“If you’re a writer, you’re never retired by someone else. You not only keep going, but the very art of writing helps keep you alive.”
– Sol Stein
Picking up from our last discussion (click here for a quick review), we’re talking about what it takes to be a “real” blogger or writer. (I’m using “writer” and blogger” interchangeably.)
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“Writing is like hunting. There are brutally cold afternoons with nothing in sight, only the wind and your breaking heart. Then the moment you bag something big… you think, This one is a keeper. This is a trophy brought back from the future realm, the kingdom of perpetual glistening night where we know ourselves absolutely. This one goes on the wall.”
– Kate Braverman, American novelist, short story writer
Blogging and writing are hard work. Think hauling a 40,000-lb. logging truck with your teeth. Scaling Mount Everest. Or childbirth. Laboring to bring forth a full-formed, intelligible post with value-added for your readers is a creative endeavor unlike any other.
Because of the amount of blood, sweat, tears and patience required to write and blog well, few undertake it for the long run.
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Kimber here. Mom says it’s time for a little bloggish housekeeping.(She calls it “housekeeping.” I think it’s more like Rants From the Ole Curmudgeon. Don’t tell her I said that, okay?)
But here’s the deal. Mom gets tons and tons of jun… um, stuff in her In Box. Every day. Lots goes straight to the big kitty litter box in the sky. Never gets opened or read. We’re gonna tell you why and what you can do to fix that.
Here are 5 sure-fire ways to turn off readers and put them to sleep (and how you can fix them):
There I was. Stretched out in a pool of sunshine. Working on my tan. Mom comes along with her mobile Doo-Hickey:
“Smile, Kimber! Sit. Roll over. Lay down. Stay. Say ‘cheese.'”
While the Doo-Hickey is clicking away.
So annoying.
Anyway, Mom says she’s going to “post” the clickey things from her Doo-Hickey. Whatever that means. Then she says:
“Kimmi, How’re we gonna caption these?”
What “we,” Kimo Sabe?
Are you cranking out luminescent strokes of blogging brilliance only to have no one notice? Tired of blogging your fingers off only to have your posts disappear into a black hole?
Don’t toss that towel. Cuz help is on the way.
In this brief video, Cristian Mihai of The Art of the Blogging explains why no one is reading your blog and what you can do about it. Hint: It comes down to two words. Do you know what they are?
Cristian explains here. Give it six-ish minutes. You’ll learn a lot. I did.
See?
Related: How to Stop Being “The Invisible Blogger”
What did you learn? How will you apply Christian’s insights today?
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Are you a newbie blogger struggling to find your voice? Have you been blogging for awhile and are discouraged? Wondering if it’s worth the effort?
These questions aren’t about education level or computer skills. Prior knowledge or experience or anything like that.
Nope. If someone’s asking if they have what it takes to be a “successful blogger,” what they’re really asking is:
Kimber here. Sharing some tummy rub-worthy news!
Well, it was mostly me. I can’t help it. As a Border Collie mix with loads of love, I’m all about sunshine! And all things brilliant, shiny, and bursting with good cheer! I’m also highly intelligent. Loquacious. Loyal and protective. Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall felines in a single…
Wait. Where was I? Oh yeah. Sunshine Blogger Award. Nominated by Hiker Babe. Who loves to explore The Great Outdoors. Plenty of positive vibes there! Also great info and inspiration about hiking, camping, and treating nature with respect.
The Sunshine Blogger Award is given by bloggers to other bloggers. It honors bloggers who are “creative, positive and inspiring while spreading sunshine to the blogging community.” (Aw, shucks. That’s me all over, dontcha know? Did I mention that I’m also shy, modest and retiring? Thank you, Hiker Babe!)
The Sunshine Blogger Award isn’t a self-congratulatory pat-on-the-back paw shake. (Like the neighbor’s cat, if ya know what I mean.) The award means you spread the word about writers you love with your readers! That’s a win-win for everyone. Yesssiree, Lassie! (See bottom of page for details.)
“Sharing some sunshine,” Kimber-style.
The award also comes with some rules, ‘natch.
And now, on with some sunshine!
Man! That’s like asking a mom which kid she likes best! But if you insist, here’s a “short” answer:
I’ve long maintained that some of the finest writing in all literature is Children’s Literature. Any writer who can grab and keep a child’s attention for an entire story is doing something right. Examples?
