Comments on: Something I Forgot About Authenticity

By: rikin

rikin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:35:39 +0000

I'm the same way with drafts – some have still yet to see the light of the day.

I use Netvibes which is very similar to google reader but I think 10 times better in terms of usability. I always find a blog and give it a trial period and if I find that I don't benefit much from reading it after a few weeks I remove it from my subscriptions. Pretty strict I know but I have to streamline my inspiration methods too!

By: rikin

rikin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:35:39 +0000

I'm the same way with drafts – some have still yet to see the light of the day.

By: opheliaswebb

opheliaswebb — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:05:16 +0000

I agree with Matt on the Google reader. I think probably 5 out of the past 8 posts (not including the #BlogCrush series) are born from comments or posts from my favorite bloggers. That's one of the things I love about Carlos' blog…the end when he shows where his post was “sparked” from.

Additionally, I talk to lots of friends and hash out ideas for my upcoming posts. Sometimes I'll have a post saved in my drafts for weeks if not longer (one was started May 19th) trying to formulate my thoughts before just spewing onto the Webb. I have a lot of respect for the opinions of a close group of friends, I'm always interested in hearing what they have to say.

By: rikin

rikin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:09:19 +0000

@Matt inspiration really does get drawn from everywhere – I sometimes find these deep philosophical thoughts coming out of my head that all drew inspiration from the most mundane of things. Living in the city, I've become prone to people watch and start fantasizing about what the lives of others are like.

@Carlos exactly! finding relevance and combining your voice is what makes great writing really stand out.

By: Carlos Miceli

Carlos Miceli — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:01:46 +0000

I agree with Matt here, I think one can write about every single second of one's life, there's material everywhere, but learning how to see it, and actually writing about it, it's the hard thing to do.

This is not impossible for anyone, but it takes time, effort and passion, and that's where the Dip is!

Thanks for the compliment man, I appreciate it!

By: Matthew

Matthew — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:00:55 +0000

Good stuff Rikin – My inspiration comes (honestly) from all over the place. Personal experiences are huge – but I'm almost always guaranteed to have a post idea sparked on a daily basis as I go through my Google Reader. The best writers aren't those who TRY to find inspiration, they are the ones that can draw inspiration from the regular, everyday things – and then connecting that and relating it to a bigger idea. When you stop trying and just start writing, your brilliance usually shines through.