"Houston We Have a Problem!" 7 Reasons readers don't comment

Let's be real here. For most bloggers, comments left on our posts are the equivalent of a thank you card from a customer or client. Or finding an extra 20 dollar bill in the pocket of some old jeans, or roses for no reason, or a love note from Keanu Reeves.
Okay, well maybe that last one was just me.

But, the bottom line is that it serves as a bonus to the joys of blogging.
And why wouldn't it be? Who wants to write day in and day out and not "connect?"
It kinda' defeats the purpose of "going public" with our "journals." Hello?

Simply stated, comments are like a vote for what we're doing. They serve to validate that we're being heard and that we're on track with our efforts.
They are also seen as a metric for success.

Don't believe me? I recently remember reading the Blog of a "celebrity" blogger, where he stated that if he lands at a site where there are little to no comments, he doesn't even bother to stay, because there are no signs of life there. Or look at it this way: would you stay at a party if when you arrived there were only 2 or 3 people, and nobody was dancing? Probably not.

Of course there are exceptions to the rule. For instance, if you've been blogging for a year or less, don't fret. Building a community of commenters takes time.
Or if your comments feature button is "disabled" by choice or chance, then this does not apply.

But if you've been at it for 13 months or more and have just 2-4 comments on your posts, (regularly) Houston, there's a problem. Don't personalize it. Just address it. :-)
Let's do some collective trouble shooting today.

Here are some common reasons readers are not connecting through comments.
Or as I like to call them, the Seven Deadly Sins...

1. They have to jump through hoops! I hate it when blogs require that I "register", type in a code, check a box that I agree to the conditions and a bunch of other baloney. Don't you?

2. There are already too many comments, (most of us can only wish to have this problem, right?) :-). At the hot spots with the big time bloggers, I don't even bother to add my 2 cents if there are already 50+ comments before me. It takes too long, and after the first 49 or so, nobody is really that interested.

3. There are too few comments. Very few folks like to be the first one to speak up, or to voice their opinions if they feel like it won't be really heard.

4. You're asleep at the wheel. Your content is not "connecting." Either because your post is too abstract, or not conversational in tone, or way too long, or simply not interesting. Then there are those who simply can't relate to your material. Ask yourself...is your message universal enough?

5. You didn't ask for input. For instance, there was no question posed at the end of your post. Or there was no problem to be solved, or no "ah-ha" moment of which to relate.

6. You're not cultivating good karma in the blogosphere. From my experience, when you stop by and say hi at other sites, typically folks will reciprocate. But not always. (See my post on "Blog Snobs" for details).

7. There's not enough "take-away" value. Consider--Did you make them laugh? Teach something new? Tug at their heart strings? Provide resources?

Take inventory. Value your time and your readers' time by creating content that inspires conversation, recreation, and participation. You can do it!
Comments? :-)

IMAGE Michal Marcol

The Rebel Writer! 5 Ways to break the rules and break the bank

Most scribes I know adhere to the “cardinal rules” of writing more strictly than the 10 Commandments!
Because experts and how-to gurus often give the impression that it’s the only path to publication.

However, it’s not long before these wordsmiths discover that there are many roadblocks when venturing down the “traditional path.”

Perfectly crafted queries get them nowhere, and wild goose chases often leave them frustrated and questioning whether or not they have the talent to make it in this business.

Perhaps it’s even you.
Take it from someone who knows---there’s a better way.

When I became a freelance writer many years ago, there were many obstacles facing me. At the time, I had never taken a class in writing, I had no college degree, (I now have several), no contacts or connections, and I hadn’t discovered my passion until much later in life! What I did have was a business background and the realization that I had to be strategic in order to overcome what I viewed as potential setbacks. To compensate for lost time and less experience, I learned to be more creatively clever than the next person. And to work my "BIC" off. And it worked big time!

What I figured out along the way, is that sometimes“ rules were meant to be broken”.

Here are a few that can increase your productivity and enhance your bottom line!

1. DON’T QUERY, BE HAPPY! Would you believe that I’ve sold about 600 articles, commentary pieces, short stories, and poems without ever once having written a query? Not one. Nada. The trick here is to request writers’ guidelines, produce your best work, be unique, and know intimately the audience of the publications for which you target.

