Many days, I still can’t believe I am pretty much living my dream by getting to be home with my girls, while they are still this young, as well as get to write and design daily.
I have always been a creative person, so to me the here and the now couldn’t be more perfect. I still sometimes want to my pinch myself to make sure it is real and I am indeed awake not dreaming it.
So, when I was asked a few weeks back by by Lisa of the Golden Spoons to join her and some absolutely wonderful writers, such as Tamara and Alison to join in on the Blog Author Tour to speak freely about my personal writing process, I was not only ecstatic to be included, but honored. These ladies are seriously all so talented and I humbled by their writing daily.
Lisa wrote about her writing process last week and now I am overjoyed to share a small part of my own writing process here, too. (Thank you again, Lisa!!).
Without further ado, my so-called writing process:
1. What Am I Working On?
Quite honestly, I am am always working and my gears are always turning.
Just when I think I am done, I truly am not. I will admit, that I really do love writing and as much as sometimes, I can feel a bit of pressure to indeed write and share.
Then when I do walk away even for a day, I still can’t help, but come back. I started this blog, as many know for me, but it has taken on a life. A few weeks ago, I shared that I have a private blog just for my two girls.
So, even when I am not writing for this blog, I write for my private blog, as well as for my design blog, J9 Designs to assist others who need blog technical and design help, which also is celebrating it’s year anniversary this week having gotten a new makeover to commemorate this. Click here to see now.
Simply put I live to write and write to live!
2. How does my work differ from others in its genre.
The one thing I have tried to do here always is use my own voice. Even when I share a sponsored post, I try to share a story from my past that can connect with it to help others see that I am just me. Hope that who I am shines through on all my writing, because deep down I am a very, loyal and genuinely caring person.
I also hope that doesn’t come off sounding cliched or conceited, because trust me when I say, I am the furthest from that and totally have my moments of self doubt when I share, but am amazed at how much others out there do read and leave such thoughtful comments, too.
And I still try my best to answer all the comments here even though I have been told by others that I don’t have to, because I want others to know that I am indeed very much real and here as much as I can be in this little space in the internet.
3. Why do I write what I do?
Simply, I write for me, because it something deep inside of me that needs to be released. The first time I wrote creatively again, after years of being on hiatus, some part of me that was asleep at the wheel woke up and I felt whole again.
I always loved to write. As a kid, I used to write creatively all the time. I never really was sure if I was any good at, but I enjoyed it still.
At 36 years old, I still do and everyday I can write and be heard here, I feel blessed for it.
I need to write, as much as I need the air and oxygen to breath. Again, might sound crazy, but the need to write just flows through my veins and I am constantly as I said in my response to the first question thinking about what I can write here and share next.
Sometimes, I get inspiration from sponsored posts by relaying something that I haven’t thought about in years, such as my first pair of glasses or by a daily simple event, such as signing up my oldest for kindergarten.
But still, I get inspired and I thank god I can type (and that I stuck with 9th grade keyboarding/typing) as quick as I think most days.
4. How does my writing process work?
I will admit this one isn’t as clear cut as maybe some others are with this. There really is no rhyme or reason with my writing process. I write when it is quiet (which is either early, late at night or mid-afternoons when the girls are sleeping or in school).
I also need great tunes to listen to and will play my iTunes while I am typing away on my computer.
Usually I listen to either Billy Joel, The Beatles, Paul McCartney, John Lennon or even George Harrison. All the singers help my creative juices flow and get in the proper place to indeed just write.
My private blog is where I jot down everything that inspires me about my girls and the daily grind. I literally will stop in my tracks and write down something as it happens. Then, when I have more time will go back to it and see if I can embellish on it here for all.
Someone once asked me what I would choose as an anthem for my own life. Well, if I had to pick an anthem, for my writing process, it would have to be The Beatles, A Day In the Life, because as I said I truly live each day to write.
Next up next week, I am tagging (both of these ladies truly inspire me and can’t wait to hear from them about their writing process now, too):
Kathy from My Dishwasher’s Possessed
And if you want to join us, please feel free to share. What is your writing process like?
kathyradigan says
I love reading about how other writers work! And I 'm so thrilled that you are living your dream life, if anyone deserves it, it's you!!!! xoxo Thank you so much for tagging me! Lots of love!
Janine Huldie says
This was such a fun post to get to write and I loved getting tagged, too. So, I was seriously so happy to tag you and cannot wait to see how you answer the questions next week 🙂 Love you tons, too!!!
Rea Alducente says
I love that you still share your personal experiences even when you're writing a sponsored post and it makes it indeed personal and sincere. I guess when we love writing, it really flows through our lives and we just can't live without it. I'm not sure if I have a consistent writing process, all I know is that when I have something to say in my mind, I write it down and eventually be able to make a story out of it. Thanks for sharing your writing process to us Janine and congratulations on your design blog's anniv!
