We have a reputation for being a drinking nation – here in Australia, and one of the phrases I grew up with was ‘have one more for the road’. I heard it a lot when I was young; and my dad could be the very reason Australia earned the reputation. Dad loved a cold beer – or two – after a long day.
Aussies are also a sociable mob who obviously don’t like drinking alone. If a drinking partner stood up and put on his hat you’d hear, “Here you go mate, have one more for the road”. Which would then require a return shout and eventuated in another hour or two of drinking.
I didn’t inherit my dad’s taste for beer, but I’m not opposed to squeezing in one more blog before the Northern Hemisphere signals ‘Closing Time’ on the January Ultimate Blog Challenge.
To say the challenge was worth every waking moment long after these eyes should have closed, is an understatement.
Each Ultimate Blog Challenge adds another layer to my writing skill.
When I look back, it’s easy to see how far I’ve come.
I used to think it was following the prompts that made the difference; being able to construct at least three-hundred words out of a single, random topic. But this time round, I didn’t follow the topics as much as I used to. And it wasn’t that they weren’t great topics; because they were. I just didn’t.
Lack of organisation and lack of resonance are probably the key factors. By the time I worked out what day of the blog we were up to, another, more inspiring topic had arrived in my inbox. And being the butterfly that I am I would go off in another direction, chasing the new challenge for the day. Or, not resonate with any of the topics and sail off over my own rainbow.
What made a difference to my writing this time was the exhilarating moment I discovered my niche, by not finding my niche, and realising the importance of being true to my own writing style.
And how did I discover the truth about my writing style?
- Thoughts spilled out of my head, effortlessly
- Images were easy to find to complement the words
- Comments were more encouraging
- More Likes for the posts that were the easiest to write
So here’s my One More For The Road blog
I could write all day, every day, but without your feedback, my words would be futile.
The January Ultimate Blog Challenge gave me the opportunity to put my words out there, and to take onboard the comments and likes. Or – the lack of either or both.
In return I commented on the writing of others, and ticked Like for many more. I only wish I’d had time to read more, because I’m sure there were hundreds on the challenge whose words I didn’t see.
For those I read, I will continue to follow, and give feedback. It is only through the feedback we receive, that we know what works and what doesn’t. It’s what helps shape our writing and affirms our style.
Thank you to all fellow-participants in the UBC for January. I am sorry I wasn’t able to read every post, as I know I missed the opportunity to be inspired by a lot more bloggers.
So now I have had my one more for the road, I stand up, put on my hat and head for the door.
I thank you all for the companionship in this session, and will be back for more in another Ultimate Blog Challenge.