100th Post Wrap-up
I was at a writers conference when it was suggested I start a blog. If I'm honest, I felt like a stubborn student being given an unwanted assignment. All I wanted was to show up with my manuscript (that had never really been edited) and get a book contract. That's just not how it works. This sweet woman sitting across from me at the table said, "You need a platform." And after 100 posts, I can honestly say I'm glad I got that homework assignment. You see, I've learned so much from the process of maintaining this silly little blog. I've learned that God will show up with some amazing truths in the weirdest places like through a dude with road rage or a wing wall. I've learned that certain kinds of posts appeal to certain kinds of people. Lastly, I've learned there's value in doing something consistently week after week.
Here are some fun stats. My most liked post in the last year was Happy Accidents. And my least popular one was That's so Annoying. Seems people like fun accidents and have enough annoying stuff in their lives they don't need to read about it. You should click on the link so "That's so Annoying" has at least one reader. That would really help my confidence.
Other interesting facts. Most people read my blog on Sunday mornings even though it comes out on Monday. I tried posting on Sunday once so it was fresh, and it didn't work at all.
My readers used to consist of just my friends and acquaintances, and now the majority are people I've never met. That feels cool. In fact, once a complete stranger complained about her daughter in a comment and the next comment was from her (very annoyed) daughter. Talk about uncomfortable.
What I love about having a blog is it's helped me make connections with friends I haven't talked to in years. I love seeing who a certain post appeals to, and I love keeping my eye out for things that will ultimately end up being a blog post. This little "homework assignment" has proven to be a huge blessing.
I'm still writing other things. I'm working on finishing my second manuscript and have the third book outlined. I can't wait to get started on it. If you want to help me in the process of publishing, use this blog. Subscribe and/or share it. That helps me a lot with my platform.
People often say things like, "I like book the recommendations," or "I like the ones that are geared toward moms." If you like certain kinds of posts, I've linked them below by type. If you get a chance, I hope you'll click on a few. Maybe the one you missed is the one you need to hear.
How to treat friends:
Self Care:
Learning about God in weird places:
Struggles:
Organization:
Being a Mom:
Psalms for Moms:
Family stuff:
Written by Ryan:
Holidays/Seasonal:
Carols Series:
Writers Read:
But the Resurrection (1 Corinthians)
Generally about Books:
About My Writing
My Favorite things
My goal for this blog has always been to give my readers a little encouragement. I hope it's working. These 100 posts have been a great journey for me and, God willing, I hope to go at least 100 more.
Thank you to my faithful readers. You know who you are and I couldn't be more thankful for you.
Blessings,
Shannon