Hello friends; This time I am bringing you a completely different kind of post. This post is part of what is called a blog hop. The best way I can explain it is that it is like a chain letter for bloggers. Each person in the chain writes a post on a given subject or that answers a predetermined set of questions. Then you reference the person who invited you, and you finish by including biographies of and links to three people you have invited to do the same next week. This particular blog hop has to do with the writing process.
If you know me at all, then you know I am all about taking advantage of opportunities even if they aren’t the kind you were expecting. When you remember that my primary reason for starting this blog was the promotion of my website and the equipment for sale on it, I find it surprising that I was asked to talk about the writing process. I enjoy writing, and its something I have always ben pretty good at; but I wouldn’t have thought of myself in the same category as those who write poems, short stories, and novels. But, Johnny was gracious enough to invite me, so I believe he must see something in my posts that he believes should be shared. And I would never miss the chance to introduce myself to a wider audience.
meet Johnny Bravo
First, let me introduce you to the gentleman who invited me to take part in this blog hop thing. His name is Johnny Bravo and he is in the business of helping professionals sell their brands and take their careers to the next level. Businesses and professionals in every industry come to him for best practices in sales, networking and professional brand development. You can find him at www.salesproblog.com or follow him on Twitter or connect with him on LinkedIn and Google+
What am I working on?
I am a blind blogger whose main subject is the amusement industry. I write to help sell amusement park and carnival rides, games, inflatables, generators, concession machines, etc. In the process I educate people on the industry in general and specific pieces of new or used equipment. I also work to inform buyers and sellers so that the transfer of items will be smoother in the future. But recently, I have ben working on posts sharing my experience as a blind man with using visual tools such as Pinterest, Youtube, and Google hangouts. I have discovered that these posts can inspire others to take chances and grow in their own abilities. I have ben surprised by how many sighted people have told me how much they learned after reading about my experiences. Thanks to such encouragement I am considering a book at some point. I have ben thinking that I should at least share the last few years with the world. They say everyone loves a good overcoming all odds story and in the last few years I have com such a long way.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Well first, I’m not sure I’m even in a single genre. My writing is split between the strictly technical writing for promoting the amusement equipment I have for sale and the personal posts that seem to inspire and motivate others. When writing about the amusement industry, I do my best to provide plenty of background information on the items I am writing about. I share my personal experiences as well as my opinions. I include lots of photos and videos wherever possible. When writing the more personal posts that seem to get the stronger reactions from readers, I try to be as open and honest as possible. I tell about what happened as well as how I was feeling during the process. Even when things haven’t gone as smoothly as I had hoped, I stay positive. I think that is the key, people love my attitude. One reader went so far as to call me Mr. perseverance. I have started to think that I really should start a second blog so that my two voices can have their own space and not confuse my audience. But the idea of all that extra work just doesn’t appeal to me.
Why do I write what I do?
I’ll b honest and admit that when I first started writing my blog I did it because people said I needed to. I had no clue as to what a blog was, how I was supposed to use it, or what kinds of things I should write about. I’m still finding my way. I surprised myself by how much I enjoy the process of writing a new blog post. I don’t care for the tedious parts of formatting adding links embedding photos and videos; but I fell in love again with writing. And it gives me a place to promote the site and the items that my clients have entrusted to me. And I’m really starting to accept my roll as someone who can motivate and inspire others. This post in particular has turned out to be an opportunity to introduce the blogging community to some other blind and visually impaired bloggers that most of you aren’t familiar with.
How does your writing process work?
As I said I am blind, so any mention of method has to start with technology. I use a Macbook Pro laptop which runs Apple’s built in screen reader called Voiceover. I also use a program called Mars Edit to actually write my posts. Well, first I write them in a text editor. Then, I copy the text into Mars Edit where I add formatting, links to other sites, and embed photos and or videos. I then upload the posts to word Press. This keeps me from having to deal with any more of the WP dashboard than I have to. My subjects are usually chosen for me. I take a utilitarian approach to choosing subject titles. As for the writing of my posts I follow the get it all down approach that so many others use. I Just start typing without any consideration for punctuation, grammar, spelling, sentence structure, etc. After I feel like I have covered my topic, then I go back and do all the editing. I do miss a few things for not being able to see the text document the way a sighted person would, but I do have several good friends who will jump in and point these out to me when necessary. And since I have to listen to my posts, I feel like I do a better job of writing pieces that flow more smoothly. I also think listening instead of seeing helps me cut down on redundant or repetitive words and phrases. I will admit that I should work on writing shorter more simple sentences, but after all these years of writing this way; I am finding it hard to change my style.