Janine Huldie says
Rea, for the most part I truly just can't put something on my own space without having some kind of connection to it. I will admit last week, I knew I was taking a blog break with my kids being home and Easter, so I had some guest posts scheduled, but for the most part I try to use this space to share about myself or my family on a personal level whenever possible. I am definitely with you though about writing my thoughts down to share as they come to me. Thanks again!! 🙂
April G says
I am truly amazed how much you manage to get done. I used to have two blogs but it was just too much for me.
Janine Huldie says
April, somedays so am I! But seriously, I just took some time off the last few days and must admit it was nice. May need to do that a bit more often now 🙂
ginnymarie says
I've told you this before I think; you do a wonderful job with your sponsored posts when you write about yourself! I took typing class in high school, too, and I never knew how much I would appreciate being able to type so easily! 🙂
My recent post Your Spin Cycle Prompt {week of 4/21}
Janine Huldie says
Thank you for saying that about my sponsored posts and I really try so hard to bring it more to a personal level and not just another boring, sponsored post whenever I can 🙂
Lisa @ Golden Spoons says
I love reading these! I missed that you have another, private blog. What a great idea – although, I'm not sure I could fit in one more thing! 🙂 I agree that writing is part of me. As much as all the blogging stuff stresses me out sometimes, when I step away, I miss it immensely. Love that you listen to music while you write. Sometimes I do, but sometimes I find it distracting. Thanks for sharing this!
My recent post Happy Easter Bloggy Vacay
Janine Huldie says
Lisa, huge thank you again for tagging me on this and seriously I had so much fun sharing more about how I write now. And I totally just took time off this past weekend and at the end of the week. I have to admit it was nice, but yes part of me missed this, too!! 🙂
Nellie says
Thank you for sharing your writing process with us! I love that you stop what you are doing to take down the little moments of the kids for your private blog. I totally listen to tunes to write as well, something about the sounds just allows me to be free with my words. Congrats on J9's anniversary!
My recent post Easter Recap & A Weekend Recovery
Janine Huldie says
Nellie, I figured I really need to chronicle more with my girls so they have this time to look back on. And I literally couldn’t write without listening to some great music and nice to know it isn’t just me 🙂
irkedmommy says
It is so much fun seeing another writer/bloggers process! I am in awe of you! 2 blogs, a design company and the girls?! You can do it all, Janine!
My recent post Tagged!
Janine Huldie says
Echo, I try my best, but still trust me there are days I am coming up short!
ashleyinnc says
I am loving this series and can't wait to read more next week! It is making me think about my own process for writing. Parts of it that I think work well for me and parts I need to think about changing to make it more efficient, especially with summer looming so quickly on the horizon!-Ashley
My recent post Would You Rather: Have $10,000 For A Home Renovation Or For A Fabulous Vacation?
Janine Huldie says
Ashely, summer has me rethinking my blogging/writing schedule here, too. Not sure I can keep up with daily writing and designing on top. So, I may be cutting back myself too.
dianeroark says
Janine,
Your writing is the reason I follow and fell in love with your blog. I can always tell you write from your heart. I also love seeing the pictures of you and your family.
I love to cook and take pictures of my food. I noticed yesterday I have over 30 posts (recipes) with pictures I have not finished writing. My brain is like your in that way. I am constantly thinking about what I can blog about and cook. I plan to cook new recipes every week, so now I am way behind when it comes to actually writing a posts. I am not like you when it comes to writing. It is my least favorite. I wish I could write more like you. You definitely put your heart in everything you write.
I hope you had a wonderful Easter and Spring Break.
Blessings,
Diane Roark
My recent post Grilling & Campfire Recipes & Giveaway
Janine Huldie says
Diane, huge hugs for all your kind words here and you know I love and look forward to reading your blog daily, too. Just so happy that we do follow each other. And yes we totally had a wonderful easter and Spring Break. Was a bit hard to return this morning to reality though!! 🙂
Billybuc says
Well my dear, whatever your process is, it is working quite well. Carry on!
Have a great day, Janine!
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you Bill ad I can totally say the same for your writing process, too and then some! Have a beautiful day again!! 🙂
lisang@expandng.com says
Whew! I don't know how you keep up 2 blogs and a design company! Wow!!!! It's awesome that you have an outlet for all the types of writing you like to do. I don't even consider myself a writer, so I'm very honored and surprised to be tagged!
