Blaugust 2025: Staying Motivated
I’ve participated in every previous Blaugust: Festival of Blogging event. Prior to that I was involved in the Newbie Blogger Initiative or NBI as it was affectionately known. I have therefore written quite a lot of blogging advice and suggestions over the years. If anyone feels disposed to do so, you can access them all by clicking on the “blogging” option on the top menu of this blog. However, it is important to remember that a lot of the ideas I have advocated and written about over the years are purely subjective. Not all advice or guidance works for everyone. People have different ideas about blogging, different approaches to it and different aspirations. This year has highlighted some quite distinct differences among bloggers which has been most illuminating.
It is currently “staying motivated” week in this year’s event. As ever, there are some optional questions which can be used as writing prompts. Usually, I just offer advice and such like but this time round, I’ll actually answer the questions.
Q: What tricks do you use to keep yourself motivated when something feels impossible?
A: I gamify the process. I set specific criteria and if they are met, then I reward myself.
Q: What are your blogging goals? Do you think participating in Blaugust is getting you closer to where you want to be?
A: First to blog consistently for a month. Secondly, I want to increase my readership. The former is achievable. The latter requires a well defined promotional and marketing policy. That is not within my skillset, so it requires the involvement of a third party and capital expenditure. At present I am still considering whether to do this or invest in a new and separate project.
Q: What do you think you’ll get out of completing your Blaugust goals?
A: The same personal satisfaction I got from writing consistently for a month that I did last year.
Q: What drives you to blog?
A: Robert E. Howard used to burn the midnight oil and write prodigiously because he believed that if he stopped, the spirit of Conan would behead him. I write mainly for pleasure.
Q: Are you happy with your Blaugust so far? If so, why? If not, why not?
A: Yes. I’ve not struggled for ideas and I don’t find writing a chore.
Q: How important is goal setting & reaching your goals to you overall?
A: Quite important. If I reach my writing goal then I’m having a fancy meal at the best Indian restaurant in the borough and also buying a litre of good quality gin.
Q: Did you read any posts during Blaugust (or before) that you found particularly inspirational? Share them!
A: There have been some very good posts from Blaugust 2025 participants. Especially those that have struggled and written about it. I admire their honesty. Perhaps a quote from Stephen King may help those looking for motivation. “The scariest moment is always just before you start.”
Roger Edwards