Have you ever poured your heart and soul into a blog only for it to sink without trace amidst the plethora of competing posts that flood your timeline? It’s disheartening isn’t it? You stare at your pride and joy and try to process how 99% of your followers haven’t the slightest interest in this latest literary gem. Then the voice in your head pipes up – ‘Well if they won’t read a 500 word blog then what makes you think they will want to read that 120,000 word book you have been droning on about for the last six months?’
It’s little surprise then that many bloggers raise the white flag and go AWOL. Fellow writers who you corresponded with every day suddenly vanish without explanation and you think ‘I wonder what happened to so and so?’ Blogging can be a brutal business. Don’t expect to become an internet success overnight. Building a base of followers is time consuming, tiring work. That’s right, I used the ‘w’ word. Work? Isn’t this supposed to be fun, a release and relief from the daily grind where we can freely express ourselves in a manner we are reluctant to do in the real world?
This battle rages every day in my head. When I lived on Twitter and Instagram I was obsessed with likes, retweets and followers. I wasn’t one of the beautiful people who were guaranteed 2000 likes simply for posting a selfie of themselves pouting at the camera before a night on the tiles. I didn’t have the looks but I did possess a certain sarcastic wit and, dare I say it, charm that ensured people read my offerings. It worked and the followers er….followed.
When I dipped my toe into the WordPress waters last year I adopted a different philosophy. Fionnuala and I spoke long and hard about the purpose of the blog and agreed it was created in order to be a beacon of hope to others floundering with their faith and a raft of other problems that assail our daily lives and buzz around our skulls like irksome wasps, waiting to sting us in the eye if we dare question their presence. We wanted to offer hope where there was none and light the way ahead for weary walkers on the road less traveled.
That is still why I write. Yes it is pleasing and reassuring to have people post compliments about the blog. Yes it is encouraging to watch the follower base rise steadily day after day. But that is the icing on the cake, the cherry on top. The meat and potatoes is the central message I have alluded to above which I attempt to hammer home every time I write. There is hope amidst the brokenness. There is a way out of the mire. No pit is too deep and no problem too insurmountable. Believe and become the person you were created to be.
My message remains the same every morning. There are some brilliant bloggers out there. People who don’t realise how good they are. They inspire me on a daily basis to pick up my metaphorical pen and keep plugging away at our craft. Not all posts will hit the nail on the head or catch the mood of your readers. Some will sink without trace while others will bob back to the surface again and reassure you that maybe you aren’t the worst wordsmith since time immemorial.
Don’t give up. Keep persevering and writing. If you show up every day then the positives will eventually outweigh the negatives. If you want to become an overnight internet sensation or ‘Instafamous’ then stick to other social media platforms. WordPress won’t make you a millionaire overnight but it will immerse you in an environment with like minded individuals who care about their craft. Interact with them, get to know them. They are your peers, your audience, your critical but compassionate eye.
They are the reason I show up here every day. I practice my writing every day on the blog and then transfer what I have honed and developed into the world I am creating in my novel. The blog is my training ground. Every day I swing wildly with my eyes clenched shut and hope for the best. Most times I miss and strike out. But once in a while there is that sweetest of connections and I watch in awe as the ball sails out of the park.
I just hope the coach is watching on those occasions.
What makes a good blog?
What are your experiences of the highs and lows of blogging?
What bloggers do you want to encourage today?
Well written š
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Thank you very much š
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Hi Stephen & Fionnuala Black,
I concur with mrsyiz! There is considerable wisdom and introspection in your reaching the resolutions and conclusions about the experience and motivation in blogging. Thank you.
Happy August to you!
May you continue to flourish in all of your blogging endeavours!
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Thank you š
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Yes, you’re right! And I will continue my Blog writings without worrying about the number of views š
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Thank you. Good for you. Keep going š
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A post for a certain someone? š
And was I wrong to get caught up in the idea of your meat and potatoes cake being topped with icing and a cherry?
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Iāve seen a few posts of late by bloggers on this topic. And itās a pep talk for myself as much as anyone. You are very, very wrong. Those are the thoughts of a dark and disturbed mind š±
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Yes, meat with icing is very disturbing.
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Itās micing. Thatās just wrong. On so many levels.
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As a weekly blogger who gets excited when my views get into double figures, I can understand why people give up. But I blog because I enjoy the creative challenge, rather than in the hope that thousands will read. Would I like more people to see my work? Of course, but itās not going to stop me doing something I truly enjoy. Thanks for the post.
