Case in point – it’s now 10:12pm with 25 more blogs in cue that I would like to get to before bed.
.-= Dennis Edell´s last blog ..IS An Advertising Page Really A Good Idea? An Interesting Opposing View… =-.
That’s pretty cool Dennis. So, how often do you post a week? Do you keep a fixed amount or do you just promote one blog post more than another? I’m interested!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
Keep in mind, NOW is very sporadic…I’m coming off being laid up for a while and trying to get my blog move; moved. I’m only blogging now to not lose readers and not tick off the SE’s. lol
When in my prime though, I try for one every two to three days, giving time for promotion, more writing, and other stuff…I don’t just blog. I don’t really believe in fixed schedules; it’s an unnecessary headache…sorry guys lol.
“do you just promote one blog post more than another?”
Interesting question, and the answer is yes, depending on the post topic – time sensitive, a “cause” post, asking a particular question, etc; might get more attention then others…and so on.
Example: My current post in your commentluv link – not only is it a good general question, but it is also personal to me. When I do finish my blog move I am seriously considering it…..as I’m sure you know, it is good to get reader/subscriber opinion before making a major theme/layout change.
Stay in touch though, when the move is complete, I will at least start off with a schedule; the reason why is a little different….heh!
.-= Dennis Edell´s last blog ..How Do You Feel About A Static Homepage On A Blog? =-.
Cheers for the article.. you ask how do i work…. well i always keep about 5 stock generic no time specific blog entries ready to scheduled to publish every 2 days… then im never under pressure to write and that makes things a lot easy for me creatively…
.-= promotional gifts´s last blog ..Promotional Ice Scrapers this winter’s must have giveaway =-.
Sounds like you have everything under control! Keep up the good work over at your blog, and thanks for dropping a comment!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
I think it’s much better and comfortable to write posts in morning as we have fresh mind and fresh ideas.I don’t rush myself when im at the deadline of writing my post, it’s pretty easy writing when you’re relax and comfortable
.-= Blog Tips´s last blog ..Blogging Tips and Techniques =-.
I really wish I could write more in the mornings, but unfortunately as a student in High School, it just doesn’t happen!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
Loved the title! As previously mentioned, it’s a good resource to have some posts on storage, ready to use if needed or, at least, to have a few in mind or half written ideas to start from there when in need.
And when in rush is particularly important to check the links are ok and double-check spelling.
As for the best time to write, anytime, I have a brighter mind in the evening, though
Conxa
@innova2
.-= Conxa Rodà´s last blog ..The Digital Museu Picasso in the World =-.
In the evening? I wish I could say that for myself! It’s not that I’m a babbling idiot by nighttime, but I do wish I still had the clearer head and more motivating mindset in the evening like I do in the morning!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
For myself, I find that mid-morning is the optimum time for posting. My mind is uncluttered, it’s nice and quiet and I’m alone, without any interruptions. I wish I could post with music or the television going in the background, but I work much better under extremely quiet conditions.
.-= How To Jake´s last blog ..How To Find a Temp Job =-.
I like to listen to some music that makes me feel good. I save all of the rock & punk stuff for when I’m doing everything else, but with that easy going music in the background, I’m like a writing machine.
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
It always seems like I am rushed. I try to write several days at a time when I have the time to just sit down and do it. I am thinking about getting one of those little recorders and dictating my ideas to hash out later. My biggest hurdle is always getting started so any ideas I already have will help get past that.
As with everyone else, there is just usually too much going on. I just have to make myself do it.
.-= Keith@Norman Rockwell Art´s last blog ..Nov 22, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institute, is home to Norman Rockwell painting =-.
I have trouble starting articles as well. Even if I plan out all of the headlines and everything, it’s still pretty tough for me to really get past smoothly!
.-= Alex´s last blog ..8 Funny Things I Learned From Designing That I Apply to Life =-.
First, I try to avoid a last minute situation, such as have a few spare posts available for just such an emergency. Otherwise, I always try to keep some background information at the tip of my fingers so that should the need arise I have something to “prime the pump.” Once I have several subjects from which to pick, I usually find that it’s much easier to dive in.
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