Perennial favorites? Most anything by John Eldredge. Corrie ten Boom. Elisabeth Elliot. Gary Paulsen and Max Lucado. For uplifting, inspiring stories of hope and grace, Richard Paul Evans is right at the top. Ditto Debbie Macomber and Jan Karon.
I also confess a certain fondness for Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel as well as a curious little monkey befriended by a man in a yellow hat.
In 2018 I surpassed my Goodreads Reading challenge of reading 365 books in one year. My final total: 383 books. Mostly from the local library.
Tiramisu. Raspberry white chocolate cheesecake. Onion rings. Chocolate anything. Cobb salad. Dilled salmon. (Not necessarily in that order.)
The library! There’s also a sweet little mountain inn in western Washington that the hubs and I adore.
People who keep interrupting me when I’m reading! Or writing!
Like, “Can you not see that my nose is buried in a book? That I’m in deep concentration here, 98 miles beneath the Marianas Trench? That I’ve sailed to the end of the world, jumped off, and hove to in another galaxy? That I’m on the rim edge of another Stroke of Sheer Brilliance that you’ve just possibly derailed forever?!” Puh-leeze!
Is that a trick question? Cuz it could literally go “16 ways from Sunday.” (Kimber says “Limit it to three.” So here goes.)
Possibility 1: Curled up in my living room recliner with my snuggly blankie, a roaring fire, a steaming mug of hot cocoa and a good book. With Kimber snuggled onto my lap, of course.
Possibility 2: Any day in The Great Outdoors with the hubs and Kimber. Especially at Mount Rainier National Park. Cuz most any day at Mount Rainier is better than the worst day most anywhere else. (Don’t ask how I know that.)
Possibility 3: Any day with Kimber the Magnificent. Listening to Andrea Bocelli or Chris Tomlin tunes and doing most anything to avoid scrubbing the tub.
Man! That’s like asking a mom which… oh, never mind. That’s hard to narrow down. But in the running would be:
“All children, except one, grow up.” (If you don’t know this, kindly look it up.)
“We can beat these guys!” Coach Herb Brooks, 1980 U.S. Men’s Hockey Team
“Hand over the chocolate and no one gets hurt” – Yours Truly
I love connecting with other readers and bibliophiles, fellow bloggers and writers. Ditto sharing ideas and inspiration and supporting each other.
Writing is part of my personality. Embedded in my DNA. “Writer” is who I am, not just what I do. Basically, I write because I can’t not write. Ever since I was a little kid.
I also love the challenge of trying to convey sometimes complicated, intricate thoughts, emotions, events and/or experiences with words. It’s a never-ending challenge, both frustrating and joyous – especially when you finally reach that Aha! “light bulb” moment! Know what I mean?
Yep. I’ve authored and published over 25 books. I *specialize* in what one wag dubbed “excruciatingly insightful prose.” I’m not quite sure what that is. Can I get back to you on that?
Wow. There have been many over the years in this category. Everything from Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows to Marley and Me. (You may detect a slight canine bias here.)
However, a recent re-read that comes to mind is Born Free: A Lioness of Two Worlds, by Joy Adamson.
I first read this remarkable book in 1969. Some 50 years later, this true story of an orphaned lioness and the two humans who loved her enough to set her free remains one of the most powerful, poignant stories I’ve ever read. It includes overcoming overwhelming odds. Triumph. Tragedy. Tenderness. Hope and loss. Also vivid, evocative descriptions of East African flora, fauna, and people. Born Free has it all. (Shoulda bought stock in Kleenex.)
On a similar note, Isak Dinesen’s Out of Africa also qualifies.
Kimber here again. Here are Mom’s and my nominations to keep the love flowing. (We’re still working on coming up with 11. But here’s a start):
Jane @ Greenish Bookshelf
Cristian @ The Art of Blogging
Christine @ The Uncorked Librarian
Barbie @ Barbie Holmes
Andy @ Pearls and Pantsuits
Jody @ Jodyleecollins
1. How long have you been blogging?
2. Why did you start a blog?
3. How has blogging affected your life?
4. Describe your biggest blogging challenge
5. Your favorite book genre?
6. Describe your version of The Perfect Vacation ($ not an obstacle)
7. How do you defeat writer’s block?
8. Are your family and friends aware that you’re a blogger? What do they think?
9. What’s the best writing or blogging advice you ever heard?
10. Describe your blog in 10 words or less
11. Dogs or cats? (Inquiring Kimbers want to know!!)
By the way. The whole point of the Sunshine Blogger Award isn’t to keep it to yourself. It’s to share it! And spread some blogging love. So, nominate away, friends!