Meet some new bloggers
Now, here is where I introduce you to the bloggers who will take up this challenge next week. I was supposed to have three participants, but one of them backed out sighting confusion and uncertainty about how to do it. The two I will be sharing with you are unusual for this blog hop because I went out of my way to find other blind bloggers to showcase. There are many more talented blind and visually impaired bloggers and podcasters out there, and I will continue to help draw attention to them even after this opportunity has passed.
Kerry Kijewski
Was the first other blogger to respond to my attempts to reach out to other blind bloggers. We have become friends and are working to help each other promote our sits.
I was born blind, but don’t let that stop me from doing what I love to do. I love to write. It’s how I express myself and attempt to understand the world around me.
I have a Certificate in Creative Writing. I participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and am working on my first book. I also write short stories, memoir, and have a blog.
kkherheadache.wordpress.com
On Facebook at: HTTPS://www.facebook.com/herheadacheblog
On Twitter at: @KKHerheadache
On Linked In and Google Plus.
My motto has always been to share my writing with others.
Leanne Hunt
is passionate about personal growth and the possibility of overcoming limitation. The gradual loss of her sight through early-onset macular degeneration presents her with many challenges, but it also gives her a unique outlook on life. Her first book, Jozi Gold, features a woman whose 20-year marriage falls apart, forcing her to choose between collapsing into despair or claiming her life as her own. It’s a thought-provoking story that has been called “riveting reading”. Jozi Gold is available from Amazon at http://amazon.com/author/leannehunt and her inspiring blog, Diamond Panes, can be found at http://diamondpanes.blogspot.com
Leanne Hunt lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, with her husband and two daughters.
Sharing is caring
I have enjoyed being part of this project. I want to thank Johnny for inviting me and Kerry and Leanne for taking part with me. The best way I know to do that is to ask you to share this post with your friends and family and visit their sites directly. While you are there, please rad at least one of their posts and lave a comment or share it on social media. Many of us bloggers manage to keep going because of the positive reenforcement we receive from friends and family. If you have time, I would also love to hear what you have to say about this post, the blog, or my site in general. Just drop me a line in the comments section. Its easy, you won’t have to sign up for anything, and you get back links to your own work that will help you get found by the search engines.
Well, I’ve never don anything like this before, but I hp to again soon. If you would like to interview me or ask me to write a guest post, then just email me through the contact form. I love hearing from my readers and look forward to finding out what you think about this whole blog hop thing. Thanks again and take care out there, Max
Hi Max. You continue to push the envelope and the blog hop regarding your writing process answered many of the questions I had regarding the technology as well as those regarding your inspiration and style. I am moving to my summer place tomorrow which may well make me a classic April Fool given that much snow and freezing rain is forecast but will remember that there are those who would be only too glad to see it. I may be a bit incommunicado until settled in a bit but have already checked and commented on Kerry site and will go directly to Leanne from here. Thanks as always for the insights
Hi Paul; i’m glad you got something good out of the blog hop. and why own a place if you aren’t going to use it. It sounds like you are an optimist one of those people who is happy wherever he is. I just hope that home is equipped for th snow and cold. take care, Max
Max, I really liked reading about your process. Your writing is streamlined and that is directly the result of reading it aloud. All writers (sighted or blind) are well-served to read their work aloud when it comes to editing and proofreading. So much can be fixed that way that gets over looked when simply re-scanning a piece.
Hi Jeri; I’m glad you enjoyed reading about my process. I’m even happier to hear that you find my writing strmlind as I often worry my style is too complicated. I hope you get even mor out of the posts to follow as Kerry and Leann ar more traditional kinds of authors. thanks again and take care, Max
Hi Max
As usual, another wonderful post – it just reads so nice, even the technical stuff. I already met Kerry last week, but it was nice to see her picture. Thank you for introducing me to Leanne this week, she looks like a lovely person to get to know and I will be sure to read her blog.
All the best in all you do.
