Meet the Blogger with Jennifer Brown Banks

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