2. DON’T BE AFRAID TO “PUSH THE ENVELOPE” A LITTLE!
A few years ago, an anthology publisher posted guidelines on an online bulletin board for an upcoming book that really bowled me over. I feverishly went to work, and submitted what I thought was a fantastic piece. There was just one problem. No matter how much weeding and revising I did, I couldn’t stay within their specified word count. For me, to dissect my story any more would take away some of the essence of my work. To remedy the situation, I wrote a nice little cover letter to the editor explaining my dilemma. Guess what? The piece was purchased and was ultimately selected from out of more than 600 entries around the country.

3. KNOW THAT “NO” DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN NO. As an avid reader, I sometimes enjoy writing book reviews. A local magazine that previously did not accept book reviews bought mine. The reason? It was well written, fit the slant of the magazine, and I had established a good working relationship with the editor. Sometimes you never know until you try!

4. WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW, BUT ALSO WRITE WHAT YOU’D LIKE TO DISCOVER. Never limit your creativity to things that you have prior knowledge of. You’ll miss out on some great fun and the opportunity to expand your knowledge base.

5. WRITE EVERYDAY? I wouldn’t dare dream of it! Truth is, sometimes my muse acts as rebellious as a teenager. The more I force, the more she holds out. Still, I do something each day to support my writing career. When I’m not crafting a piece, I read or research markets, or turn on the boob tube to be inspired. You should too!

Some rules were indeed meant to be broken. And my long,
successful, satisfying career is positive proof of it!

Thoughts? Break any "rules" in your writing career?
This piece was previously published by me @ Writing for Dollars and is dedicated today to Linda O'Connell.


Image: graur razvan ionut

4 Things Every Writer Can Learn From American Idol!

It's season 10, and I'm in!
For those of you unfamiliar, American Idol is a singing competition whereby 3 judges and American viewers "audition" and choose who's hot and who's not based upon vocal ability and their "wow" factor. And it's hugely entertaining.

For those of you who ARE familiar and think it's a huge waste of time, keep reading this post for this program's relevance to writing.
Anyhow...

As I was saying, each season I vow to stop watching because sometimes there's pettiness, politics, etc.

But then I see the previews, and I'm drawn to it like a good bargain sale!

Though this program is primarily a singing competition, there are other benefits to viewers, particularly those that are writers.

Here are a few pointers I've picked up recently.

1. Talent alone will only take you so far. If you want to outshine the competition, you have to display your creative strengths and play to them. When performers present material that does not showcase their talents well, or display their originality, they sometimes lose their fan base and risk being eliminated from the competition. The same holds true for writers.

2. Heed the advice of industry experts.
How creative artists handle rejection will determine how far they'll travel in their careers. Those that don't listen or fail to implement the suggestions offered up by the "judges" do themselves a great disservice, and stunt their potential growth. Time and time again, I've seen writers who refuse to take constructive criticism from editors, publishers, or seasoned professionals to improve their writing skills, and as a result, never quite make it to the "finals". Don't be one of them.

3. Confidence should never come before competence. It doesn't even in the dictionary! Never let your ego get in the way of your excellence. Learn to be objective. Nurture your talent. Hone your craft. And always strive to let your "star" shine!

4. You must stand out from the competition in a good way to get noticed and to advance in the game. For singers it can be their costumes or performance style. For writers it might be the clever use of metaphors, or strong imagery with words, or quick wit. Decide then deliver.

It's your turn @ the "mic". Do you agree or disagree? What lessons if any have you learned from this popular show?

Image: Photographer Dan

This Gun's For Hire! 5 Things companies look for in hiring bloggers

“Show me the money!”---Tom Cruise

There's something to be said for walking a mile in someone else's shoes.
And when it comes to the world of blogging, these stilettos have covered some serious territory!

In the last two years I have been blessed to work as a paid blogger for some influential sites, and I've also recruited bloggers to work for me on professional and creative projects as well.
Experience that qualifies me to help you gain insight into the world of blogging for bucks .

Though it's not rocket science, it does require a strategic approach and an awareness of a few practices and principles to beat out the competition.

With this in mind, here are a few pointers to turn your passion into pay.
Here's what decision makers look for in their contributing bloggers.