Lenie
Hi Lennie; thanks for the kind words. I will b honest enough to admit that I felt uncomfortable writing it. It wasn’t like anything I have done in the past. but I just kept reminding myself that the point is to share my process and to help shine a light on other bloggers like Johnny did for me last week. I’m glad to see you and the rest of our blogging community embracing Kerry. And I know Leanne will feel the love too. Just wish the third bloggr had been able to get in on this. thanks for your support my friend. Take care, Max
Hi Max — You make me ashamed about how much Baby Boomer bloggers (like moi) complain about having to learn new technology after reading what you had to learn to produce and share your writing. I think its great that you started out thinking you would be doing technical writing for your sales service on your website, but ended up discovering your voice in another genre. I was asked to participate in this blog hop by another person and I declined because I didn’t think I was accomplished enough since I haven’t published a book. I’m glad to see that the blog hop has expanded to include writers with different writing backgrounds and different vehicles for their written words. Write on!
Hi Suzanne; Thanks, I am glad I could share with you and the rest of the blogging community. It is true that I am still finding my voice. As many people have said and written you will always get better responses from posts that are more personal. People seem to tune in better when the posts have been about my weight loss, tackling technology as a blind person, etc. And I may need a second blog. For now I’m just trying to include more of me in my posts. And I would have loved to have had you in my blog hop. I was trying to focus on other blind or visually impaired bloggers, but it would have been great to fill in that third spot. Its a blog post. Don’t see why I couldn’t add a third person after it has ben published. Just let me know sweetie. And in future remember that even the unusual opportunities are god’s way of speaking to you. Take care, Max
Hi Max,
Great post on your writing process! It was nice getting to know you on this level. I look forward to reading more of your stories.
Hi Sandy; I’m glad I could share. I enjoy your travel stories and hope to travel more myself soon. I look forward to the day win I do my first calliope corner episode from th road. take care out there, Max
Aw Max, you are amazing. You never allow your disability to stop you from achieving a goal. I really enjoyed learning how you do this thing called blogging and the many tools you use to make that happen. The phrase, “if there’s a will there’s a way” comes to mind when I think of you. Blog on my friend. 🙂
Hi Susan; so glad I got the opportunity to share. Once again I am surprised that so many people are interested in how I do this thing we call blogging. And your comment put a big smile on my face. I answered your question on wednesday night’s hangout and included a link to you along with the question and my answer at http://midwaymarketplace.com/wedndsday-night-meet-up-recap-mar-26-2014 Ashly suggested that I should share more about how i blog, comment on blogs, use social media in this week’s meet up. thanks for being such a good friend. Take care, Max
Max, thanks for sharing. I was actually wondering what software you used. I like you just write the first draft without regards to punctuation. Thanks again for sharing.
I think that is the way most all good writers go about it. the goal is to get in that zone where you don’t even really have to think about the subject either. I have been very happy with mars edit. Just last week I tried writing a post on the word press site and just about threw the laptop across the room. thanks for reading and take care, Max
Hi Max, thank you for introducing your friends to me and my blog! It has been intriguing coming here and seeing what you do. I think you are amazing and your use of technology is impressive, even to one who uses VoiceOver on the Macbook Air. I’m really glad you connected with me and invited me to join the blog hop. And I must echo what the other commenters have said, your writing style is smooth and very coherent. I support the idea of a book about your journey.
Hi Leanne; Thanks for all those kind words. I was kind of hoping the suggestion of a book would slip by everyone. Part of the problem is i know the beginning, but I’m not sure of the ending yet. I think preparing for and leaving on my first big tour would b a good end to it. I’m glad you like my style of writing because I have ben told it isn’t really suited to blogging. I just figure trying to change it drastically at this point would cause more harm than good. and after reading about your self publishing a book I am in awe of you. I said so in my shares of your post. now, just hoping my network will come through for you. I was happy to introduce you to the blogging community. I just wish I could do more. Thanks and take care sweetie, Max
This was an excellent idea. A blog hop gets the word out there. I was honoured to be included.
hi kerry; i was honored you agreed. I had nevr done anything like this before. it turned out great. the process was a success, now i just hope it leads to more readers and other opportunities for you leanne johnny and me. take care, max
Max,
Your ability to be adventurous with your writing in spite of the challenge at hand is very inspiring and anyone who knows you, knows that their challenges are probably not as big as yours when it comes to blogging.
Thank you for setting up a great example and yes, you do need to blog because the world needs to know about you, your challenges and your accomplishments.
