The 15 Minute Post

 91 Comments on The 15 Minute Post 0 1115

The 15 minute postI’ve read posts where bloggers claim they can write and publish an article in fifteen minutes.

For someone who hasn’t blogged, reading that makes it sound like blogging is easy.

For me, who has blogged for two year and a half years, it makes me wonder what I’m doing wrong.

Today’s Lesson

I’ve attempted it, but no matter how hard I try, the most I can do in fifteen minutes is write a few sentences.

Even then, by the time I finish the post, those sentences may have changed.

Throughout my post writing time, I’m constantly editing, rewording, “previewing”, deleting sentences or paragraphs and stepping away from the blog to let my thoughts marinate.

To mimic what I do when I’m on social networking sites, I’ve tried setting a timer, telling myself I only have “x” number of minutes to complete a post. That hasn’t worked well as I find it hard to be creative under pressure.

Then there’s the issue of a photo or graphic; trying to find the right one or creating one I’m satisfied with, can take upwards of a half hour.

So I ask myself, “Am I slow, or is the 15 minute post a fallacy?”

Today’s Assignment

On average, how much time do you spend writing your blog posts?

Do you have any time saving tips you care to share?

If so, I’m all ears.

~Barbara.

P.S. I’ve also edited a post AFTER I’ve published it.

Photo Credit: Dave Seah

91 thoughts on “The 15 Minute Post”

    1. Hi Paulo,

      I hear what you’re saying. I looked at the excellent post you linked to. A post like that, that is filled with so much value, doesn’t happen quickly. Thank you for devoting your time to write it and sharing it here.

  2. Hi Barbara .. quite a long time .. sometimes they can come quite quickly – the mistake I make is not doing one the moment I think about it, or writing out the notes I make. I’m going to try and make short bursts and just get it done – but my mind isn’t completely with it and that doesn’t help.

    I’m sure some of your readers will have good ideas .. I’m looking forward to reading them ..

    thanks- Hilary Melton-Butcher
    Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
    .-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: Sting like a bee? Dance like a bee? =-.

    1. You’re welcome Hilary,

      You’ve raised a good point. What an idea hits us, ideally we would type or write out what we’re thinking. But, when life interrupts, that’s not always possible. Knowing immediate follow up could save us time, is a good reminder to jot down our thoughts as quickly as possible.

  3. I definitely spend more than 15 minutes on each post… I’m not sure exactly how much time, but between thinking about the post, writing the post, and finding the perfect picture for the post, I probably spend about an hour or more on each one… And that’s not including the responses to comments, which is very time-consuming. Whoever can do all of that in 15 minutes is amazing!
    .-= Check out Positively Present´s awesome post: words to live by: send it on =-.

    1. Hi Dani,

      Oh my gosh, I didn’t even consider the time I spend thinking about posts. Like you said, that can add to the overall time commitment, too. I agree, if someone can do it all in 15 minutes, they’re exceptional bloggers.

  4. For me, I’d say it’s an hour, minimum. Sometimes, I know exactly what I want to say, and the words just fly onto the screen, and very little editing is needed after the fact, but even so, it takes me about an hour from thought to “publish”. Other times, it can take a good deal longer. I have, at times, spent 2-3 hours on a post, then saved it, and came back in a day or two, and spent another 2-3 hours on it, and THEN went through the editorial process, giving a total time of about 8 hours. And like PP said, that’s not counting the time to respond to comments.
    .-= Check out Jay Schryer´s awesome post: The Last Boy Scout =-.

    1. Hi Jay,

      I know what you’re saying. To get our posts “just right” it can take days. It sounds like you also benefit from stepping away from those types of posts. Even though we know what we want to say, sometimes the words just don’t come easily.

  5. On average, I’ll spend about an hour on each post… but the main body usually flows out in 20 minutes or less. Now, I have had some that literally POUR out of me into notepad, I copy and paste into wordpress, and publish all within 20 minutes… like my “I Naively Believe” post. But most of them will get the benefit of a day or two of second opinions and minor editing before they go live… just to make sure I still like them.

    I don’t think you’re doing anything “wrong” if your posts don’t flow out in just a few minutes. There are so many different ways to write! Some authors write books from beginning to end without stopping, while others jump around between chapters and characters, often scrapping half their work. All that really matters is that, when you are done, you feel you have expressed what you meant to express… whether it took 15 minutes or 15 days. 🙂
    .-= Check out Lisis´s awesome post: Inspiration from Osho: Three Truths About Life =-.

