This is the second time I've purchased the Artful Blogging magazine. The first time I bought it was roughly 3 years ago when I was entertaining the idea of starting a blog. However, I didn't get nearly as much out of it back then as I did this time around, and it's simply because I wasn't blogging yet.
In this issue, 17 bloggers are featured along with their story of why they started blogging and what they've learned from it. I took away something from each story, but there were some things that were said that really resonated with me. Below are some things that I've highlighted.
"Inviting visitors into one's blogging world is much like welcoming them into one's own home -- a
home that hopefully reflects one's personality, is comfortable and enriching, and will leave the guest
happy or relaxed or inspired, but, most of all, delighted that they came and excited at the prospect of
visiting again"
--Georginanna Lane
"Strong design and great photos will attract people to your corner of the internet. Content will get
them to stay. But a clear vision and unique voice is what will make readers settle in with a cup of
coffee and share your URL with friends. Blogging helped me to discover who I am and gave me a
professional purpose."
--Elise Blaha Cripe
"Find beauty in all avenues of art and life, and use your blog as a way to share and educate your
readers. When you do this, you will find that blog writing becomes a more enjoyable process for the
writer and the reader, keeping things fresh and fun."
--Vee Jennings
"Your humility will work like a magnet, attracting readers. Everyone has character flaws, but very
few are willing to openly admit theirs to the world."
--Heather Anderson
"more and more, I am trying to detach from the comments. I realize this cannot be my true
measuring stick for blog success and I'm trying to let go of the need for approval and a pat on the
back. It's not about flattery or ego. It's about sharing what is inside my heart. I believe only by
doing this can our words and our work truly connect with others. This must be my true barometer."
--Danielle Daniel
Is there anything insightful that you've learned about blogging?
image source: stampington & company
Love the tweaks to your blog. It just gets better and better. I love Cluck Cluck Sew!
ReplyDeleteFrom blogging I have learned it is ok to let people into my life. I tend to be very guarded but the more I blog the more I realize that it is ok to share what makes me Me.
I completely agree with miamihoney...blogging has freed me of the need to keep myself so guarded and learn to let people in. It's been such a journey!
ReplyDeleteI always love when you share blogging tips and inspiration. I especially love the quote from Elise Blaha Cripe. I have never heard of Artful Blogging. I need to check it out. Barnes and Noble would have it, do you think?
ReplyDeleteBesides balance, another small thing I've been thinking about lately is how much or how little to write. I want to be mindful of the reader's time, but I don't want the information to be lacking. Another type of balance issue, I suppose.
Insightful thing I've learned about blogging so far...Your community is the heartbeat of your blog. Connect with them and lift each other up. (I realize it must be harder once the blog starts growing...)
Thanks T! Yes, Barnes and Noble carries the magazine, I purchased mine from Joann's Fabric.
DeleteI agree with you on the whole deciding how much or how little to write too! Actually when I wrote this post I thought it looked a little lengthy but I felt like I had some good things to share so I wrote it anyway : )
You do a really good job with connecting with your readers. I often wonder how to keep that going once the blog starts growing...
I have passed by this magazine too many times. Your post is convincing me to take another look at it for sure! I so agree with these quotes and your commentors that being less guarded and sharing yourself can only make you better. It's scary at first, but ultimately SO rewarding, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteSharing what's inside your heart. Yes, that's the key.
I glanced through this magazine a couple weeks ago at B&N and thought 'wow, so awesome'! Seems like it'd be a great purchase!!!! Loving all the great tweaks and changes you've been making to your own blog!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy, I've been testing out a couple of designs but this one really makes me smile : )
DeleteI really love these quote, thanks for sharing them Tori! I think I'll print some of these out and hang them on my inspiration board to remind myself of them, I love the one about humility and the one about sharing what's inside your heart.
ReplyDeleteI really like and agree with Elise's comments on blogging. I feel like the more and more things that pulls me away from blogging are the very reasons that I race back to the blogging community. To start a conversation, share moments, highlights, and the everyday in life, and at the end of the day to hopefully inspire and bring a smile.
ReplyDelete