1.Your online reputation---This includes your personal blog, your professionalism at social media sites, your gripes or “word wars” with others that you've worked with, and your overall personality. This sleuth work typically helps to ensure that you'll be a good fit for their team, and that you'll be “low maintenance” in terms of retention.

2.Your creativity---Which goes beyond being able to write well. Good writers are a dime a dozen. Are you innovative and unique? Do you have additional skills like photography or expertise in Wordpress? Can you self-edit? The more you know, the greater your value.

3.Your affiliations---No, not your club memberships, rather other sites that you've done guest posts for, or paid assignments. Blogging for the top-dogs in your niche, or sites with high visibility will definitely earn you brownie points here and elevate your status. As they say, “you are judged by the company you keep.”

4.The success of your site---Have you received awards or recognition from others in the blogging industry? A high Google PR ranking? Impressive Alexa stats? A high level of comments or large following? Then you've got a good chance of serious consideration.

5.Passion---If you don't display enthusiasm for it, chances are you won't stay the course, because the pay in most cases is moderate at best.

Add these five tips to your blogging know-how and you'll add “paid blogger” to your resume.
Do you blog for bucks? If so, do you find this criteria to be accurate? If not, did you find this info useful?


 BLOGGER-MERCIAL

 

 

THIS GUN'S FOR HIRE...! 

Are you seeking a a blogger who has proven experience in creating engaging, results-oriented content?  A ghost writer who has the creative ability to capture your style and deliver your message with maximum impact? A strategic writer who can help you achieve your professional goals, earn money and "work smarter not harder"? An Ebook author to help you publish your own work?

Let's connect.

Serious inquiries only.

Email me at: Gemsjen@yahoo.com

Visit my website @ www.bankablewriting.com

Reasonable rates

Article first published as This Gun's for Hire: 5 Things Companies Look for in Hiring Bloggers on Technorati.

Image Credits: Https://Pixabay.com/

Dear Diary...The joy of journaling

I have always felt at home with words.
Sometimes, moreso than with people.
As a young teen, words were a means of escape and expression, for someone who was shy, gifted, and socially awkward.

I suppose it's why I've always kept a journal. I haven't taken an official count, but I'd venture to say I have dozens, representing various stages and ages in my life. Beautiful and sometimes painful reminders of my journey.

They come in an array of sizes and colors and styles. Oh my!

Which is why I was so geeked when I scored one last week from a local thrift store. It was not just any journal, mind you, but a devotional. Beautiful, 6x9 with a beige and burgundy cover and tan linen pages. Brand spanking new, for less than a buck. :-)

I dig that it has specific categories: prayers for the day, the day's weather, your mood, things you'd like to see happen tomorrow. I like that it calls for guided input. I look forward to penning my thoughts and seeing how it all takes shape.

I should also add that this form of writing is therapeutic, and sometimes even marketable. I've actually gone back to revisit them and used passages to pen essays and poems. Some of which have been published in national anthologies and magazines! Cool, huh? Not to mention, it's nice to laugh at some of the crazy adventures and to feel blessed for the growth.

Remember that love you thought you'd never get over...?

How about you...do you journal? Why or why not? What reflective lessons have you learned? Do tell...


Image Keattikorn

Are You in Touch With Your "Inner-Oprah"? 7 Tips to Make it Happen!

She's built a billion dollar empire on her gift to gab.
This day-time talk show diva has garnered millions of viewers worldwide, and boasts her own network to boot. Like her or not, this queen reigns supreme.

Besides being a mentor and an inspiration to many, Oprah can serve as a great example of what bloggers should strive for in their “chat” with readers and their efforts for greater exposure.
There are indeed parallels.

Even though the mediums differ, bloggers too have a “virtual stage” of potentially thousands of viewers each time we create a post and hit the “publish” button. We too have the opportunity to create loyal fans and followers. We too can make an impact on the lives of others and be influencers and thought leaders.

Now that you've been inspired ,(and hopefully convinced) here are seven ways to tap into your inner-Oprah, become a more effective communicator, and cultivate a mass following:

1. Choose interesting topics to share. Learn how to turn even the mundane into something that's mention worthy. She's definitely a master in this arena. Once she even had a show called “Bra Intervention”. Hello? Now, that's not something you'd see on a lot of the morning shows. You get my drift here?