Thank you for doing what you are doing!
Regards,
Kumar
HI Kumar; thanks for the kind words. You are right, there are so many people out there who fail to chase their dreams or go after big goals who don’t have the challenge of blindness or some other physical disability. I started the blog to promote the site, but i’m finding it more useful telling people about myself my struggles and my accomplishments as you said. I hope to get to meet you when you come to houston later this year. And I’m always looking for more opportunities to tell my story. so perhaps a guest post, interview, or some other form of collaboration between us could come. Thanks again and take care, Max
Hi Max,
I’ve just learned of the blog hop concept. I was wondering what equipment you use in the writing process and I appreciate knowing. I love your determination to succeed, and in time, things will become even easier for you. You may not realize it, but you’re an inspiration to many.
Kind Regards,
Bill
Hi Bill; Glad you got something good out of the blog hop. It is an unusual concept. And I now understand that there are people out there who see me as an inspiration, however, i have to remind myself of it. I’m hoping that more opportunities like this will come where i can share information or use my story to encourage and motivate others. thanks and take care, Max
And he’s off my friend. Bravo Max for taking yet another challenge and entering a blog hop. See how many people you’re reaching now! I’m thrilled for you and thank you for sharing the process with us. I was wondering myself how the heck you do this and it’s very impressive.
I’m sure those that complain of having to learn this stuff will think twice after hearing what you go through.
Appreciate the introductions Max and thank you again my friend.
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne; so glad I can be an example of what is possible when you take chances and stretch yourself. I only wish the third lady hadn’t backed out. I also wish I could do more to generate traffic to these other blind bloggers. got any suggestions for my next challenge? and i should mention that the ease or difficulty of leaving comments depends on what system people use. I love comment love or cl premium. I have figured out jet pack and discuss. But there are some new ones out there with tricky captchas. The trick is figuring out how to tell the screen reader to find the entry field. thanks again Adrienne. You are a good friend. Take care, Max
Wonderful to read more about you & see you did the blog hop too, Max! Always a great way to meet new, awesome bloggers.
hi mary; glad you enjoyed the post. i didn’t know you had also done the blog hop. It was my first, but it went well; so I’m hoping to do more of them. take care, Max
Hello
I am happy that you have entered blog hop.
I was wondering about how you manage to write and I got the answer today. I have got a lot of energy from your post , as I am feeling that how much you are trying and it really inspired me.
I also came to know that you also write about amusement industry. But I really liked when you said.
” I try to be as open and honest as possible. ”
I think this is key to success … Best of Luck.
Hi andleeb; I am happy to inspire you. the blog hop was fun and hopefully it will bring in some new readers. thanks and take care, max
Hi, Thanks for the blog hop. Also, you are an inspiration to people and thanks for sharing your blog with us. =)
hi Chrystal; I’m glad I can help in any way. we all need to b inspired on our journeys through life. I wish you all the best with your blog. take care, Max
Wow, Max! You’ve done a terrific job in using technology to overcome the challenge of blogging! As Suzanne said, so many of us struggle with learning all the tech tools we need to use WordPress and other software. You have done a tremendous job in showing us how it’s done. Thanks for sharing your writing process, and for introducing us to some other visually impaired writers.
Hi doreen; thanks for your kind words. I have been helped and encouraged along the way by other bloggers such as susan. WordPress isn’t that bad compared to a lot of other sites I use, but there are some aspects of it made easier by using a third party app like when using mars edit to write blog posts. I look forward to more posts from you. Thanks again and take care, Max
Max, you always leave me inspired! I loved getting this sneak peek into your writing process!
Hi Jen; I’m glad I can inspire you. and perhaps someday I’ll find a way to channel that into something even more productive. I know I always feel more spiritually grounded after reading your posts. thanks for stopping by. Take care my friend, Max
What a fun idea, Max. The blog hop. It will be so interesting to see what the other bloggers say next week. I also enjoyed reading about your writing process. We all do it in our own unique ways. I was interested to see that Jeri thinks we should read our work aloud. I’m don’t know that mine would stand that test but I might try it.
