Most of you are acquainted with Jennifer Brown Banks and her award winning blog, Pen and Prosper. But you might not know why this talented veteran freelance writer started blogging, or that her latest book, The Success Checklist, is now available. So I thought it'd be fun to invite Jennifer for this month's Meet the Blogger.
Welcome, Jennifer! So glad you stopped by. When did you start blogging?
Thanks, Karen. I made several unsuccessful attempts at blogging but was able to seriously get a handle on things in June, 2009.
With several blog awards to your credit, I'd say you've gotten a good handle on it. :) What is your blog about?
Pen & Prosper is about helping writers of all levels and genres to know more and grow more through practical tips, tools, and tested strategies for success. It's not just a blog, it's a support system. :-)
It is a wonderful source of info and support, and I appreciate your efforts. What benefits have you gained through blogging?
Discipline. Friendships. A broader platform. Awards and recognition. Pay. Joy.
Blogging is a great experience, isn't it? Congratulations on your new book series, The Success Checklist! What prompted you to put this series together?
Thanks for asking. Though we all start blogs for different reasons (to build a platform, to connect with kindred spirits, to rant, to showcase our work, to create awareness of a cause, etc.), many of us don't realize that success requires a strategic approach. My books help writers to "learn more and earn more." The series shares insider's tips to winning awards, earning money, maintaining momentum, etc.
The end game is to help writers and bloggers to "work smarter, not harder." And to avoid common pitfalls and detours that often cause people to quit before they reap the rewards.
Sounds like a good plan and a helpful series. What might people be surprised to learn about you?
Hmm...that in person I tend to be shy, serious, and reserved.
Our online persona can seem a bit different than our real life one, that's for sure. What advice would you share with a newbie blogger?
Learn from the best. Work hard. Have a game plan. Don't just blog because everybody else is doing it. You won't last. :-)
Great advice. Where can readers find out more about your books?
Visit my blog, Pen and Prosper, for book details and purchase info.
Thanks again for visiting, Jennifer. Wishing you much success!
Thank you!
More About Jennifer
Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer, award-winning blogger, columnist and author. She helps authors and entrepreneurs to grow their platforms and their bottom lines. Her work has been featured on top tier sites for more than a decade, including: Pro Blogger, Men with Pens, Tiny Buddha, Lifehack, Write to Done, WOW (Women on Writing), and The Well Fed Writer E-zine. Learn more at Jennifer's blog.
Do you have any questions for Jennifer? What are you up to this week?
Happy writing,
Karen
Great to meet Jennifer. Awesome how she helps other writers. We all need to stick together.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Natalie. We should be like Velcro. :-)
DeletePen and Prosper! A new site to add to the IWSG. Thanks, Jennifer and Karen.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Alex. :-)
DeleteHi Karen and Jennifer - I like the idea of a strategy for developing the blog ... and then we can create and grow in other areas. Congratulations on the recognition you've achieved ... cheers to you both - Hilary
ReplyDeleteCheers to you as well, Hilary. Have a great day.
DeleteNatalie,
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to meet Jennifer. Yes, we do need to stick together! :)
Alex,
Yes, that's a good idea. Pen & Prosper offers great info for all writers. :)
Hilary,
I agree, the strategy is a good idea, isn't it? :) Appreciate you stopping to see us!
Happy writing,
Karen
Thanks so much for introducing us to Jennifer. I will definitely visit her blog and read what she's posting.
ReplyDeletePleasure to meet you too, Clee.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment.
I'm coming up on 12 years of blogging and I think part of it is being able to roll with the changes. Nice to meet you, Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteAnd you as well. That's quite an accomplishment!
DeleteHi Karen and Jennifer! Jennifer, you sound like a dynamo! It's wonderful that you took your idea and make a strategic plan...and ran with it! I think a lot of us might get as far as planning, and then get cold feet. Your book sounds like a great guide to put ideas into practice, instead of letting them languish.
ReplyDeleteKaren, thank you for introducing us all to your influential, energetic friend!
Ceil
What a lovely comment, Ceil. Thanks so kindly. You've made my day. :-)
DeleteLee,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Jennifer is a treasure, and a big help to writers of all genres. :)
Diane,
Twelve years, wow! I commend you for hanging in there. You're right, rolling with the changes is the best way. :)
Ceil,
I think you're right, she is a dynamo! :) Jennifer offers such insight and wisdom for writers, it just makes sense that she shares it in her books!
Happy writing,
Karen
"It's not just a blog, it's a support system." I love that.
ReplyDeleteI am so curious about what's on that checklist! It sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteJenny,
DeleteThanks so much. The book is chock full of great, actionable tips. You can order at my site. :-)
Jennifer rocks! She gives some of the best writer tips you'll ever read. I'm a big fan. Thanks for your time, Jennifer, and thanks for hosting,Karen.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteMuch thanks, dear. U rock too! :-)
Much thanks to all of you who read and commented here. Happy holidays!
DeleteLynda,
ReplyDeleteI know, right? Wise words from a veteran blogger. :)
Jenny,
I agree, I'm sure it's a wonderful book. Hope you can check it out! :)
Susan,
She does! As card carrying members of her fan club, we can testify to her awesomeness. :)
Happy weekend,
Karen
Thanks for hosting Jennifer, Karen. Her story is inspiring! I've grown many friendships with writers who blog. It's a wonderful community.
ReplyDeleteDonna,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! She is an inspiration, I agree. There are so many wonderful people in the community. :)
Happy Sunday,
Karen
What an interesting post. I am hopping over to Jennifer's blog now to check it out. It sounds like a wonderful resource. Wishing her much continued success. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Jess,
ReplyDeleteI think you'll enjoy your visit there. She's always sharing good things!
Happy writing,
Karen
It is always great to meet other bloggers. Jennifer's book sounds very interesting. You have put together a great interview :) So happy we have met!
ReplyDelete