What I Have Learned from my First 100 Posts

Yes, I have blogged over 100 posts. Some good. Some not-so-good. How about you?? Was there a point that your posts went over the 100-post mark?? 

Photo Credit: Haven of Rest

How could I possibly learn anything when I randomly write on a topic without a plan?! Everything I have ever learned about writing tells me that I first need to make an outline and from there write my draft, proof-read the document and then read it again. Do you make an outline??

Of course, when I started blogging, I was an amateur, a novice, and had no idea what I was going to write. I had no audience and had no idea how to find one. I didn't even know if I really wanted to have an audience!!

Through blogging and slogging through my first 100 posts, I have found that I have learned more than my readers who were sweet enough to read my humble blog.

I have found five things to be true about the Blogger World:

1. Some bloggers have a brand (they blog about something in particular) while some bloggers blog randomly.
2. A blog can have a 'background' that is attractive but free through Blogger or free through another website, or it can be purchased.
3. Blogs can earn income through adds along the sidebar or affiliate items sold on the blog.
4. Blogging can take valuable family time or time from home-duties if the blogger does not prioritize her time.
5. Blogging is synonymous with community and fellowship (just remember the fellowship is virtual.)

Why on earth have I learned more than those of you who are so gracious to read my thoughts?? 

When I homeschooled my children, I prepared and researched and became passionate about the topic I would teach. Have you ever become exited about what you learned and taught it to your children, only to find that they were bored with the lesson?? 

I always learned more than my children because I was the one 'wanting' to learn. That could be the case with you. I might have lost you on the first paragraph (but hopefully not the title!!)

Here are some random things I have learned about blogging that I want to share with you:

• Pray over your post before you start.
• Write whether you have something to write or not (it gets those writing juices flowing.)
• Write a post 4 or 5 times a week (it keeps your followers following.)
• Have a catchy title or your readers may opt out.
• Have a topic sentence that draws your reader into your post.
• Have an image/picture that will engage your reader further.
• Images/pictures can be illegal to place on your blog (so be careful!!) it is often best to use your own whenever possible.
• Learn how to use your camera. 
• Have a body to your post...just like in other writing.
• Write a conclusion to sum up what you wrote.
• End with a discussion question-you want to draw your reader into discussion. After all...don't women desire fellowship??
• Comments are a good temperature gage on how you are doing in writing your posts.
• Develop a template (plan) for your posts. 
• Proof-read your posts twice (at least.)
• Don't stress over perfectionism because this is blogging not a book!! Click 'Publish!!'
• Blogging uplifts you through uplifting others!! Blogging keeps you joyful!!
• A post should be around 500 words and no more than 700 words. Keep your post succinct.
• Use a personal illustration that engages your reader.

I have learned so much about blogging. One thing for sure is that it has given me a passion to study about my topic. It has challenged me to be consistent and live out what I post. I am not perfect, so often do not feel worthy to be writing. I am bought by the blood of the Lamb. That means that I share a post because of Christ working and living in me, not anything to do with my accomplishments or failures. 

Comments are the life of blogging. They give the blog owner feedback which helps to hone their skills in blogging while carrying on a conversation. For us ladies, it also gives us fellowship. I look forward to your comments today.

What have you learned through blogging?? 

Are you a better wife, mother, homemaker, and blogger because you have learned through writing the things precious to Jesus??

In Christ Alone,

Judith

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