    1. Hi Lisis,

      Your words are comforting. They are a great reminder how we’re each different types of writers.

      I also like what you said about making sure you still like a post. Like you, I’ve had that happen where I’ll have a post complete and after a day or two reread it, and it doesn’t resonate with me anymore.

    1. Hi Kelvin,

      That’s true. If someone is really good at blogging they may be able to crank out a post in 15 minutes. Hopefully it’s something the blog author’s readers enjoy. Mediocre posts might cut it once in awhile, but I don’t know if a blog could succeed if all of the posts were only “average”.

  7. Here’s an afterthought… by the time I sit down to type, my post is mostly written in my head. I think about it while I’m washing dishes or getting ready for bed, then wait until the idea is fully percolated to start typing (didn’t do that with my comment here, obviously… which is why I had to add my afterthought!).
    .-= Check out Lisis´s awesome post: Inspiration from Osho: Three Truths About Life =-.

    1. *smiles* Lisis,

      I know what you’re saying about comments. When a post gets us thinking, we often leave the blog still contemplating what was written. Thank you for coming back and sharing “the rest of the story…”

  8. I think this is totally a case of different strokes for different folks. I’m a fairly quick writer and I could bang out a post of a few hundred words in fifteen minutes if it were subject matter I was very familiar with and the post didn’t require extras like photos or several links.

    I’m one that tends to do a lot of pre-writing in my head as I go about my daily business so once I sit down, I’ve got a good idea of what I want to say and how it should be structured.

    That said, I don’t think that 15 minutes should be looked at as a goal or as desirable for all bloggers. One thing I love about blogs is the huge variety of styles. Some folks write lovely, meaty essays and others informative, breezy nuggets. Both and everything in between can be wonderful.

    Heh, I should also note that I’m not the most perfectionistic person and lean more to the quick and dirty style of writing.
    .-= Check out Tracy´s awesome post: My ear itches on the inside =-.

    1. Hi Tracy,

      It sounds like you’ve got the “from head to post” scenario perfected. From reading your comment and the ones before yours, constructing posts in our head appears to be one way of saving time when we sit down to blog.

      I do agree, blogs come in a variety of styles – all which can be great reads.

  9. It ain’t happenin’ for me, either, Barbara! When I write, the words can flow well, but then there’s the exactly-what-you-do stuff: previewing, editing, editing. . . letting it stew for awhile, then going back to it.

    I’m a stickler for spelling and grammar and visuals. The only “time saver” I may use (and it doesn’t save time, so much as gets me in the groove) is to do several at a sitting, all of which will be re-visited for cleanup.

    Might be fun to have a 15-minute post contest — to see who can come up with what in that time frame . . . but then, maybe scary too. Looking forward to future comments here!
    .-= Check out Jeanne´s awesome post: OMG, I’m Contagious! =-.

    1. Hi Jeanne,

      That could be fun – a 15 minute contest to see who comes up with what. 🙂

      I like and use your idea of writing several partial posts when we’re feeling creative. Although they’re not publish ready, having a basic idea helps when we have time to complete them or are lacking creativity.

  10. Hi Barbara,
    I personally spend a lot of time on my posts. I mean the main post itself with the title is instant…but the adding bits here and tweaking there and pictures…that takes time. Maybe i am slow cause i want each and every post to be perfect and without atleast spelling mistakes. Sometimes when i type too fast even my spell checker has a hard time 😉
    I try to usually have the post ready in my head before i type…but then when i actually sit to type it ends up becoming something very different…a god different though.
    But i am new to blogging so i really dont know what the norm should be. I do wish i could take lesser time….i guess i will have to come back here and read all the comments to get some time saver tips.
    I think the pro pro pro bloggers can probably do a 15 minute post…..i am still amazed how though….
    .-= Check out Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s awesome post: On Compassion {Inspirational Quote of the Week} =-.

    1. Hi Zeenat,

      I’m with you on the “when we sit down to type” part. Isn’t it amazing how one train of thought can lead to something completely different?

      As for what the “norm” is, from reading the comments, it doesn’t sound like there is a right answer. But like you, I’m all ears for time saving tips.