2. Identify your target audience and speak to their needs, in their language. Truth be told, no matter how wonderful your writing and blogging abilities, not everyone will find you to be their “program of choice”. Don't try to be. Instead, speak to the majority of those you wish to appeal to.

3. Avoid hogging the spotlight. In addition to your perspective and personal stories on your site, why not share feature interviews with other interesting bloggers, quotes from experts, or perhaps point to other sites through referral links?

4. Tug at the audience's emotions. Have real conversations that cause people to connect, laugh, cry, reflect, and relate. Draw from universal experiences like loss, ambition, work woes, passions, problems, memories and mistakes made.

5. Recognize that communication is a two-way thing. Respond to readers' comments, answer questions, take a passionate position.

6. No matter what your niche, industry, or personality type may be, have a conversational tone; talk “to” readers not “at “them. Avoid Geek speak, posts of epic proportions, and stuff that's too technical in nature.

7. Give take-away value. No, as a blogger you can't bestow new cars to all of your fans, but you can provide valuable content, food for thought, and lessons to learn and earn by.

You've probably spent a great deal of time and effort discovering your “writer's voice.” Now that you have, back it up with stimulating, online conversations that will make readers “tune in” time and time again!

How are you in touch with your inner-Oprah? What do you struggle with? Let me hear from you...:-)

Image Commons.wikimedia.org

How to Grow Your Blog to 100 Plus Followers Without Social Media

Other than our guts and our butts, most of us would agree that growth and expansion is a good thing. Right? Take our bank accounts, our knowledge base, our relationships, or career growth as further proof.

Blogging is no different. The same principle applies.

Because simply put, growth symbolizes life, prosperity, and vitality.
It's a metric for success.
So wherever you are on the blogging spectrum, if growing bigger and better in 2011 is not one of your targeted goals, you may want to stop reading this post circa this point.

For the rest of you progressive folks, continue on to discover the secrets of the how and whys.

The Whys...
Even if you're not in the blogging game to make money, you want your efforts to yield maximum returns. Your blog should be the best that it can be. Think of it this way: your blog is like your home and you want to make a favorable impression upon those who visit. It speaks to who you are.

Additionally, success breeds success. The more attention you get, the easier it is to get attention. Here's a case in point. Have you ever noticed that it's easier to get a job, or a mate, or under someone's radar, when other folks are already, (by virtue of your status) wooing you? Am I right? Get a good job or a good partner and you have to practically beat folks off of you.

Maybe it's the group think theory, or the laws of attraction. I'm not certain.
But what I can assure you is that folks pay attention to whatever the latest buzz is, or what's “perceived” as popular, or blogs with high numbers of comments or followers.

With this in mind, here's how to be one of them!

The Hows...
1. “To thineself be true.” Blogging by nature is intended to be personal and authentic. Be the best you possible, as opposed to trying to emulate someone else's success. It's virtually impossible to please all of the people all of the time. The answer? Don't try.
2. Know your target audience. Is it stay at home moms? Writers? Entrepreneurs? Baby Boomers? Decide, then design your content to speak to their needs in their language. You can check your blog's analytics for conclusive clues.
3. Stay on topic, but provide variety. For example, if your niche is writing, in addition to publishing your own pointers and principles on the craft, do interviews with prominent writers, tackle controversial topics like freedom of speech, provide guest posts, host contests, or conduct book reviews. As they say, “variety is the spice of life.”
4. Have a conversational tone. Speak “to” your readers, not “at” them.
5. Write at other sites. This exposes new audiences to your work and builds important connections. Whether it's a guest post or pieces placed in article directories.
6. Create good karma. Respond to readers' comments, and visit their sites and leave your thoughts there to show support.
7. Establish a reputation for excellence. Often "word of mouth" is one of the best forms or advertisement.

Follow these 7 tips to grow your followers and your blogging status in 2011.
Here's to a more bodacious blog experience in the year ahead!

Article first published as How to Grow Your Blog to 100 Plus Followers, Win Friends and Influence People on Technorati.

Personal note: This blog post is provided by way of personal request. Thanks, Robin Merrill for the suggestion. If you'd like me to write about what's on your mind, let me know by leaving a comment or sending an email to Jenniferwriter@yahoo.com. If I choose your idea, I'll give you a shout out in the published piece. Deal?

