Class

Writing Blogs & Newsletters: Get Started or Recharge Your Online Writing

Starting and maintaining a blog or newsletter is a great way to keep your writing flowing, hone your craft, and build a platform. This hands-on session combines practical guidance with inspiration to help you get started or bring new energy to your publication.

We’ll analyze examples of compelling blogs and newsletters to see how writers define their niche, establish their voice, and handle openings, endings, and the balance between revealing and oversharing. We'll look at fundamentals like platforms, welcome emails, accessibility, and images. The session also covers post formats -- essays, interviews, field notes, photo essays, and more -- along with strategies for drafting and editing your own work.

Through discussion and free writing, you'll develop your publication concept and an initial launch (or relaunch) plan, along with creative-practice habits to keep ideas flowing.

The class is open to all levels, with no technical experience necessary. Come prepared with any and all ideas for your publication!

By the end of this class, students will:
-Understand common publishing platforms, as well as types of posts and publications
-Effectively analyze online content to see what makes it engaging
-Understand the basics of digital best practices, including accessibility, SEO, and how to use images legally
-Plan their first steps to launch or relaunch their publication
-Be equipped with strategies to keep ideas flowing

All classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Time.

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.