  11. Hi Barbara – Unless it’s something basic or purely informational that I can type quickly – I couldn’t do a fifteen minute post.

    I would hate to guess how long the average post takes me – I don’t often time myself. Often I start posts and complete them a long time later, so it would be hard to know for sure.

    Just finding pictures and choosing old posts to link to etc takes a long time. And like you, I still find myself editing after I’ve published.

    For really big resource posts, I’ve taken 20-30 plus hours but I don’t do those too often.

    I guess I need to start timing myself, so I can manage time better.
    .-= Check out Cath Lawson´s awesome post: If You’re Broken Too Long – It’s Hard To Fix Yourself =-.

    1. Hi Catherine,

      First, I must say, it’s great to see you here. I know you haven’t been feeling 100% so I hope by you commenting that means you’re on the mend.

      That’s a good point. If we timed ourselves that would give us a starting point to better ourselves and/or become more efficient.

      I remember that one post you did that had over a hundred links in it. I know that was a real time consuming project for you – but oh, how what value you created.

  12. Hi Barbara. I agree completely with Tumblemoose. And having said that, I wouldn’t want to do a post in 15 minutes. Unless I was getting paid by the post that is. I find too much enjoyment in the writing and the editing… the whole creative flow of it. Trying to squeeze it into such a short time frame is like removing the romance from a relationship.
    .-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: Island Thyme Bed & Breakfast =-.

    1. Hi Davina,

      I love how you put that, “Trying to squeeze it into such a short time frame is like removing the romance from a relationship.”

      Your comment does raise an interesting point. Part of the enjoyment of writing and/or blogging is the process we follow. Editing is part of it, as is finding the right images and making sure our post is “just right” before we hit the publish button.

  13. Barbara,

    The only time I can write a post in 15 minutes is when I simply link to an interview or guest post I’ve done somewhere else or something similar.

    If I actually write content, it takes much longer, and I’m a fast writer. I typically spend at least an hour on a post and sometimes much longer, depending on the subject, research, links, photos, etc.
    .-= Check out Lillie Ammann´s awesome post: Patriot Day: In Memory of 9/11 =-.

    1. Hi Lillie,

      I’m smiling as I read your comment. Those posts where all we do is link to an interview and/or guest post can make us breathe a sigh of relief as we’ve already done the work (on the guest post or interview) and now we just need to let our readers know where we are.

  14. Hi Barbara,

    Oh, 15 minute posts are hogwash. Heck it takes me durn near 15 minutes to write a comment!

    Even my most impassioned post takes 30 to 45 minutes once I write, proof, find an image, enter keywords into All in One SEO and then preview before publishing.

    I would submit that generally speaking, a 15 minute post is short and has a much higher likelihood for errors and such.

    George
    .-= Check out Tumblemoose´s awesome post: Dear Writer, This Is The Wall. You Have Hit Me. What Now? =-.

    1. Hi George,

      Thanks. I needed that. 🙂

      Like you said, when we start adding keywords (for the All in one SEO plugin), that eats up even more time. And if we’re trying to target a specific audience, it’s imperative we add them. Tick-tock, tick-tock…

  15. It takes me at least an hour to write a post. I know this because I can’t tell you how many times I thought I could get that post written in the 15 minutes I had before I had to leave for work and the next thing I know I’m running late. I have the idea in my head, I don’t have any research needed but after I write it, proof read, add pictures it’s well over 15 minutes. I’ve learned to write my posts the day before and schedule so that I am not crunched for time. I can usually tell if I’ve taken my time or not and my writing shows it.
    .-= Check out Debbie Yost´s awesome post: Is He Gay? =-.

    1. Hi Debbie,

      I like your idea of having a post ready a day ahead of time. Not only does that give us time to do final edits, but like you said, it takes the pressure off of us (if we have a publishing “schedule”)

  16. 15 minutes or less was my norm until I switched to adding pictures and using WordPress. I factor my writing from publishing to make it simpler. I just write in notepad and dump it fast (like writing an email.) When I post it, I have to sweep it and that can take a little longer.

    I think it really depends on whether you’re exploring a thought or dumping what you already know. Exploration takes longer. When dumping, I think the key is to act like you have somebody’s undivided attention for 5 minutes and tell them the keys they need to know, as crisply as you can.
    .-= Check out J.D. Meier´s awesome post: The Power of Patterns and Practices =-.