My recent post Seeing the DC cherry blossoms was a no-go
Janine Huldie says
Lisa, I truly have loved getting to know you (and know I said this to you), so when I had to tag someone, I couldn't help, but want to get to you even better. So, I knew I had to tag you for sure. And I mean it when I say I cannot wait to see your answers on this now 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
That's some serious multi-tasking if you can listen to music and type at the same time. I have to have instrumentals, and even with that sometimes I have to turn if off so I can concentrate. Also I love that you comment back. I wish all blogs had the thing where I didn't have to subscribe to replies because I never do and I never return. But I love getting the e-mail with a comment back, so I appreciate that you do that 😉
My recent post A Hot Topic
Janine Huldie says
Kenya, I have gone back and forth on the comment debate and others have told me that commenting back on every comment might be too much, but then I feel like I can't not, because I am ignoring my readers if I don't reach back to their kind words. It does really much so much to me that others will take time out of their day to indeed read and comment, so I feel the least I can do is reply back to them. Hope that makes sense and thank you for letting me know here that it does make a difference to you 🙂
dishofdailylife says
I like that you share your personal experiences even with sponsored posts because it's your real voice. I think it's a lot more fun to read content that feels like there is a person behind it!
Janine Huldie says
Michelle, I so try to make it always feel like a real person is behind my post as much as possible and truly thank you for saying that 🙂
Dana says
If I had to describe you in one word, Janine, I would say "genuine." It's clear that you write with your own voice, and I think that's why your readers are loyal to you. We get the real Janine every time you post here, and you should be proud of that!
My recent post Should I keep blogging?
Janine Huldie says
Aww, Dana, seriously I read your comment in the parking lot before I picked up my kids and was tearing up at your words. You made my day with this comment and cant say that enough. thank you for always being so kind to me and very glad we are blogging friends. Simply put, "Thank you!!!" 🙂
day-with-kt.com says
This was so fun to read – I can't remember when I first started reading your blog but I love it every single day!! Your writing is always engaging and YOU are so super ice!! I hope that one day we can meet in real life!!!
My recent post Smile and the World Smiles with You
Janine Huldie says
Kim I love reading your blog everyday now, too and hope you know how much and love and value your blog friendship. And very much hope that we do get to meet someday very soon now!! Hugs 🙂
tamaralikecamera says
Love, love, love your anthem! And I love George Harrison.
I truly believe that 9th grade typing was a wonderful class! It changed me more than any other class in high school, except maybe Psychology.
My recent post I Got A Room At The Top Of The World Tonight.
Janine Huldie says
Ok, now I wish we could add a George Harrison concert to the mix, but would you settle for Paul McCartney if we ever could get tickets. Seriously though I not only ended up loving 9th grade keyboarding, but minored in psychology, so yet again more hat you and I have in common 🙂
massholemommy says
You are a great writer and I really look forward to following along with your family every day!
My recent post Flying with Kids
Janine Huldie says
Aww thank you so much, Robin and seriously feel the same about you and your blog, too 🙂
theseanamethod says
Getting to do what you love is a true gift, indeed. Many writers I know have the same passion you've expressed. While I'm not the writer you are, my gears are also always turning, getting ready for the next post. So fun:)
My recent post A Functional Entry
Janine Huldie says
I definitely consider you a writer and very much enjoy the way your mind thinks, too. That said definitely a lot of fun and couldn’t agree more 🙂
lovingmarshall says
I'm so glad you participated in this because it's something I've been curious about. You are so prolific–you write every day plus have your design business, and I'm amazed that you're able to do it all. I also really appreciate that you take time to respond to comments. I'd love to hear even more about your typical day–how you plan your writing material, fit it the commenting, structure a post, etc. etc. I find it all fascinating!
My recent post All the time in the world.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Lauren. I have to be honest and tell you that I am in the process of amending my writing schedule a bit to fit in more daily for designing and making sure I can comment as much still. I take Sundays off every week now, plus Tuesdays, too if I can. Just to try to recoup a bit if that makes sense. I think did share for one of the FTSF prompts in the past a typical day here, but I can certainly share it again soon, too 🙂
Courtney says
I've been gravitating toward posts and books about the process, whether it's writing, inventing, art, music, programming…I guess I like ti peek behind the curtain.
My recent post The Perfect Gluten Free Mug Cake
Janine Huldie says
Definitely is a peek behind the proverbial curtain and sounds like some great reads indeed 🙂
Michelle Liew says
Janine, your voice does shine through here, and you should always write for you.
My recent post At rest
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks so much Michelle and I totally agree with you about why we should write 🙂
gigigirl says
So glad you are expressing yourself through writing and using your creative juices. You are doing a great job and I am very proud of you. Love always……Aunt Gloria
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks so much Aunt Gloria. Love you, too!! xoxo 🙂
Crafty Spices says
Your writing is inspiring, I can tell that you are so since year in every word you write. Your experiences and personalization to each post makes us feel so at ease. Great Job.
