Tag Archives: blogging

How to Write Killer Blog Content-Timeless Advice from C.S. Lewis

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C.S. Lewis' Advice is Timeless

C.S. Lewis never ceases to amaze me. For those of you who do not know C.S. Lewis, he was a renowned theologian who taught at Oxford and Cambridge Universities and authored more than 30 books in his lifetime, including the children’s Narnia series, Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters.

C.S. Lewis’ work is revered by many around the world. In fact, so much so that his life was portrayed by actor Anthony Hopkins in feature film “Shadowlands,” and his Narnia books such as “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” have been brought to the big screen. However, not only is his work memorable, he lived his life transparently and openly shared his thoughts and struggles through his powerful pen.

His work has had a profound impact in my life and I often re-visit his words when searching for answers about life circumstances. Recently I had such a time when I needed to heed his advice and as such, stumbled upon a jewel in regards to guidelines for creating incredible content.

Whenever I attend social media events, inevitably this one question comes up every time – how do you make content that others want to read? C.S. Lewis provides the answer.

In a letter written to a schoolgirl in America, who had written (at her teacher’s suggestion) to request advice on writing, here’s what he had to say. The letter is from December 14, 1959 and his advice is spot on for the 21st Century.

CREATING MEMORABLE BLOG CONTENT

C.S. Lewis’ 8 Tips for Writing Incredible Blog Content (Source: The Essential C.S. Lewis, edited by Lyle W. Dorsett)

  1. Turn off the radio. (Today that also includes the TV, Pandora, iPod, X-box, etc.)
  2. Read all the good books you can and avoid nearly all magazines. (This one is tough for me.)
  3. Always write (and read) with the ear, not the eye. (Excellent point)
  4. Write about what really interests you, whether it is real things or imaginary things, nothing else.
  5. Take great pains to be clear. Remember that though you start by knowing what you mean, the reader doesn’t, and a single ill-chosen word may lead him to a total misunderstanding. (Brilliant point)
  6. When you give up a bit of work don’t throw it away. Put it in a drawer. It may come in useful later.
  7. Don’t use a typewriter. The noise will destroy your sense of rhythm. (I think he wouldn’t mind the computer keyboards now.)
  8. Be sure you know the meaning of every word you use.

So don’t take it from me on how to write content that gets shared…use these 8 points from the literary master C.S. Lewis. Who if he were alive today, I’m sure would be answering every Facebook and Twitter post personally.  That’s the stand up man he was.

Off to do a bit more reading.

Cindy

 

 

Yes You Can Start A Blog

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Blogger Cindy Ronzoni says, "I can't help but smile every time I finish a piece. Still can't believe we can have personal voices on the web." - goofy self portrait

When I was in between permanent work positions a few years ago, I had the urge to try out blogging.  As a PR pro, I had worked with bloggers, and thus, had some semblance as to what they did.  I really had no idea how to start one and what it was all about…that was in 2008. Now, four years later I’m thriving as a blogger and can’t envision a day when I won’t have an active blog or two.

I love blogging! I can’t begin to tell you about the personal freedom it has given me. At first, I didn’t know what to write. I mean, prior to 2008, all my writing and voice had been exhibited through corporate communication efforts like statements, press releases and/or pitches. I had never been able to interject my personal opinion or beliefs in anything I had ever done except diaries and journals. I always represented the company with anything I had ever written.

Thanks to a friend who got me all set up with my first WordPress blog, I was ready to start exploring who I was and what I stood for. It was hard to start and I found myself often staring at a black screen. I felt like so “naked.” I didn’t know what I could write and was scared about having a voice. Some of  the thoughts I had were these questions:  Would I write something that would cause controversy? Would anyone care what I had to say? Could I even do this?

Bloggging is Alive and Well in Colleges Credit: Cindy Ronzoni

I fumbled a bit at the start, but now I have hit my stride transforming and refining my content over time. For you see, the more you practice at something the better you get.

JUST DO IT

I love having my own voice on the web.  And that’s my wish for you too. I want to encourage you start blogging today. Put those fears aside and just do it. If you don’t know how to begin…send me a note or check out WordPress.com or Blogger.com or heck, even tumblr.com is a fantastic place to start. It’s so much easier now setting up websites…you can do it!

BLOGGING IS THRIVING

Recently, I experienced the perfect trifecta. I was absolutely in my glory for I was able to mix my thirst for news, my love of blogging and passion for teaching college-aged students in one full swoop. I taught a college journalism class where the students blogged for their homework. At first I wondered how they were doing finding “their voice” on the web.  I also was curious about what that age group had to say…what drove them and where their passions lie.  I let them write about something that they were interested in…they had full reign to write whatever they wanted. The only thing I required was that they would email me their posts. I was blown away by the “voices” I heard back.