    1. Hi J.D.,

      I congratulate you on your efficiency. That’s amazing.

      I read your comment earlier and have been thinking about what you said. When we’re just dumping information we already know, it could be easier and less time consuming to construct a post. But when we’re exploring a topic….now, that’s what takes up so much of my time.

  17. I have a lifestreaming blog at Posterous. And in even that loose micro-blogging environment, I can’t come up with a 15-minute post.

    You’re right – looking for the appropriate photograph to go along with the post takes a lot of time for me. The actual writing itself is a bloody process usually. My inner editor is a loud-mouthed, insufferable companion not very easy to dismiss even after the post is already live.

    It asks me to eye with suspicion every part of the post from title to the wrap-up. I always win of course. I’m expert at stomping my feet hollering at this holier-than-thou inner critic, “Enough and get lost!”
    .-= Check out jan geronimo´s awesome post: Here’s Why My Blogging Cup Runneth Over =-.

    1. Hi Jan,

      That’s true, isn’t it? We start listening to our inner editor and if we’re not careful, no post will ever be good enough. I’m happy to hear you’re the strong one who wins as your posts are always a joy to read.

  18. Hi Barbara,
    Oh, there’s no way I get anything out in 15 minutes. Even just doing a quote and a picture (and even when I already know the quote) it still takes longer. There’s a big part to finding a picture that matches the message, which is important to me. And then when I write a full-blown post, definitely at least a couple of hours (minimum).

    This is very much NOT like an assembly line for me – in cranking out posts. It’s much more a matter of the heart…and that takes time for me.
    .-= Check out Lance´s awesome post: Sunday Thought For The Day =-.

    1. Hi Lance,

      Having read your “Sunday Thoughts”, I know it has to take you time to find just the right photo as they all so perfectly match the quote. And no, blogging shouldn’t be like an assembly line. That would make a blog awfully boring.

  19. I’m with you, Barbara. I would have to have a SUPER writing day to get anything out in less than an hour. Today, for instance, even with an idea of what I wanted to say, it took me two hours to write 500 words. I started, finished, then reviewed & edited, and then rewrote half of my original post.

    I leave it up to how my brain is feeling each day when I write. I can be really creative and “on,” in which case writing flows effortlessly. Other days I wonder how to string together five words to make a coherent sentence.

    I enjoyed reading other people’s experiences, so thanks for putting this out there!
    .-= Check out Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s awesome post: Runners, Bloggers and the Power of Applause =-.

    1. You’re welcome Megan,

      Isn’t that the truth? Some days are more creative for us than others. Ideally we would take advantage of those creative streaks and get a handful of posts at least half written. I know what you’re saying about the days when you wonder how to string words together – it’s like being tongue tied.

  20. Hi Barbara…the only 15-minute posts or articles I’ve ever written are the shorter ones that are just “there.” And they are there because I’ve already spent much more than 15 minutes “composing” them in my head.

    Turn that darned timer off, woman! LOL

    Karen
    .-= Check out PeacefulWmn9´s awesome post: Inspirational Quote =-.

    1. Hi Karen,

      LOL, The timer is off. 🙂

      I hear you. If we have a post nearly done, then it may only take us 15 minutes to get it published. Unless we change our mind and rewrite the whole thing. Heehee.

  21. FIFTEEN MINUTE POSTS?? Really? Not me! I spend usually between 1 to somtimes 3 hours, head to toe.

    I guess it depends a lot on what you’re writing about. More personal or what I’d call “creative”stuff does tend to come out quicker. As Lisis says, sometimes it just flows.

    But for topics as you write about, Barbara, that teach and add value for bloggers, I can totally see it taking you maybe… 16 minutes! 🙂

    I’m not sure what your formula is or if you even have one, but your posts are always interesting, helpful and the prose flows wonderfully. Great balance of shorter with longer paragraphs that read well. And the pictures you choose are spot-on.

    I would suggest if you maybe get an good idea for a “list” post, make sure you jot down the ideas for it as they come, or else you may forget them. For me, the lists can go weeks or months before hitting publish but the ideas do all add up over time and usually contribute nicely to my blog.
    .-= Check out Jannie Funster´s awesome post: It’s All Picnics And Cartwheels Until The Fire Ants Bite =-.