Image: nuttakit

The Gospel Truth! 6 Things every writer can learn from Joel Osteen

I’m a big fan of Joel Osteen. Not because of his huge popularity as a T.V. personality and pastor of Lakewood Church, nor his role as a savvy businessman and best-selling author.

Each week I’m glued to the boob tube, because in addition to learning about the path to salvation---there’s a bonus. He epitomizes what it is to be an effective communicator. And as I see it, there’s a parallel of sorts: he delivers the “word” from the pulpit while writers deliver “the word” on paper.

Each role is a ministry, shaping the mindsets of the masses.
And every week his eloquence is reinforced time and time again.

Whether you write business letters, speeches, articles, or essays, are Catholic, Baptist, or Buddhist here are six elements he embodies in his sermons that can improve your writing technique.

1. Presentation is important---This may seem a bit sacrilegious, but he’s gorgeous to look at and he dresses to impress; which explains why his fan base is primarily composed of women. When writing, the same principle applies. Make sure your work is “nice to look at,” free of typos, improperly spelled words and poor formatting.

2. An effective lead draws your audience in---Every Sunday he starts his program off with a joke. Some are pretty good, others are a bit corny, but either way this unorthodox approach grabs your attention.

3. Anecdotes help to illustrate key points---Whether he talks about his mom’s faith in her battle with cancer, or humorous accounts of how his wife Victoria really discovered a “gem” when he met her at a jewelry store, it makes an impact and makes things clearer.

4. Expert quotes give credibility---He cites biblical passages and chapters and their respective authors as a way to give guidance and authority to his messages.

5. The take away factor---It’s virtually impossible to watch his show and not come away with a deeper understanding of biblical principles, or encouragement to handle difficult times, or pointers on improving your life. Your work should also connect with readers and make them feel that they know more than they did before and that their time was well spent.

6. A call to action---“Put God first and get into a bible-based church” he tells viewers in closing. Remember that endings are just as important as opening statements to give your audience proper closure and to reestablish your purpose.

By following these six tips you’ll improve the effectiveness of your messages while improving the quality of life and the bottom line of your readers.
And that’s the “gospel” truth.

Craft Therapy, Anyone?

How do you "express yourself" creatively, other than writing?
I love writing.
It is one of my deepest pleasures and treasures.
But, sometimes it can be taxing. Especially if its pursuit is on a professional level.
The "mental muscle" required, the need to come up with new ideas over and over, the pending deadlines, wrestling with writer's block. "Don't it make your brown eyes blue?" :-)

For this reason, I like to take my creativity other places. For me, I've been blessed to create gift baskets. I love to design them and give them as lovely gifts to family, friends, and others.
And what I've found is that many writers have multiple creative talents as well.

In fact, have you ever noticed that many writers are also skilled photographers, or musicians, or painters, or great cooks?

This tendency helps us to let our hair down and still express ourselves via various outlets. And it's therapeutic. That's right.
I was watching T.V. the other day, and the talk show host stated that craft therapy is used in some medical situations to help heal.

So, I pose the question to you, my readers...how do you express yourself creatively other than writing? What gets those creative juices flowing and speaks to your heart? Do tell...

Image: Gail Merriwether
Basket Creator: Jennifer Brown Banks

7 Habits of Highly-Effective Bloggers

If you've been on the blogging scene for more than a hot second, no doubt you've discovered that there are different levels of success and degrees of popularity.
I liken it to boxing.

You know the deal...
I'm not a sports expert by any means, but from my limited exposure, I can say there's a "lightweight" division, "middle weight", and "heavy weight".

These categories and classifications are contingent upon experience, performance record, and the pack of one's punch. In some ways, blogging does too.

There are bloggers. And then there are bloggers!
And from what I've observed as both a blogger and spectator, here's what distinguishes the "heavy weights" and highly effective bloggers from your garden variety blogger.

1. H.E.B. (Highly effective bloggers) are unique. They learn from the best, but develop their own style to impress. Even if they address a common topic or technique, they put their own spin on it, or shed new light on an old subject.

2. They're consistent. They post minimally once a week, even if it's a brief post or perspective.

3. They keep the needs of their readers in mind. They're more emotional than promotional. In other words, their goal is to connect and make an impact, as opposed to selling you a product or selling you on how terrific they are.