Hi Beth; I’m sure your writing would come out fine from a verbal reading. After all it would still b you reading it. If you use a mac, you can turn on the speech by pressing command f-5 and try out the way I do it. And you should remember that while my writing style seems to appeal to most readers that have commented; my unofficial editor Lorraine reguly always find errors with my posts. thanks for taking the time to rad and leave a thoughtful comment. Take care, Max
You said this: “I will admit that I should work on writing shorter more simple sentences, but after all these years of writing this way; I am finding it hard to change my style.”
Max, let me tell you something. You should continue doing what you are doing, as you are doing things well! I think your posts are well-written and each time I read them, I am reminded of how talented you truly are. You put other bloggers to shame with your abilities. Really.
I think you are amazing, Max. I admire your perseverance and ability to learn and grow. You don’t let your blindness deter you, but spur you onward! I wish I was more like you. 😉 Wink Wink
Hi Lorraine; thanks for your generous comment. First, I know you have battled your own personal challenges and have come through to the other side. We are both proof that there are no good excuses for not accomplishing big things with your life. I’m glad to hear from you that I have a good writing style as you are someone who is dedicated to writing as a means of making your living. Your comments about my style mean so much more. And I now realize that just by doing I can inspire others. Now that I have accepted this, next I need to figure out what to do with that. I wonder if there is a future for me as a motivational speaker or some sort of coach. Could you see me speaking to corporations? hmm guess i need to keep working on my site and selling more equipment; so I’ll have an even better story to tell. thanks so much my friend. Take care, Max
I think you can do whatever you set your mind to, Max. As long as you love doing it, you will be successful. There is no doubt in my mind about that.
hi lorrain; thanks, for that it never hurts to hear it again. just wondering how to best take advantage of my story. tai care, Max
Max, thank you for sharing so openly about your writing process. You are a fantastic writer and one of the things I love most about your writing is how beautifully it flows. It feels very conversational and real. Now I understand why. I honestly forget that you are blind when I read your posts. This only goes to show that writing is about finding our voice and sharing it honestly. The technical part is merely a tool. I applaud you for pushing past limitations and taking up new challenges as they come your way. I look forward to reading the work of the two other bloggers you introduce here. I look forward to reading your book when it’s ready 🙂
Hi Valerie; Th fact that you forget I am blind when reading my posts is one of the highest complements I’ve received. I’m glad you enjoy my writing style. I think the best part of doing this whole blog hop thing is all the free critiques I’v received. Maybe people should also mention that when recruiting people to take part in blog hops. I know I’m looking forward to doing more of them. I think you will really like Leanne and Kerry’s work. And I don’t know when I will write that book, but its very encouraging that a few of you have said you would want to read it or that I should definitely write it. Thanks so much for your generous comment. Take care, Max
How awesome! This is a great way to give back.
thanks, that was what I was thinking when I was asked. take care, Max
Max you never cease to amaze me. I visit your blog always wondering what we will explore this time. Your curiosity and willingness to share your experiences are a wonderful addition to our blogging community and my own thinking. 🙂
Hi debra; thanks for encouraging me to share even more. I am always trying new things. but then so many of you in the community have shown the way. Its ben a while since I wrote a guest post of my own, but I think its time to write one sharing more of my experiences. thanks so much and take care, Max
Max, I enjoy your personal posts. You are right, they inspire and motivate which is a fabulous way to connect with others.
hi becc; i’m glad you do. it seems so do most other readers. so my challenge is to ithr include more personal information in all posts or to write mostly inspirational posts. Its still a work in progress. take care, max
Heh Max!
Interesting how you listen to your blogs in the editing process.
Writing is not easy. Though I’m getting better at it.
Stephen King says the best way to learn to write is to read a lot and write a lot. There are no shortcuts.
hi steve; I read that in a review that farnoosh brock wrote about king’s autobiography. I do read a lot, but I don’t know if my style reminds me of anyone I’ve read. I enjoy your posts and think you write well. Keep working at it, Max
Matt Taibbi, a great writer for Rolling Stone magazine, said he learned to write by reading writers he likes.
One of his favorite books is “Dead Souls” by Nikolai Gogol, a Russian novelist. He said he’s read it a hundred times. I’ll pick it up at the library and give it a spin.
Hi steve; I appreciate your passing on his recommendation. Often, I will want to check out an author or novel that is not well known and won’t be able to download it from the library for the blind. don’t really care for downloading books from iTunes or amazon. take care, max
thanks not only are my comments up but now i am getting more track backs too. thanks, max