    1. Oh Jannie, you’re funny. – 16 minutes. 🙂

      I hear what you’re saying about jotting down ideas when they come. It’s so easy to forget when life gets busy or we get interrupted. Continually adding to list type posts is a great idea. I’m guessing that’s what you do for your “bord” posts.

      As for editing after posting, I haven’t seen any “rules” that says we can’t.

      P.S. Thank you for your kind words.

  23. Everybody’s different. I’ve always been a fast writer, but what slows me down is the editing, formatting, photos and links. I think I average about an hour for “light” posts — about things I already know, as J.D. put it, but I’ve usually got some idea of what the post will say before I start. Sometimes I put a few ideas or sentences down and save it as a draft post. Then later I go back when I have more ideas on the subject.

    For heavyweight posts, I probably spend 8-16 hours on the research (depending on the speed of the Internet connection, it could be a lot more). I may spend twnety minutes a day for a week or two getting the ideas organized in my head (thinking on the subway, in the shower, etc.) before I start the research. Then the writing goes quickly. But neve 15 minutes.
    .-= Check out Dot´s awesome post: Comment on Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes by Dot =-.

    1. Hi Dot,

      You’re right. The speed of our internet connection can also help or hurt the speed at which we get our posts out.

      I like the idea of starting drafts, too. Just a few sentences can help inspire us on a topic we’ve thought of in the past. Like you said, we can also keep adding to it, and soon we will have a complete post (after editing, etc.)

  24. Hi Barbara,
    My posts take about an hour, sometimes more. 15 minutes is really fast. I don’t think my thoughts would be well-presented with that time limit!
    .-= Check out Jodi at Joy Discovered´s awesome post: Simple Pleasure: Family Movie Night =-.

    1. Hi Jodi,

      It’s tough getting our thoughts organized enough to present them is a short period of time, isn’t it? I know staying focused helps, but for me that’s not always easy to do.

  25. Barbara, I’m just like you. 15 minutes would never work for me — even just choosing the photo I’m going to use and uploading it and previewing it would take 15 minutes. I write a bit, let it percolate, get up and walk around, think about it, come back and add more or delete or fix things. And I’ve definitely edited after the post, usually not more than little proofreading errors — but I have done more.

    I have been known to get the first draft down in 15 minutes, in a freewrite. But that’s before the editor side of my personality gets hold of the text. 🙂

    Who in the world can write a thought-provoking blog post in 15 minutes? I’m jealous. Well, sort of. I also like my process, and think it brings me good things, like clarity and the satisfaction of knowing I’ve done my best.

    And I personally think the time you’re putting in is worth it. I like your blog!
    .-= Check out Meredith´s awesome post: pretty enough to eat =-.

    1. Thank you for your kind words Meredith,

      I love the part of your comment where you wrote, “I also like my process, and think it brings me good things, like clarity and the satisfaction of knowing I’ve done my best.” As Davina also wrote, it’s that process that brings us enjoyment, as well. It’s kind of hard to set a specific amount of time for that, isn’t it?

  26. 15 minutes? I have a hard time just selecting a topic in 15 minutes. I wish I could whip out a good post with excellent content in just an hour. I usually spend about 3 hours on a post. By the time I decide on an idea, brainstorm, fact check and write it out it is usually an hour or so. Then I have to read it several times, edit, spell check, add stuff, take stuff out. Then I go off in search of images to spice it up a little and make it more pleasing to look at. After all is said and done, then I can publish. I would like to be able to write 4 posts a week, but I can’t seem to scrape up 12 hours a week to work on them. Maybe as time goes by I will become more efficient.
    .-= Check out Damon Day´s awesome post: Debt Settlement Companies – Top 5 ways they can Screw you! =-.

    1. Hi Damon,

      I was on your site and can see how you would have difficulty whipping up a post in 15 minutes. What you’re sharing is so well researched, beautifully presented and filled with tons of value it would be a shame if you did try to rush it. It just wouldn’t be the same.

      1. Hey Barbara, thank you for your thoughts. I am always in the office late thinking of little things I can do to make the blog a nicer experience. Of course, good content to educate consumers is my main focus. However, a majority of my readers might not even know what a blog is, so I try to keep that in mind and make things as easy to find as possible.

        I have gotten better with my coding for my posts over the last few months, so now I can usually get a post start to finish in 2 to 3 hours.
        .-= Check out Damon Day´s awesome post: Debt Settlement Nightmare for Phoenix Woman =-.