4. H.E.B. are great conversationalists and talk "to" their audience not "at" them. They respond to comments and answer questions posed. They are thought leaders and influencers.

5. They provide quality content with great take-away value. This includes proofing their words, researching topics, reporting relevant study findings, and addressing timely topics. They take pride in what they do.

6. They know the importance of proper "sharing" balance. These savvy folks reveal enough of who they are to create a level of intimacy and connection, but not too much where it's inappropriate or excessive.

7. They're persistent. Have you noticed that most hugely successful bloggers have been at their game for anywhere from 2-10 years? That they've guest posted at prominent sites, developed a following via popular social media forums, and that they've paid their dues. There's a great grain of truth to the expression, "you reap what you sow."

From my perspective, these are the most important practices and principles of highly effective bloggers.

Agree or disagree? What common traits or habits would you add to the list?

Image: Salvatore Vuono

Coffeehouse For Writers Announces 1st Contest For Writers!

Coffeehouse For Writers, a long-standing, well regarded resource in the literary community, has provided online courses and resources for writers of all levels and genres for over a decade.

To help you to hone your craft, increase your cash, and move forward in your goals for 2011, the "house" has opened its doors for entries in the following two categories:

Category 1
"DEAR DIARY" (The healing power of reflective writing)
Competition---As writers, most of us have kept diaries in some form or another, dating back to teen years. In an essay of 250-500 words, describe how words heal. Or how you plan to heal others through your words this year.

One winner will be chosen to receive a free journaling class valued at $100.00, bragging rights, and 15 minutes of fame with his/her photo and Bio announced at this site. Send submissions to Jenniferwriter@yahoo.com with "CONTEST" in the subject line. No fee required.

Category 2
Register for a paid class at Coffeehouse For Writers between January 9-February 6th and win the opportunity to take my class "Blogging For Fun or For Profit" free! One winner will be chosen through random selection.


Remember that the deadline for each is February 6th, so don't delay! Hope to see you there.

Image: nuttakit

Frugal Freelancing For Tough Times!

There's no doubt about it. No matter where you are on the economic ladder of life today, or where you live, your dollar buys less than it did a few years ago. True? With the increased cost of living, everybody’s feeling the pinch. So what does this mean for today’s freelancer?

It makes it even more important to be good stewards of our sporadic income, and to save for that “rainy day” now. It means being more strategic and governing our time more wisely.

To this end, here are five fool-proof ways to hold on to your writing dollars and your freelancing freedom.

1. Take care of your health. This may sound simplistic, but it’s crucial in its implications. Poor health can often lead to the need for frequent, costly doctor’s visits, prescribed medications, less productivity and/or a modified lifestyle. Ralph Waldo Emerson stated it best “Health is the greatest wealth.”

2. Reinvest in your career. Take a few bucks from paid articles or writing assignments to put money back in your business. For less than a week’s worth of Starbucks, you can: purchase E-books with markets for your work, pay membership dues to a writers’ organization, buy supplies, or get a subscription to a literary magazine. You reap what you sow.

3. Create multiple streams of income. If you write articles, try doing greeting cards. Edit others’ works. Sell products in addition to providing services.

4. Work smarter, not harder. Retain as many of your writer’s rights as possible for resale purposes. Slant. Study online guidelines. Send simultaneous submissions. Opt to send your work via Email rather than snail mail. Keep in mind that time is money.

5. Keep a financial journal. Record expenses, sale dates, spending habits, expected income, and other information to help you to make prudent decisions regarding your money. And most importantly, stop trying to keep up with the Joneses.

These are the five laws of cutting corners without compromising your quality of life. Just make sure to take a little of the money you’re likely to have by following these tips, and put it away in a bank account. That way, you’ll be one step ahead of any tough times ahead of us… Just in case.

Thoughts? Do you agree or disagree? What are your money or time saving "secrets"?

Image: Simon Howden

The Beauty of Being a "Hole in the Wall" Blog!

Let's be honest.
Every blogger would be beside himself with joy to have staggering stats and make the "Top 10" listing reflected at the authoritative sites. True?

Not only is it good for boosting the ego, and earning bragging rights, it helps boost our "bottom lines".
Still a part of me rebels against making this blog about a popularity contest. Which is why I have a slower "pace" than many of my blogging peers. And why you don't see ads plastered or social media icons placed strategically across my spot.

