Do you ponder and reflect on the blogging experience at the end of the year? I do. Many questions come to mind. Like, has it been a successful year? What knowledge have I gained? Who have I had the privilege of meeting? What works, and what does not?
Along those lines, I wanted to pass along two recent posts by Jennifer Brown Banks, of Pen and Prosper.
Lessons Learned shares twenty things that tie life and blogging together in different and unexpected ways.
Six Things Bloggers Owe Readers points out savvy tips to keep our blog in top form all year round.
I've learned plenty this year about blogging and writing. And the wonderful new friends I've gained, plus my fabulous existing ones - wow - what a blessing! Thanks so much for your support.
How about you? I'm interested to hear how your year has gone.
The Other Tidbits
Looking to attend a conference? This Writers Conference info site has listings of various gatherings to please most any writer. Perhaps one might be a good fit.
The 2011 National Christian Writers' California conference will be held in March. Speakers include Bonnie Calhoun, Antonio Crawford, and Kathi Macias, among others.
In need of fresh inspiration for 2011? Steven Goldsberry's article shares 17 Writing Secrets that apply to any style or genre.
I'll be teaching another Basic Boot Camp for Writers workshop, beginning January 3 over at the Coffeehouse for Writers. I invite you to come and see what great offerings the Coffeehouse is brewing for the new year.
What reflections are you pondering? What have you learned this year?
I'll be taking a break until December 30 or thereabouts, at which time I'll share a few awards and a peek at January's happenings. Enjoy your time with family and friends this holiday season.
Blessings,
Karen
Photo credit: Joshua Davis http://www.sxc.hu/photo/88729
Hi Linda .. thanks for these links - I'll check them out .. and enjoy your various writers' conferences.
ReplyDeletere the year .. it has been a roller coaster ride, of which the blog has been the most consistent and positive element & kept me going .. I had thought 2010 might be better - but it looks like 2011 is the year now! Here's to great things for you, your family and our blogging friends ..
Enjoy your break and relaxation - with peace and blessings .. Hilary
Dear Karen...Thanks so much for the helpful links. I will definitely be checking them out.
ReplyDeleteWhat have I learned this year about blogging? Well, number one, I've learned how much I LOVE it! How much I cherish each new Follower. How I love hearing even from people who choose not to follow but just check in from time to time.
It's a privilege to have this writing opportunity---to share my ups and down of life--my discoveries---my every day thoughts and feelings. It's so awesome.
I've also totally enjoy meeting all the fabulous people in blogland...people from all over the USA and different parts of the world. It's exciting and comforting to find messages from all different places waiting for me to read!
Thank you, Karen, for YOU and your blog as well. I wish you a blessed holiday, filled with peace, serenity, and deep happiness. Susan
I'm going to save those wonderful links, I know next year I will need them :)
ReplyDeleteI've been pondering the same things and plan on doing a post regarding this past year.
It is nice to finally have met a fellow Kentuckian!
Happy Holidays, may it be a blessed one!
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Hilary,
ReplyDeleteGlad that your blog has brought you success! It is wonderful.:) It certainly can act as a catalyst for our writing.
Susan,
You are welcome. You are right, it is a privilege to share and blog. So many resources and wonderful friends! :)
Jules,
I agree, it is nice to meet another blogger from KY! So you've been thinking about this too; great minds think alike:)
Blessings all,
Karen
Just checked out the Coffee House. Thanks Karen! I've been wondering if/what course I should take next and will be considering these. I've been reflecting on my year and realize I need an uplift! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGreat tidbits. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a very Merry Christmas!
Ahhhh, the gift of more resources. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your downtime. We all need them periodically.
As for my reflections, they're myriad. Mostly I am grateful, and ready to tackle whatever it is the Lord has for me in 2011. Precious.
Merry, happy, blessed Christmas!
Kathleen
I've learned that now that I'm through writing for a while, I need to focus on what I do best.
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely Monday morning surprise!
I've learned what a great treasure and pleasure it is to have creative connections like you! I adore thee. :-) So greatful for the "divine plan" that aligns us across the miles.
Thanks so much for the mention and your continued support and friendship.
Warmly,
Jen
OOPS, I misspelled grateful. Caught it! ;-)
ReplyDeleteJen
Have a wonderful Christmas, Karen!
ReplyDeleteI've learned the online community is very supportive! I've learned to focus on my passions and blog about those topics. Makes life easier.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
I've reflected on how much I've had to stretch myself this past year--and found that it feels good :-) Thanks for the links, Karen. And wishing you wonderful holidays and a great year ahead.
ReplyDeleteLynn,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! They have a diverse list of courses. Perhaps I'll bump into you there. :)
Jennifer S.,
Thank you! Blessings!
Kathleen,
You are welcome. Will enjoy getting some projects out of the way.:)
Diane,
Good advice, no matter what we do. Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer B.,
I too, am grateful for that divine plan. It is a pleasure to share friendship and the goodies from your blog. Thanks so much! :) BTW, I didn't even notice "greatful" till I saw your second comment! :D Must be time for a break...
Kristen,
Blessings to you. Thanks for coming by!
Alex,
Oh wow, yes, I have to agree with you. What a great gang, huh?
Kenda,
Stretching can be a good thing. I think I need to do a little more in the new year.
Blessings and Happy New Year all,
Karen
I hadn't thought about my year of blogging but now I have food for thought. Thanks. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteHaving blogged for about a year now, I can say that my writing has life has been enriched through blogging and the writing community.
ReplyDeleteHave a good holiday, Karen. I hope they aren't too hard.
Thank you for these wonderful links! I hope you and your family enjoy the best Christmas ever!!!!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea on reflecting about the year's blogging. Maybe it makes me nervous too, because I met so many wonderful people and have been blessed with so many supporters, I would never want to let anyone down.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas season, Karen!