  27. It depends. I can write a blog post in 15 minutes if it’s something I’m really excited about – I have the entire post in my head, don’t need to do any research and can just write my thoughts down. If I need to do research, it takes longer. My average is about 30 minutes, I think.
    .-= Check out vered – blogger for hire´s awesome post: Obama’s Speech to Kids =-.

    1. Hi Vered,

      You’re good. And, I also remember you saying you type fast. That also make you perfect as a “blogger for hire”. I’m guessing your clients are thoroughly pleased with your performance.

  28. Barbara, great post!
    I know what you mean as far as blogs can be time-consuming! I have set my days for thursday and/or friday to be my blogging days for my main post. I will think of what naturally flows in the week, and being in the rhythm; I’ll let it come to me either thursday or friday! Sometimes – depending on the topic, I will be done in 30 mins but generally it can take 1-3 hrs. This is often a lot of editing and then I also fix after I post also! I figure that if I want others to read it, it must be clean, good quality and worthwhile! I think over time I’ll get better at minimizing some time but I enjoy putting out the best that I can so either way I’m okay with it! 😉 I know this could be a challenge once I am working more hrs also, so I’ll be coming back here for more advice myself! 😉
    p.s. the only time saving I can think of is to at least think of ideas throughout the week. I’d hate to show up not knowing at all what I am going to write about , then to have a general idea with some subtopics and let it flow naturally from there! 😉
    .-= Check out Love’s Leading Companion´s awesome post: Leading Transparent Lives and Giving a Loving Response =-.

    1. Thank you Jen,

      That’s true. If we continually think about what we’re going to bring to the table (blog about) ahead of time, when we do sit down to write our posts, it does make the process easier.

      Like you, I also have a posting schedule (currently twice a week). I think that helps, too as we’re taking responsibility. It never lets what we’re going to blog about get too far off our mind.

  30. Hi Barbara,

    It takes me longer than 15 minutes to write a post. Actually, the part that takes me the longest is finding the right picture. Usually, the content of the post is in my mind for about a day or so before I write it. I think my average time for writing a post is about 30 -45 minutes. However, that is a very focused and disciplined 30-45 minutes. I tune out everything. I also think the length of a post determines the amount of time that it takes to write it.
    .-= Check out Nadia – Happy Lotus´s awesome post: Sunday Song for September 13, 2009 =-.

    1. Hi Nadia,

      Staying focused is important, isn’t it? If we can discipline ourselves to concentrate on our posts, that would also make it a little easier.

      I think in some cases longer posts would take longer to write, however, what I find is because I try to keep my posts around 400 words, I have to be brutal with editing. It’s probably a good thing, otherwise you all would be listening to me ramble…. 🙂

  31. Hi Barbara

    I would like to know who said they write in 15 minutes a post and then I would like to see it.
    I am so pleased nobody writes it in 15 minutes, I would feel like a real outsider.
    It takes me days to write a post. I think, I talk and then I write and then I edit and then I rewrite and it takes ages.

    It might be a case like comparing apples with pears, as others said it probably depends on the subject and the depth and the originality.

    At least all this makes me feel better so thanks Barbara, you have done it again.

    love Wilma
    .-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: My daughter and I on ‘why should you?’. =-.

    1. You’re welcome Wilma,

      You sound like Tess. 🙂 In my reply to her, I included three links from blogs that show “how to do it” – the comments on those posts are interesting, too.

      That’s a good point you make. In some instances we are comparing apples to pears – as blog posts and the time they take to write is dependent on the subject matter. And like you said, the depth and originality.

  32. Barbara,
    I am not a 15 minute commenter! Words are so fun and it takes me about an hour to write a post even when it is dancing in my head.

    It is good if I have done the research another time – so it is dancing in my head. I am best if I have at least a half a day before I begin my editing and saying – ” I wrote that same sentence already!”

    I can write a post in about 20 minutes for my partner’s blog, but I have attended a meeting/ learned the how to of something’s function, and taken many of the pictures myself or from my partner’s firm. I still say I will not give up my 2 hour block of time for his blog a week.

    My secret posting weapon – My IT person is a lovely photographer, she will not use Flicker or those spots, but she spends her time interpreting my words with pictures – this saves lots of time! and since she does not talk very much, I know what she thinks it is about!