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Thank you. Thatās a very well balanced view to take. Iām sure that many bloggers would agree with your stance on this issue.
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Difficult. I think one reason a blog might seem to disappear is that the blogger has a major thing to deal with in real life e.g received bad news, bereavement, financial struggles, etc, etc. They might not have the time or energy to consider blogging.
As for your book, I think it’s an excellent idea. Just keep on with the writing and see where it takes you.
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Thank you. I agree with your point. We donāt know what is going on in a persons life.
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Ahh yes you see youāre rather clever because this reconfirms everything said yesterday. āKeep on going and donāt worry so.ā I think I should stick little post-it notes around the house with these words on them. We definitely need to have this drummed into all of us when weāre feeling at a low ebb. By the way, weād love to see a picture of you pouting into the camera Kim Kardashian style! š
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That is one picture you will never ever see š
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I knew youād say that!
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Iām predictable if nothing else šš»
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I know I needed to read this!
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Iām glad it spoke to you and thanks for sharing it on your blog š
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Yes, I just hit 3 years of weekly posts and occasionally wonder why I do this or if I am running out of things to say.
I will admit that I enjoy the views and follows, but I have decided that I love the process of creating something new each week even more.
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Thatās a very healthy attitude to have. Thank you for contributing to the discussion. Wishing you many more years of blogging š
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Thank you so much for this encouragement. The concern for followers is a human one. Yet, I appreciate your words about keeping one’s purpose in the very front of our noses. I write as God leads and send it into the public eye of the internet. Some days, crickets. Others, fountains and streams and fireworks. Have a blessed day.
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Thank you Julie. I am glad that he has led you to WordPress ššš»
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I admire your resolve. I can barely publish a post every couple of weeks, and I can’t imagine finding enough to write about every day. Or the time…
In my defence, our reading group (all beginners, all retired) is planning to self-publish an anthology of our monthly ‘homework’, and I’ve been busy formatting and proofreading. It’s a learning curve – I’ve had to research so many different aspects – some I thought I already knew – but it will all come in useful when I pluck up courage to publish my own short stories. But, you’re right, blogging helps. I’ve not been doing it long, and aim it mostly at helping the group, but other readers have dropped by and been kind. So far, nobody’s said ‘What a load of rubbish’. It is confidence-building and helps me feel… connected. As if my daft plans might be possible.
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Of course it is possible Cathy. Wishing you well with your various projects š
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Very encouraging!
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Thank you š
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Yes very true. Blogging has been my outlet to reset my passion to write. Words impact the heart. It does take a lot of work, but I never want to lose the purpose and passion for why I started it. I wish to inspire not only my blogger followers, but those outside of this community. This was very encouraging!
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A great post. And you’re right – blogging/writing is work. It’s commitment, dedication . . . desire, passion. Blogging should come from the heart, as yours does. Never stop. š
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Thank you. You neither š
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I agree
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I appreciate today’s post. I refrained from entering the ‘blogosphere’ for a long time. I imagined, and rightly so, that there are so many talented writers out there and no one would be interested in my experiences. I initially began my blog as a way to share my experience, strength, and hope with others through social media. As it grew I decided to blog and attempt to be positive and honest in my writing. It was a way to hone my craft as well. I’m incredibly grateful for your posts as well as the many folks I’ve come to know through their writing.
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Good for you. Itās great to have you on board. Thank you š
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I have actually had this WordPress account since 2008. I created it on a whim then and only wrote occasionally.
I didn’t get serious about it until late last year. And I’m glad I did because I’ve met some really cool people! I’ve been so encouraged by so many people and their words.
Thank you for sharing your words with us, Stephen!
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We got your letter today Leigh! The first one! Thank you so much. Rebecca and I will be sending you one back soon šš»š
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Yay! Iām so glad you got it!
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We were thrilled to get it and will be praying for your needs šš»
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For me, that rising and ebbing of views, likes and comments can be disconcerting. At those times I need to reassess my purpose and intent which is always to express my faith and share my good fortune living with a Higher Power. Of course I want others to like and comment, but that cannot be the goal of what I write. I believe you have the same principle in what you share.
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Stephen, You should add a “LOVE” button because I love this post! You inspire me to be a better writer!
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Awwh thank you very much indeed š
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Reblogged this on Real Christian Women and commented:
A Fractured Faith always hits a home run!
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Blogs, like all writing, is so subjective. For me, I donāt like to worry about stats. If youāre putting out your best work and only one person connects to it, Thatās something. One real connection in a sea of 1000 blind likes is something.