Whew! Is it dinner time yet? “Askin’ for a friend.” Thanks again for reading. Happy blogging and full sunshine ahead!
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Most everyone who’s anyone is singing the praises of social media when it comes to growing your blog. The amen corner is full of “absolutely!” and “imperative!” when it comes to using Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and/or Instagram, etc. to jump-start your blogging traffic or increase book sales.
But is social media use helping or harming your writing?
Answer: It depends. Here are some possible boons and banes.
Social media can be a boon and a valuable tool in your marketing arsenal when used properly and advisedly.
It can also be a bane, a glitzy distraction that gobbles up huge quantities of time and creative energy that should go into your writing.
The answer to the “help or harm” question depends on you. Balance is the key. Use it wisely.
How do you balance your writing/blogging and social media use?
Image Credit: Creative Commons License 2.0
New to blogging? Been at it awhile? Trying to figure out why you’re not getting any new readers, likes or comments?
Maybe you’re making some blogging mistakes. We all do it. What separates “the wheat from the chaff,” so to speak, is who identifies and learns from those mistakes and who doesn’t.
So let’s start with 7 common blogging mistakes. Then we’ll discuss how to fix them.
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Tired of “what I’m doing while stuck at home waiting out the coronavirus” posts?
Me too. I’m lookin’ for posts with a little more meat on their bones, if ya know what I mean. But what to write about?
If you’re staring at the screen and wondering what to blog about while the clock ticks, here are 10 blogging topics you might consider tackling:
“Stay at Home” orders are the order of the day. How do you stay connected with friends, family and colleagues while practicing social distancing at the same time?
Do your readers know about video communications like Zoom and Skype? Videoconferencing with GoTo Meeting? Give them the skinny on Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
Videoconferencing is part and parcel of today’s workplace as many companies are seeking to accommodate work-from-home options. Here’s a list of 10 meeting tools and products for your organization.
Research and polish a post comparing pros and cons for Shipt, AmazonFresh, Peapod, or Instacart. How ‘bout Gourmet Meals to Go? Which service provides the best quality, most selection and quickest delivery options at the best price? Also check out: 9 Best Site for Online Grocery Shopping in 2020.
Doctor Zhivago? Gone With the Wind? Jane Eyre?
A lot of classic literature has a lot of pages. What interesting, engaging classics can you recommend to help occupy the heart and mind while you’re stuck in doors?
Compile a list of long books that are worth the time. (Anything but Proust, or Bleak House, okay? On the latter, you’re better off watching the TV mini-series.)
Homeschool blogger? If so, you may be experiencing a huge boost in traffic right now. So carpe diem! Seize the day and crank out some practical dos and don’ts. Where to find good curricula. How to keep kids on task. Setting realistic goals and expectations. (We homeschooled for years. I might jump in.)
Many people are struggling and turning to relief organizations for help. Do you know a relief organization with a track record of efficacy and ability? Blog about it! Include a donation link and contact info.
How ‘bout a roundup of some of the best coronavirus memes that’ll tickle your funny bone? Dispel some of the gloom with a little cheer.
With some store shelves bare and panic buying spread like wildlife, now might be a good time for a DIY post. Ideas:
Put together a list of downloadable or other sources for soothing sounds: breakers on a beach, rain on the roof. Bird calls. AC/DC. (Well, okay. Maybe not AC/DC. But you know what I mean.) And how ’bout some golden oldies?
If this is your jam, your readers are probably looking for easy, comforting meals they can put together from what they have on hand. Whip up some recipes using pantry staples. Include substitute suggestions. Don’t forget kitchen projects to keep the kiddos busy!
Pets can get stressed out, too. Research and write a post about how to identify and counter stress in your dog. Include creative ways to keep Rover occupied and exercised if you’re stuck in doors.
Of course, whatever category you choose depends on your niche and your interests. But writing is therapeutic. It may be “just what the doctor ordered” – not just for you, but for your readers, too!
Forget that ticking clock. Get busy blogging instead!
Have a blogging idea to add? Holler!
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