I meet so many people that want to start a blog. And my immediate first question to them is always, “do you like to write?” I’m often met with a bunch of “not at all” or “nope.”
So, erm, well… why do you want to blog?
The answers vary:
- I want free clothes from Zara!
- I want to travel more and have someone pay for it!
- I want to show the world I’m a perfect mom!
- I want my husband to think I’m sexy so he will be nice to me!
Seriously, I’ve heard all of these answers, and the truth is blogging won’t solve any of them.
In fact, to earn those free clothes you have to spend hundreds of dollars on your own to curate content. Companies won’t pay for travel unless you have a zillion followers (or write for a major publication). And if you have something to prove to anyone else (peers and husbands alike) you’ll end up sorely disappointed.
You should only create a blog if in fact you have a story to tell and you ENJOY writing. Blog as if no one is watching. Even if no one else reads it – you have to love the act of writing.
I started Brickellista thinking no one would ever read my eloquent vernacular, aside from my mom and possibly my dad if there was no golf on TV. (Hi mom and dad!).
But I got very lucky, and here we are.
To be real real, things evolved because the blog is an extension of who I am. It’s authentic. I think that’s evident to all.
Like anything in life, you have to be passionate about the actual role, not just chasing the potential of becoming an Instagram celebrity. If there’s no passion, blogging will just become another item on your to do list – like folding laundry. I hate folding laundry, don’t you?
Remember blogging is a creative outlet, like playing the flute or making origami.
Blogging won’t help your husband/wife be nice to you.
Blogging won’t help you find your purpose.
Blogging won’t make you happier.
If the above isn’t in place prior to starting a blog, it will show up in your writing.
People, especially my readers (hay hay!), can smell fake from a mile away. If you are trying to be something you’re not… you’ll eventually run out of fuel.
That’s why most blogs fail.
What’s made me successful isn’t smoke and mirrors.
I keep shit real and honest with a bit of dramatic flare. And that’s who I am as a person – just ask my friends.
There are many times I’ll spend 8 hours on an article and it won’t get the traffic (people reading) that I envisioned. Those days are tough, but I continue writing because I love it.
So, if you want to start a blog, ask yourself why you want to blog.
If the answer is because you want to resolve some internal drama, then go to a therapist.
If you need a hobby, do some introspection and find a hobby that really ignites you.
And if you have marriage problems, resolve those before you write bitter remarks about your spouse… because one day your kids will read it and most other people won’t care to.
Blogging, like origami, isn’t for everyone. And that’s okay!
What is important is to find a creative way to express yourself with an outlet that is meant for you and you alone.
It’s about finding joy. Because at the end of the day that’s what life is about.
XO,
EV
As one of Miami’s top bloggers, Evelyn Torres has become one of the leading voices in fitness, fashion, and Miami. Brickellista started as a Twitter alias in 2009 and has expanded to become a lifestyle blog capturing a Miami girl’s perspective. Evelyn is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, brand ambassador and on the pulse of the Miami social scene.
Today as founder and Managing Director of BrickellistaFiles.com, Evelyn is not only the face of BrickellistaFiles, but oversees the strategy and direction. She is the driving force behind the brand and has built the go-to site for everything Miami.
Ah! this is so well written and so true! You are authentic 🙂
Author
Hi Ancy!! Thank you so much for your sweet words. Let me know if you have any topics of interest for new articles 🙂