I then do a quick brainstorm. Depending on the type of post, I may create an very general outline – or I may not. Some posts are better without, as I like to write as I go through the thought process myself. I believe this helps the reader also go through the same thought process. For example, when writing a tutorial, or some other step-by-step how-to, I am generally very lenient with my outline. Other times though I create an outline of major headings I want to include, but beyond that I just let it flow, as most of my ideas come to me during the writing process.

Also, depending on the type of post, I do a lot of research. That’s something that I’m not sure many other bloggers do. I collect resources of similar posts or examples, and take notes, right in the blog post. I then further define or leave my comment on some of my research. If anyone were to read my blog posts, they’ll find that I quote many other sources, and link to further resources. This is all a result of my research.

Then I just let it flow. I type exactly what comes to mind. I don’t worry about proper grammar and sentence structure…yet. I try to set my personality free in my writing. Once that’s all down, I go back and fix spelling errors, etc. And wha la. You have my writing style.

I’m heavily influenced by Douglas Adams (and he is influenced by Monty Python, so, indirectly, I’m influenced by Monty Python). Therefore, I have a very round-a-bout way of writing. I take out a lot of the useless crap, edit it once more, and send it off.

Thanks for participating in the discussion. :-)

If it’s a short story I usually go through a series of false starts, circling around it like a basketball offensive guard looking to penetrate a zone defense. When the opening is there, I rush through it.

If it’s advertising copy, I tend to put it off until it absolutely has to be done, then plunge in.

No matter what I do, I seldom outline. If I find myself outlining, it means the project has gotten too complex or that I don’t understand the subject enough – the outline reveals the next set of questions I need to ask before going on.

I approach it similar to Ben’s style. I’ll just start writing…and then when a new opening or direction comes to mind, I move down a couple of lines and write that too and so on. The end product is usually a combination of all of those random lines and rewrites.

THEN (because I’m not done) I’ll walk away from it and do something else like mow the lawn or take the dog out. My mind will still be mulling it over while I’m away from the piece but I’m not actively working on it and it’s during these times that I think of changes or decided it’s good to go.

Oh and I have to be listening to the Twilight Score and eating something chewy like Hubba Bubba or Swedish Fish. :)

Branding is like that. You’ll start with 5 key messages you want to communicate. As you move through the brand development process and you learn new information, those messages will morph and change. The point you are trying is almost always relevant, it’s how you package it that changes.