They covered non-profits. Several told me about their favorite hockey teams and how they hoped they’d make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Some moved me when they spoke about how dance affects their lives. Others shared their souls about being confused about their future. And most wanted to make things “right” in this world.  They had deep and heart-felt suggestions. They care and they have voices that need to be heard.

And the same is true for you.

Start blogging today, but be careful – for it does become addicting.

Let me know how it goes for you – please send me your first post so I can congratulate you properly and keep encouraging you to write on!

Happy Blogging,

Cindy

 

 

 

Chris Brogan Kicked My Butt

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I needed a Little Push to Get Motivated Blogging Photo Credit: Flickr- BrittneyBush

New Media marketing expert Chris Brogan finally gave me the kick in the pants I needed to start taking my writing seriously with this recent post.

Here’s his words that got me.

Can’t find time to write but you’re up on Glee? Bully for you.

How did he know that I was up on every episode of each TV show that I adore?  He was right about my wrong priorities.  And, Chris, if you are reading this “Thank You.”

ITS ALWAYS THE WRITE TIME

I really love to blog. It’s my happiest hours of the day when I get to express my thoughts and send them out to the world.  But, I confess that my writing schedule has been spotty and I could be more disciplined that’s for sure.  Chris wrote a similar blog last fall about writing whenever you had time.  I heeded that advice, but didn’t enact upon it. Now with this reminder last week, I’m going to start to do better.

For as he aptly says, “That’s the only difference between where a lot of writers are and where I am: I publish. Yes, I do take time to stop and smell the roses, but I don’t neglect my duties. It’s part of what I do. Write. Get writing. Stop making excuses, and don’t look back. Your successful writing future awaits. Just get publishing.”

I have a tendency to overwrite and thus, by making my posts shorter I think I’ll be able to write more. I also plan on banking a few posts ahead of time…that way I won’t be caught with my pants down when some new content is necessary.

Discipline is key here. I not only need it for writing but, in all accounts concerning the start of my new business.  A new day is dawning for me.  And if you find me slipping, please send me note to kick me in the pants again.

There’s so much each of us can do to make differences in the world.  The first step is taking the first step. Therefore,  I plan to write at least four posts a week between my two blogs, this one and Social Spread Media.  And if I can add in another for my Christian blog, Godgirl.net. Then that will be a good week for me indeed.

Write on!

Cindy

Citizen Reviewing (Food Blogs, Etc.) and PR Practices

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Always fess up when you are reviewing food at a restaurant. Photo credit: celinabean.com

Today I am attending a session on food blogging…my attendance was due to the fact that I would like to work with restaurants in the future and as such, I wanted to understand this new growing phenomenon. But, something was said during the session that got the attention of my PR antenna.  It was recommended that you do not need to disclose that you are reviewing the food when at a restaurant. When I pressed further on this subject, the food blogger here today said she wanted an organic experience and did not want to receive special treatment.

I understand that point – however, I think it is only fair that the restaurant is aware that you will be reviewing its experience. It is only fair that the restaurant be made aware of your intention. I do not believe in personal ambushes.

Here’s what I would recommend to be the best practice for Food Bloggers – my approach is one that will build their integrity, reputation and brand in the food community.

1) Have a business card made that promotes your food blog. Have the back side contain blank lines where you can fill in the date that you intend to post your review and how the restaurant can contact you other than commenting on your blog post. These cards should be like those doctor and dentist appointment cards.

2) You don’t have to tell them you are a food blogger until after the meal is done and you have paid your bill. As you get ready to leave, give your card to your server and tell him/her you are going to blog about your experience.  He then can either tell the owner or have owner come over and see you.

3) I highly recommend that you find the owner, if he/she is present you can personally introduce yourself. Remember social media is about relationships and not about ambushes.  You do not have to tell them what your review will say and if they press you, you can just say benign statements like “it was interesting.”

By being direct and upfront about your business as a food blogger, you will build your reputation in this close community. Believe me, establishment owners belong to the same circles.  And if you treat them with respect they will tell other proprietors about you.

Your brand is extremely important and one you need to keep an eye on as well.

Remember – just as one bad review can take down a restaurant, one bad review about you as a reviewer can do the same. Once your credibility is lost, it’s difficult to regain it once you are in the crisis communication mode.

In summary, be straightforward; provide outlets for rebuttal; be professional and knowledgeable without being snarky.  And don’t ambush anyone.

Build your brand with integrity wherever possible.

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