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:
Want to Change the World? Be an Encourager
Are You Making Time for Friends?
Self Care:
An Hour Away so You Don't Commit a Felony
Learning about God in weird places:
What I Learned in the Mountains About Obeying God
Love Doesn't Allow Hate to Win
Sand and Stones The Danger of Living Unplugged
What I Learned about God from Watching The Lion King
Struggles:
Jealousy Tastes Like Bitter Coffee
Here's the Thing about Rejection
It's Called Transition Because it's Temporary
Organization:
Being a Mom:
Using Working Mom Skills in a Stay at Home Mom Role
5 Simple Tips For Leaving on Time
What I Learned From Pinterest. And It's Not What You Think
A Great Day is Only 20 Minutes Away
20 Tips to Help Your Kids Fall in Love with Reading
Three Things to Teach Your Kids While They're Still Under Your Roof
How to Pray for Your Kids as they Return to School
There's a Dangerous Phrase I Keep Hearing on Social Media
Psalms for Moms:
Family stuff:
Why We Chose to Do Disney in Shifts
How to Treat Volunteer Coaches
Written by Ryan:
Where There is Pain, There is Power
Holidays/Seasonal:
Growing Not Fading in the Summer
We Just Won the Championship (Easter)
Books to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
Carols Series:
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
Writers Read:
How To Find Love in a Bookshop
Joseph's Jacob's Favorite Son (Genesis)
The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers
But the Resurrection (1 Corinthians)
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
Generally about Books:
Summertime and the Reading was Easy (and Suspenseful)
Looking at Life Through Poetry
About My Writing
Coming to you From the Mountains
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