Don't get me wrong: I'm not knocking those that do. And I rather enjoy reading their blogs as well. To each his own.
But long before I discovered the joy of Blogging, I was a professional writer.
And though I have several goals for this blog, my ulterior motive is clear:

I love writing and sharing my passion with others. It's really that simple.

As a result, I don't get as much exposure as I should. Comparatively, I dig writing and connecting through words much more than marketing and promoting.
Heck, many of my posts are not even Search Engine Optimized.

I like to think of this blog as a "hole in the wall" site.
Have you ever been to one?
A hole in the wall place is one that is like a "best kept secret." It's usually a restaurant, bar, or jazz joint that you're sure to experience good times and groovy people! It often has a more intimate feel.
The conversations are warm and the atmosphere is cool.
And when I think of my most pleasant and enriching blog experiences, they're typically at sites that are not hugely popular, but the hosts are engaging and friendly, and the topics are interesting or offbeat and original.
I hope you find that here.

As a relative newbie to blogging, I have many things to learn. My numbers may not be mind-blowing, but there is continuous growth.

I'd like to thank each of you for that growth and for sharing my journey.
I appreciate your time and dig the vibe. I hope you'll return soon and visit often.

Next time be sure to B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own beauty)!

Thoughts?


Image Salvatore Vuono

The Top Ten in 2010!

Welcome back!
As we bid farewell to 2010, I felt it only fitting for me to highlight some of the best blogs I've discovered along the way that have enhanced my blogging knowledge, entertained, and provided a great blogging experience.

Some I stumbled upon through "Blog rolls" on other sites, others through guest posts, and even some through random research.

Among them are "former favorites" as well as new. They're in different niches with various themes. What they have in common is that they stand out in the blogosphere and provide great take-away value for your time.

Have I ever steered you wrong? :-)
This list has also been assembled to give credit to those deserving of recognition that don't make your typical "Top 10" round-up reflected at popular sites.

Here they are in no particular order:

1. Alternaview.com---Topping the list is an oldie but goodie. The reasons? Compelling content. Consistently. Attractive design and a great level of interaction and interesting dialogue.
2. Diary of a Mad Freelancer---Princess is funny, fearless and a valuable resource on the writers' scene. Whether she's addressing social media strategies, creative how-tos, or providing her two cents on an array of issues, she'll engage you in an entertaining fashion and keep you coming back for more.
3. Working Writers and Bloggers---Great resource for writers and bloggers seeking to take their craft to a new level. Easy to navigate, with great info on how to operate like a "true" business person. Truly.
4. Mrselfdevelopment.com---This gem was discovered later in the year, but makes it no less valuable in the line-up. It's simply brilliant and effortless to read. OMG! Topics range from relationships, to motivation, to self improvement. Be sure to check out the post entitled, " The three signs of a good man". Read it even if you're a man. You'll be head-nodding and smiling.
5. Discovering Purpose---The name speaks for itself, and the content backs it up. A must-read for enlightened living.
6. Blogging Bookshelf---I love Tristan's unique style and use of metaphors. And you will too. This is his second time at Pen and Prosper's "best" listing.
7. Girls Write Out---What a terrific, catchy title, to start off with!
Here you'll find a group of women with different voices and views that almost operate along the same lines as the TV show, "The view"---except they're writers.
Five writers of different genres pen thoughts on fiction, fun and friendship. Cup of coffee optional. :-)
8. Ghost Writing Revealed---Ghost writing is a popular choice as a creative avenue for a growing number of writers today. Consult this blog for the 5Ws of the business, in addition to the support and exchange of ideas.
9. Write With Me---This is a collective writing project that's really neat and fun! Carolina, the author of the blog, asks readers to contribute lines to expand her ongoing story and developing novel. And I must admit it's a novel idea!
10. The Writing Business---Stacey, an interior designer, has really designed a spot that's attractive, with postings that are well written and reflective of what it's like to be a writer "in the thick of things". Join her on her journey.

That's it for the best of the best for 2010. I hope you've enjoyed it.
Please let me know if you value these types of postings, or whether you might have any interesting "finds" to add to my ongoing list. And who knows, next month it could be you!

Thoughts?

Image: graur razvan ionut