    I do admire folks like JD and Vered who do most of the writing in one block of time for the whole week. Impressive to me.
    .-= Check out Patricia´s awesome post: Computer Glitch =-.

    1. Hi Patricia,

      That’s a good idea – to have a block of time for blogging, whether you use all the time on a post or something else blog related. And lucky you. You’ve got yourself a terrific IT gal who can read your mind and find photos that are an exact match.

      P.S. I know you are particularly partial to your IT person. 🙂

      And yes, it’s very impressive to hear how both J.D. and Vered can do most of their writing in one block of time each week.

  33. Hi Barbara – I can’t type fast enough to do a post in fifteen minutes. I think this is one of those “rules” designed to make people feel inadequate and discouraged. 😀
    .-= Check out Betsy Wuebker´s awesome post: REMEMBERING =-.

    1. Hi Betsy,

      I was reading your comment and thought, “Sometimes I can’t even type a comment in 15 minutes.” 🙂

      Hopefully whoever is reading this will know not to be discouraged. Although it can be done, it’s not the norm for most bloggers.

  34. Well Babara – it often takes me 2 or more days to write a post, and my current post is an article by someone else and I spent 2 days searching for the image! I think the main thing is whether we are feeling juice for what we are doing – the rest doesn’t matter.
    .-= Check out Robin´s awesome post: Immortality Of The Body =-.

    1. Hi Robin,

      Well put – “…the main thing is whether we are feeling juice for what we are doing – the rest doesn’t matter.” You’re right, it doesn’t matter, but it sure is nice to know we’re not alone, hey?

  35. For me it’s usually about half an hour, but that’s without the pondering I do before I start typing.

    Really – if it were only 15 minutes, how can it be worth reading? The pondering that happens before, the rewriting – it’s all necessary for it to be a good post.

  36. Barbara, I’m new to your site and I want to answer your questions. I have been blogging for about a month and a half. The time it takes me to write a post depends completely on the content. Some of my blog posts are fun and silly. Some include pictures, which definitely take longer. Some are deeply personal and revealing. I seem to find a balance between constructing my words carefully and not thinking too hard so I don’t lose the honesty. I always go back and spell check and edit, and I have edited after publishing too.

    Thank you for the opportunity to share.

    1. You’re welcome Daphne,

      It’s great to see you here. Feel free to dig around, and if you have any blogging questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

      That’s true, isn’t it? If we’re having fun with blog posts, they may not take as long to write, but when we begin to dig deep and share more of ourselves, it seems those posts take a little longer.

    1. Hi Alex,

      That’s true. If we rush getting our blog posts out, that’s a reflection on us, as bloggers. With you having a business, it’s important you come across as professional (which you always do).

  38. Hi Barbara,

    I have a few posts that have only taken 15 minutes to write…but they’re 100 words or less and have no links.

    Two posts today took at least an hour each…from thinking it, to writing it, to posting it, to grabbing the image, to creating my links (and ensuring each link opened up in a separate window)…

    Some days the writing is effortless effort. Some days it’s like pulling teeth.

    Peggy
    .-= Check out Peggy´s awesome post: Capturing Your Opportunity =-.

    1. Hi Peggy,

      I hear you – about some days being like pulling teeth.

      And you’re right, when we start adding photos and links, that does add to our posting/publishing time. I don’t know about you, but often finding just the right image seems to take longer than writing the post.

    1. Hi Walter,

      I LOVE that – “quality will give it timelessness”. And isn’t that what we want to create? Timeless posts? (unless we’re writing a blog on current events).

      The pressure of time can play havoc on how creative we are. I do know many work well in those situations, but thus far I’ve found it hasn’t worked for me.

  40. To be honest, the only time I’ve ever published a fifteen minute post is when I pulled a video from Youtube and had that be the center-piece of my post 🙂

    Other than that, I think that it most often takes just a tad bit longer than 15 minutes. Most times when I write, I save posts as drafts to be completed at a later date. Each day, I write just a bit more. Complete a post here and there and publish when I think a post is ready to be published.
    .-= Check out Ricardo Bueno´s awesome post: [College Humor Video] Real Life Twitter =-.

    1. Hi Ricardo,

      Adding to posts that are in our draft folder is a great idea, especially if we’re doing research on the topic. Little by little we get it closer to completion and then one day, “wa-la” we’ve got a winner.

