How to write a blog for PurpleSpace

If you’re interested in writing a blog for PurpleSpace, you might wonder how you go about writing a good blog. Producing a blog doesn't have to be complicated.

What do you want to say?

Before you write anything, work out what your theme is and decide on the most important thing to say - and say it first! People always read the first bit of the first paragraph, but the rest not so much. If you figure out what's important and say it first, you'll keep people reading to the end.

Who do you want to say it to?

Are you talking to other disabled people? Network leaders? Non-disabled colleagues? Work out who you're speaking to and think about what you'd like them to do after they read your blog. Don’t forget our key mission which is about getting folk quality information and advice about how to keep their job, and flourish at work, while navigating and managing impairment at work.

How should you say it?

At PurpleSpace, we strive to be as friendly, informative and positive as possible. And we like humour too. Although not everything you may write will be about positive things, think about a way for your audience to do something to change it. Speak to your audience in a genuine, human way and be as direct as you can.

What should I write?

Make sure your blog has a beginning, leading with your most interesting bit. The middle can build up your argument and at the end, think about something you'd like your audience to do. If you need us to, we can help you with that.

How should I go about writing?

Write one draft in a constant stream of thought without editing. Then step away. Come back to it after an hour or two, or even give it a few days and let your analytical brain pick at it. Keep in mind your audience and what you want them to do.

Once you're done

Now that you've written and had one edit, you should read it through three more times keeping in mind:

1. Do you understand it overall?
2. Is your content factual and are you giving too much or just enough information?
3. How is your tone and phrasing?

Remember your audience, your key message, and what you want your audience to do. You can even ask someone to proof read it, but we will definitely proof read your blog before we publish it.

Ready to go

Now that you've gone through a basic explanation of how to write a blog, you're ready to get in touch with us and become a potential blogger! Please email us at information@purplespace.org with your name, a website if you have one, a Twitter handle if you have one and what you'd like to write about and we'll be in touch.