Confession Time:
Sometimes I blog while I drive. Picture that, ha!
Well, not really, I just blog in my mind. If someone would invent a device that would transcribe my thoughts onto a keyboard, I would totally buy it.
The other day, I drove a full mile past my destination because I was just blogging away in my head. Hey, at least it wasn’t because I was on my cell phone!
Blogging has become a huge part of my life. Much of my inner thought life is silently composing my next post. Most of them never come to fruition. Why? Well, for one, I don’t really think my readers are all that interested in every random thought that pops into my brain. And secondly, I should take the time to jot down ideas throughout the day, but I don’t.
My husband says that if I got paid by the hour for blogging, we would be millionaires by now.
The point I am trying to make, here, is this: start a blog! Watch it transform you. Last week, I surveyed my readers about their relationship to blogging. Here are the results:
- 53% of those surveyed are fellow bloggers, no surprise there.
- 25% are blog readers.
- 9% are considering starting a blog.
- 4% have no interest in blogging.
- 9% want to start a blog, but don’t know how.
In the few short months I have been blogging, I have learned a tremendous amount. I am no expert by any means, but here are a few pearls of wisdom for those even considering starting a blog:
- Where do I start? Choose a platform. I use Blogger. It’s free, and user friendly. Big time bloggers prefer WordPress or Typepad.
- Decide what form you want your blog to take. It can be private, dedicated just for friends and family to keep up with your life. Or public, with a focus on any subject under the sun.
- Read other blogs, and interact with other bloggers. Build yourself a network of bloggy friends. You will be amazed how quickly this occurs!
- Learn from the pros. I have absorbed a ton of information from bloggers who blog about blogging. Go here or here or here for some excellent reading on this subject.
- Keep writing! If anything, it is cheap therapy, even if no one reads your blog.
- Be transformed. You will be stretched, twisted, and turned inside out. I hear God’s voice more clearly when I am reflecting quietly on what to write.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have about blogging. Give it a shot! If you do, let me know, I would love to visit!
It hasn’t even been 2 months since I started blogging and I knew NOTHING when I started (I didn’t even read blogs yet). I love it! I highly recommend it!!
I do my best blogging when I am mowing the lawn or working out. Maybe all that fancy blood flow going to my brain 🙂
Thank you so much for the link! I really appreciate it and feel like I am learning something every single day!
You are doing a great thing over here- have a great weekend!
I have become a “blog reader” instead of a “blogger”, so thank you for all of the good stuff to read! 🙂
I just think we’re so much alike! I toootally think so much when I’m working out or driving. And, my hubby said the exact same thing to me about spending time blogging! Too funny! And, when I’m writing, I’m able to clearly articulate my thoughts and hear the Lord speaking to me. It’s great and completely worth it for me!
Keep it up, Alyssa – if it means driving and driving (well not too much driving since gas prices are too high), then do it!!
Ok….here it goes!
http://baadfamily.blogspot.com/
My first Blog, enjoy! Feedback please?!?!?!?!
Just started a blog , Thanks for the info!!!!
Hi Alyssa,
I just started my very first blog just last night. Honestly, it was the scariest step I have ever taken. A friend sent me a blog four months from the same forum and I thought it looked great. Then two months ago, I scrolled down and clicked on who it was “powered by” and wham…it said start a blog.
It had a few “extra” options that I had no idea what it was talking about so I just skipped it. I noticed you mentioned “blog spot”…what do you think of that forum? Is it the same as others? I would love to pick your brain if you had some free time.
Andria
.-= Andria Booles´s last blog .. =-.
I recently started my journey of saving money using coupons about three months ago and discovered your great site.
My next goal is to begin a Blog and so this info. is definitely timely. I am however stuck on what theme(s) that I want to focus on. Any feedback that you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Again, keep up the great work and thanks again for the selfless gesture of sharing your knowledge with us. God Bless!!!