Keep inspiring with your wonderful blog. Write and they will come, for 500 words or 120g
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Thank you very much Amy. I really value your advice given how talented you are š
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Best advice someone once gave me at a writer’s conference was this: if you only had one follower would you still write? And if the answer is yes, then write for the one! You never know how your words can impact another soul.
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Thatās great advice. Thank you š
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I really enjoyed this post! It is extremely relatable and so truthful! I constantly tell new bloggers there is the effort in getting to know the community and there is the effort in being persistent as a blogger and writer in general. In short, the brutal truth is that no one owes us anything. We must give and step out into the world.
I am going to highlight this post in my community spotlight on Peeking Beneath at the end of the month š
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Thank you very much. Thatās really good of you š
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Every day when I check my email I see you have published another blogpost. I click through to it and see that it’s not just a pic with a caption or a brief quote copied from somewhere else; it’s actually a properly thought-through piece of writing. And one question comes to me every time. How do you do it? Please tell me. Specifically, how do you fit this around family life? Do you have a job? Full time? And marathon training on top of that? And writing a novel? With 168 hours per week, somethin’s gotta give! What gives? What do you not do – sleep? Are you one person or a set of clones? Tell me, please. And put the humility aside – you have some secret and I want to know it.
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Iām just me. My family always come first. I often write first thing in the morning or when Iām commuting to and from work. Yes I have a full time job.
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I will let you know š. I have just done one. I have just noticed your posts arent coming up in my reader so off to fathom that out ?!
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Oh no, thatās a shame. I hope you get it sorted. Let me know if there is anything I need to do at my end?
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I know just what you mean – posts that have really come from my heart don’t seem to reach others as they have spoken to me, and I many times don’t get very many likes on those. I have learned to not let myself worry about that, though. If that specific post helps me, who cares if it gets zero likes? Lol, at least I really try to convince myself of that. I am getting better at not caring āŗ
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I like all your posts. You always write with the best of intentions. You have a big heart and lots to offer. Keep writing little buddy šš»šā„ļø
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I will š
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So encouraged by this! Thank you š
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Youāre welcome Lea. Glad it has been of some use to you.
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As with all writing, blogging takes time and practice, and, as you said, work! To me, being disciplined enough to post consistently is a win in itself. Bravo to those who keep plugging away.
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Youāre entirely right. Thank you for always supporting our blog š
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This is wild. I just got word that my blog should be “a beacon of hope” and this post just confirmed it. š
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Thatās great to hear. You were obviously meant to read it. Thank you š
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Absolutely!
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Thank you Michelle š
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Thank you for writing this! I am very new to WordPress. I write because I have to! I truly have no intention of earning any money, I just have a passion for financial literacy š
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Youāre welcome. Thank you for reading. I hope your blog is a big success š
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Amen-Amein!! ā¤
ONE TRUE GOD!!
LOVE ALWAYS and SHALOM ( PEACE )!! YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
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Thanks, I needed this. Another reality check for me was a quote from an anonymous but wise person: “Confidence isn’t ‘They’ll like me, it’s ‘If they don’t like me, I’ll be OK.'”
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Thatās a great quote. I think Iāll start using it. Thank you š
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“The meat and potatoes is the central message I have alluded to above which I attempt to hammer home every time I write. There is hope amidst the brokenness. There is a way out of the mire.”
May more people find your table and feed their souls. Thanks for keeping at it.
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Thank you Eric
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Because blog isnāt life tho…itās a hobby (mostly) or a business (for some ppl). Itās ok to relax, otherwise Ull get a feeling of ārush-stress-workā š
If I take my own example- im just lazy š I can spend days doing nothing. Literally. Just lying on my sofa like Oblomov, reading, watching movies & eating. It feels good š
+ in general all works in āwavesā: we chill – we work hard
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Yeah I agree with much of what you say. Iām hoping through I can use this blog to promote my writing so that I can maybe make a career out of it. Itās a dream but itās my dream. Iād love a day lying on the sofa. Youāve just described my perfect day š
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Well, a lot of ppl on WP use the blog for promoting of their own books/writing:) so I donāt see any problems. And u r writing cool interesting posts – I mean u r really blogging – not just promoting:) so I think it will be success āļøšššŗšŗ
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Thank you. Iām glad you like the blog. Comments like yours make it all worthwhile š
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šššš
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Great post! You are quite right that building a readership takes time and energy and proactiveness. I feel like I’ve worked my butt off for my loyal base, but at least it really exists finally! š
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Thanks Lily. Yeah I feel much the same as you. Blogging is hard work. How long has yours been going?
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