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Sally,
ReplyDeleteHappy to be of service. :) I reflect on how it's going often, but for some reason the end of the year makes me ponder more.
Laura,
Me too. I didn't realize you'd only been blogging a year. Your blog is great! Thanks so much.
Anne,
You are welcome. Hope you and your family have a wonderful week.
Angela,
I know, I get nervous sometimes about that too. Am I really offering something of value...? It constantly amazes me how much support is out there. Never fear, you aren't letting anyone down!
Blessings to all, and thanks so much,
Karen
Karen, you are definitely one of the big blessings I received through blogging this year. My heart and prayers are with you and your family right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all your encouragement and kindness.
Warmly with smiles and waves,
Rhonda
Definitely going to check out the conference link. I'm pondering going to SCWBI but I can't decide!
ReplyDeleteRhonda,
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet! I can say the same about you too. :) You've been an encouragement to me as well.
Lydia,
Hmm, tough choices, I know. Hope you get to go to at least one! Be sure and post about the adventure, okay?
Blessings,
Karen
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your blogging vacation!
I learned that writing two blogs is doable, but three sent me over the edge. :) I met some awesome writers, interviewed many, and read a lot of books.
Blessings,
Susan
Thanks Karen for the links.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Thanks for the links, I'll check out the one on conferences. Have a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteKaren, the picture you chose today captures Christmas! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about my blog a lot lately. I'm giving it an overhaul during the holidays. Your links came at just the right time.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Hi Karen - As always, thanks for the links. I'll check them out. I have learned a lot this year, particularly how supportive writers are of other writers. As to blogging, I'm always amazed by how quickly these cyber-friendships develop and I'm grateful for each and every one.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Susan,
ReplyDeleteThank you! Enjoy your time away:)
Rachna,
You are welcome. Happy New Year to you too.
Stephen,
Hope you have the time to check out a conference or two!
Jill,
Been doing much thinking too. Hoping for some time to rearrange a few things.
Lisa,
I agree; these "cyber friendships" are a wonderful thing!
Blessings all,
Karen
Thanks for all the tidbits, Karen. Jennifer's blog is on my must read list, now. She's been a great help. Don't forget to mention the Roanoke Regional Writer's Conference in Roanoke, VA in Jan. It's definitely affordable at $55.
ReplyDeleteGREAT POST...as always.
ReplyDeleteI count your blog as one of my blessings, Karen.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Have a wonderful Christmas, Karen, and a super 2011.
ReplyDeleteI've been rethinking the whole blogging experience too, and enjoying my blog vacation a bunch. I'm using all that extra time to read, read, read.
Carol,
ReplyDeleteJen has been a big help, I agree. Thanks for sharing about the Roanoke conference, too.
Patti,
Thank you! You are among my blessings as well:)
Patricia,
Thanks so much! I've been getting in some extra reading too:)
Blessings to each of you,
Karen
I've had an interesting blogging year. In January I added a second blog. And then in August I moved over to Wordpress and went back to one. I've learned a lot about resting and seeing, about writing and taking pictures. And starting in January I'm going to be more intentional about my book(s)--working on both a fiction and a nonfiction devotional. And giving my blog a new slant and structure. Should be interesting.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course in the spring, I'll be starting a new garden. :)
Merry Christmas, Karen. And bless your rest.
I'm grateful for my blogging friends, and above all I think that is what lends to the success of the endeavor. Merry Christmas blessings, Karen!!!!
ReplyDeleteSandra,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how the switch to WP went. Looking forward to your new slant (but I liked the old one too:). Am I looking forward to the spring garden? Considering all the weeds last year, I don't know...:P
Carla,
I have to agree with you; the blogging friends are what make it all successful. What would we do without them? :)
Good to see you both.
Blessings,
Karen
Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! And what a blog you write. You have a new reader.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you, Tyrean! Have a wonderful weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shiirazi. Nice to meet you! Glad to have you along.
Blessings,
Karen
My blogging year didn't go as well as I wanted. I was really busy this year, but I hope in 2011 things go smoother. :-) Merry Christmas Karen!
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links! I look forward to checking them out.
As for blogging, I am definitely trying to do it more regularly. I think the greatest benefit has been giving my children a photo chronicle of our homeschooling adventure together. In addition, I believe it has brought me together in friendship with many people who are of like mind regarding our values and faith.
I hope you had a Blessed Christmas and that your New Year is full of love, health and happiness.
God bless,
Lisa
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI hear you. In some ways I am pleased with my blog this year, in others, I really wanted to do more...ah well, that's what 2011 is for, right? :)
Lisa,
I think that's a wonderful thing to chronicle! I'm with you, bringing others of like mind is a great benefit.
Happy New Year,
Karen
Thanks for the good links!
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts (and links!), Karen. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a difficult year, but also a blessed one. I look at all the good that's happened in the last twelve months, and I hope it's the same or better in the next.
Best to you in 2011!
Chris,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Nice to meet you, and thanks for becoming a follower!
Janna,
You're welcome, sweet friend. Lots of ups and downs this year for you I know. Me too, 2011 has lots of promise. :)
Happy New Year,
Karen
Popped back to wish you a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteJules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Hi Karen! Thanks so much for the links. I will be sure to check them out. I'm thankful for the gift of new blog friends this year, too! You definitely are one of them!! I wish you much joy and success in 2011!
ReplyDeleteJules,
ReplyDeleteThank you, and Happy New Year to you too:) Glad we met through blogging this year!
Becky,
You are so welcome. I'm thankful for that as well. And you too are one I am grateful for.
Happy New Year Blessings,
Karen