Saturday, September 14, 2013

Considering Blogging?


Me. 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. Bog.
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.
So, admit it, you're convinced. Blogging is what you want to do.
Now, 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.I know.Really.Moving on . . .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.

15 comments:

  1. I should try that... more than once a month...

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  2. I miss blogging. Need I say more? I'll be getting back to it very soon. Thanks for the inspiration, as you always are. BTW, I love your stories, please, please keep sharing.

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    1. Life just has a way of getting complicated, doesn't it! I so look forward to hearing from you again, Lynda! You inspired me!

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  3. You blog and we're glad you do.

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  4. I agree. I seem to be writing more about God than anything else because I see there is a need as opposed to when I was a kid. People are changing and losing themselves. More and more doors are locking even those of the church are not the same.I try to tell people the simple truth and freedom lies in the 10 commandments.
    But then you touch upon people who disagree and instead of moving on, fight tooth and nail to discredit the good word and open doors to disaster.These are the people who need it the most.
    So sometimes it is a little discouraging so I tell people the wrong voices are heard. More of Gods' voices need to be heard.This way the others have to stop and think. Nice story.

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    1. I couldn't agree more, LL. It takes courage to share your beliefs and even more to do it again and again! Keep on. Your message is important!

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  5. I love blogging, I would blog everyday as it helps me to figure out things in my life, however; at the moment, I only blog about 3 times per week... Exercising regularly is becoming extremely important to me. I can't do both without giving up sleep and I need that, lol :)

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  6. Oh this is good encouragement. Thanks :).

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  7. You are the picture of dedication!

    May I ask, did you find it hard to master the technical side of running a blog?

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    1. Running a blog was surprisingly easy! Especially the Blogspot I use. I even figured everything out myself and, believe me, I'm no computer expert! Try it! Your stories need to be shared!!!

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  8. "Eat that chocolate! All of it. Don't miss a bit! Oh, and lick the wrapper when you are done! That's my favourite line.

    Ummm, "stake" president? In charge of....vampires?
    I'll have to get around to checking for your books at Amazon, they're on my list.

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