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you so very much for saying that to me. I really do try my best to put myself out there and be as real and honest on here as I can be. Huge hugs to you for your kindness to me today and always 🙂
The Vanilla Housewife says
My writing process includes a lot of scrolling on FB 🙁 I really need some structure in my blogging life! LOL
Janine Huldie says
Lol, hey FB isn't all bad and seriously mine is my recent scroll addiction is Instagram if it makes you feel any better, lol!! 🙂
Karen says
I just don't know how you get it all done. I am barely holding on sometimes and have to put bloggin last on my list. You rock.
Janine Huldie says
Karen, somedays, I truly do wonder how I do get it all done. And seriously though you are awesome too, so don't ever knock yourself on this. Love you 🙂
MelChi says
I'm so glad I knew you when you first started out blogging because I can truly see how far you've come. And you SHOULD pat yourself on your back every now and then. With two little girls, I think you're doing a fabulous job! 🙂
My recent post Easter Weekend Gratitude
Janine Huldie says
I honestly can’t say think you enough Melanie for saying that to me here today and truly am so very happy we have known each other as long as we have. Also hope we are friends now for years to come!! 🙂
Sandy_Ramsey says
I loved this look into your writing even though just by reading your blog you know that you love to write, I do love the way you put your personal twist on the sponsored posts. That keeps a reader interested and you have such great brands to sponsor!
My recent post Hitting Bottom: Down The Rabbit Hole
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks so much Sandy and I must say I do love to write and I cant help, but always return to it no matter what. Even if I take a day off here or there, I always come back to it in the end 🙂
debsrandomwritings says
Keeping on top of three blogs must be difficult no matter how much you like to write! And one day when your girls are old enough you can sit and browse through your personal blog together, looking through old photos is always a laugh, but reading an old blog will be great!
I love to write and will write about whatever takes my fancy. Often I find myself planning a post in my head only to sit down and write about something totally different. That's what I enjoy about writing, I love the freedom that it allows. My best posts are written when I am alone, the house is quite and I can hear myself think. Our house is often on a par with a circus and I sometimes get too distracted to be able to write well – or as well as I'd like.
It was good to read that an established blogger like yourself still gets moments of self doubt, I always get colly wobbles before hitting the publish or share button and I put it down to being a newbie blogger!:)
My recent post Teenage Daughters, Don’t You Just Love Them?
Janine Huldie says
I am truly with you on sitting down to write something and end up writing about something else, too. Trust me I have lost count how many times I have done this and will tell you my house too is quite the circus and definitely keeps me on my toes for sure. Thank you for stopping by and glad I could share with you and you could also relate to this on some level today 🙂
another jennifer says
I love reading about other people's writing process. I think it's such a personal thing. I don't know what I'd do without writing. It's like therapy!
Janine Huldie says
It truly is just like therapy here for me, too and couldn't agree more with you on this, Jennifer if I tried!! 🙂
Brittnei Washington says
Happy One Year Anniversary to J9 Designs! This is amazing to read about your writing process. I love how writing does similar things to so many bloggers that I have fostered relationships with as it does for me. 🙂
My recent post When should I go back to blogging?
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Brittnei and I know really does help bring about so many wonderful relationships that I have formed, including a friendship with you, too!! 🙂
stephrufa says
I loved reading this. I think it is so cool learning about how others write and get inspired. And the blog just for your girls – that is a fantastic idea!
My recent post No Mother is Perfect
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Stephanie and I know I love my private little blog, really is my own personal space that I can just all let it hang out 🙂
lizzy allan says
So interesting reading about your writing process, Janine. You truly are a gifted writer and your passion for writing really shines through your blog. I'm so glad that I've found you in the blogosphere. I love the positivity, honesty and energy that you put into your work. xxxxx
My recent post How my Perspective on Easter Has Evolved
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you Lizzy for your kind words and hugs to you 🙂
pfchico says
You could never come of as conceited. You are a doll. I also write with no rhyme or reason, inspiration hits during the regular course of the day. One thing I do love about your blog is what you mentioned, that when you have a sponsored post you still are telling a story. I have bypassed many a sponsored post from others because it was simply an advertisement. I enjoy reading about the experiences. With that beautiful family of yours, you have plenty to inspire you, I am sure. 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you so much for saying this and seriously made me smile more then you know!! 🙂
catherine gacad says
i agree, janine, that you gotta write for you! i hear people say, that you gotta write for your audience. i don't agree at all. writing is such a personal experience, you have to do it for yourself.
Janine Huldie says
Catherine, I try my best to write for me and hope that shines through in all that I do share. Hoping you are well and think any day now I will be hearing some good news from you. Happy Mother's Day this weekend 🙂
Jen@JENerallyInformed says
You are an amazingly talented lady! Wow all of the cogs you have rolling would leave me in a pile of rubble, but you do it all so well. Love this insight into your blogging style and process!