  41. I’m with you, Barbara; it often takes me 15 mins to write a comment! One way I know of writing a quick post is to listen to my intuition when I’m writing an email to a colleague or a comment on my blog or someone else’s and inspiration suddenly hits me. I copy and save it, and it can end up as the core of a later post or as part of a hotchpotch post.

    PS Have you any idea why I never get the email that you’ve posted until two days later? If you post on a Sunday, I get the email on the Wednesday so I’m always late to the party. Not a problem – the comments are always a marvellous resource – but I’m just curious.
    .-= Check out janice´s awesome post: The House of the Thousand Horrormoans =-.

    1. Hi Janice,

      That’s an excellent way to get material for a blog post – from the comments we leave on other sites. We often find ourselves inspired by what another blogger wrote, and by using what we wrote (or were going to write) becomes a post on our own blog.

      Re: your email subscription to this blog. No, I don’t know why it takes so long to notify you. Maybe someone else reading this understands how that works and can explain it to both of us. (FYI – I’m currently trying to post on Sundays and late Wednesday – my time)

  42. Yeah, 15 minute writing, with a timer is a start but let’s be serious here, I mean, I know some can do it. But I publish after I feel my best work is completed. I’d rather publish two quality posts per week instead of weak articles four or five times a week. Thanks for sharing!
    .-= Check out Miguel | SimplyBlog´s awesome post: Donuts – Android 1.6 to Drop Soon? =-.

    1. You’re welcome Miguel,

      I hear you. Giving it our best can’t be timed. Although some may be able to publish valuable posts in a short period of time, like you, I haven’t figured out how to do it.

  43. I’ve never got that 15 minutes thing either?

    If I write a blog post in one sitting, I have to clear out an entire morning, afternoon, or evening.

    I’d love to share some tips, but I think I do things pretty much like you lol.

    I guess the more you really know about a subject, the faster you can write it, but also the longer you’ll want to make it.
    .-= Check out John Hoff – WP Blog Host´s awesome post: 6 Things I Tell People Who Are Looking To Start A Blog =-.

    1. Hi John,

      I’m with you on that. Clear out a chunk of time to write, or spend short spurts of time throughout the day, editing, tweaking and getting it just right.

      And that’s true. If we do know a topic real well, although it would be easy to write about it, like you said, we could end up getting kind of wordy. Oh, it can be a fine line, hey?

  44. Hi Barbara – It might be very productive to write a post in 15 minutes, but maybe not very enjoyable. 🙂 My posts take somewhere around 1.5 hours for between 500-1000 words. That includes everything – including finding a picture and quote, linking, etc. I enjoy the process and I find that 1.5 hours is not too much or too little.
    .-= Check out Amanda Linehan´s awesome post: The Myth Of The Perfect Answer =-.

    1. Hi Amanda,

      It sounds like you’ve found a great blogging rhythm – knowing how much time you need for each post. And yes, enjoying the process is crucial. Without that, I think we could easily get burned out.

  45. First, I want to begin with a little history lesson. Beethoven used to take weeks to write a sonata. He would take months to write a symphony, sometimes years. He would rewrite his stuff many times before he was satisfied, and even then, sometimes he released things he wasn’t happy with.

    Mozart wrote fast. He was known for writing things once, and that was that. He wrote one of his Requiems in less than three weeks; that’s just phenomenal stuff. He said he heard the music, and he wrote the music, and that was that.

    I tend to write fast. When I have an idea, I go with it, and I’m usually done within 5 to 10 minutes. And I write some pretty long posts at times. The only reason a post might take longer is when I decide to add some internal links to a post. And I write a lot.

    That’s just the way I am. When I used to write songs it would take me 30 minutes to do it; lyrics and music. I don’t think it matters how long it takes someone to write something, as long as it adds something to whatever others want to read or learn.

    Just thought I’d say all that since the first comment was doubting anyone could write something good in 15 minutes.
    .-= Check out Mitch´s awesome post: How Do You Value? =-.

    1. Hi Mitch,

      First, I must apologize for missing your comment. I’m happy I found it as I thoroughly enjoyed the “history lesson” and what you had to say.

      I like how you shared you can write a post in less than 15 minutes. I’ve read it can be done but unfortunately it’s not something I’ve mastered yet. I applaud you for your talent to not only write a post in 15 minutes +/-, but for also being able to write music quickly, too. You are truly gifted.

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