What’s a blogger? What’s a writer? And what’s the difference? Earlier today I had the great opportunity to tackle these topics and more by leading a workshop at the Omaha Creative Institute.

For two hours, this group of twenty writers and I discussed the ways we develop ideas, how we execute those ideas, how we can solicit feedback, and how, perhaps most importantly, we can share our stories with the world.

I was delighted to meet such a variety of writers today. All were enthusiastic, yet few considered themselves writers on a full-time basis.

But here’s the big secret: few people who write do so as their sole source of income. We write because we love it. If we can make a few bucks in the process, great. The money, however, isn’t why we write.

There’s something creative on the inside that needs to be fed, be it with pretty paper and an ink pen, a chewed-up pencil and a yellow legal pad, or a computer that quietly hums away while we work.

Below are my notes from today’s workshop. Perhaps my thoughts will inspire you to share a story or two with the world.

Ideas and Blogging

Where do ideas come from?
• Real life/current experiences
• Your own past
• What story have you never told anyone?
• What you read/hear/see that is happening to others
• Talking to other writers often
• Do not immediately dismiss mundane ideas
• Use social media to test ideas
• Don’t fear “giving away” your ideas
• Expand on other pieces you may have written in the past

How to document/outline ideas?
• Are you a notebook person? Computer/iPad person?
• Keep one of them with you at all times
• Outline ideas before you even sit down at the computer
• Your ideas at the beginning may deviate by the end
• Be a hoarder; save everything
• Your blog

Where to write?
• On your own computer
• Microsoft Word
• OpenOffice.org
• Evernote
• Various iPad apps

How do writers stay motivated?
• Feedback from other writers
• Social media interaction
• Regular face-to-face coffee dates