Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Thursday, November 9, 2017

Do It

Doing what I do!
I blog.
And now you're probably wondering why on earth I'm blogging about blogging.
Wait for it . . .
My blog is a series of short stories about growing up.
Huh. Me. Growing up. Most people think it didn't happen. Couldn't happen. Will never . . .
But I digress . . .
Occasionally, I feel guilty about spending such a lot of time with my beloved blog.
Even entertain the thought of abandoning it.
But then, someone tells me to continue.
Usually this is a reader. (I do have them!) Or a person who has read a particularly amusing tale. (true story.) But sometimes, it is someone . . . OFFICIAL. (dun, dun, duuunnn!)
This has happened to me.
Twice.
The first was my publisher, Cedar Fort.
Imagine my joy: "Diane, get your name out there. Blog. Get people reading your blog."
It's like being told, firmly, to "Eat that chocolate! All of it. Don't miss a bite! Oh, and lick the wrapper when you are done!"
Mmmmmm.
Where was I?
Oh, yes. Blog.
And officiality. (Is that a word?)
I scurried to obey, frantically typing little stories and posting them. Then telling everyone in Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Google . . . you get the picture . . .
It was . . . fun. (Fun being 'ten' on the 'fun-ness' scale.)
All was well.
Then, another magical day. I was sitting in Church (I do that sometimes.) and our Stake President was speaking. And what pithy, uplifting theme did he choose to advocate?
Blogging.
You heard me right.
It was from the pulpit.
I am not making this up.
His exact words were, "I encourage you to blog. Blog. Blog. Blog. People are reading your stories. They are making a difference."
Okay, I know that there were many, many people in the congregation, but I'm sure he was talking to me. That made it official. With a capital OH!
And good enough for an elbow in my husband's ribs and a hearty "Ha! Told you so!"
So I blog.
Officially.
It just doesn't get any better.
Aw, how to do it?
First, 
choose an amazing topic. For example, what do you most enjoy reading or hearing about? Surprise! That's what your blog should cover. That was easy.
So now you are writing a world-class blog. How do you get to be, for want of a better term, better? Be entertaining. Be unexpected. Be humorous. Be inventive. Be courageous.
Okay, yes, also be honest.
Then get yourself known. How?
Well, you could do something outrageous. But, trust me, that just creates more problems.
The best way is to blog every day. Get your name out there every day.
Post every day. (Have I said 'every day' too much?)
And read other blogs. Comment. Their authors will follow you back. In a non-creepy way, of course.
And before you know it, your readership has gone from zero to sixty to six hundred to . . . you understand.

10 comments:

  1. Blogging is my favorite form of social media. Looks like it is also yours! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think blogging has changed all our lives for the better. Besides meeting amazing writers (such as yourself), we get to express ourselves and write about our lives. What more fun could there be?

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so glad you blog! There are so many fine writers and people out there in Blogland. It's a good place to be.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love it here! I can't believe all the wonderful, supportive people I've met!

      Delete
  4. The blogosphere is a wonderful place.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I smile at this post. I spent a lot of time with Blogging for Dummies. I got the same information in Blogging for Dummies as you give only yours is more interesting. I enjoy your blog and since you're an Alberta girl it's just that much better. I don't find many Alberta blogs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Are you saying I'm better than Blogging for Dummies? THE DAY IS MINE!!!

      Delete

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