Blogging

I've been blogging for six years. I started with four followers, my big yellow fellow writers, then somewhat accidentally found a site called Illustration Friday where any artists or illustrators who want to will create and post something from a weekly prompt. I visited about ten of the artists I liked on IF and about 6 or gave me the courtesy of a visit back.

Today I have 143 followers, which means only that at one point 143 people were at my blog and at least initially liked what they saw. I have about 50 more- than- occasional visitors and I'd say between 20 and 25 regular visitors, some (many) of which are now friends not just visitors.

If I wanted to double the number of people who follow my blog I believe I could do that. The first thing I would do is start visiting other writers and other blogs, leaving comments on their posts. It'a not guaranteed, but the chances are good that someone I visit will visit me back.

I also would visit some of the people who leave comments I like on other blogs that I visit. That is how I have come to know and happily so Annie of Wine and Words. She is complicated, challenging, honest, and a hell of a writer and poet. I don't know where Wander has come from, but he is 34, 35 years old and he write these hard-earned poems that I love to read and comment on. And now, when Annie or Wander comment on my work, my posts, I am happy.

I might also search out artists and other interesting people. I would do all this with the understanding that if I do not visit and support the blogs of others, they will not likely visit and support me.

I screen to some degree. I always always appreciate anyone who comes to my blog, who takes the time. But not every connection sticks. this works both ways: there are a few bloggers I really enjoy but because they never come to my blog, I either forget or it's not a priority to go to their blog.

In the universe of possibility, know 100 followers, or 50 followers, or 25 followers is not much. But in my little universe, I am thrilled to have met the most wonderful inspiring people. Plus, My blog is like taking courses or going to college. I can't begin to comment on what I have learned.

I know so much more about Australia. (kiaakiss Hells). My poems and stories are cared about and treated tenderly, I get feedback! I have twice witnessed dying with such dignity . I have fallen in love and alas fallen apart. Discovered South Africa. Treated to the delights of gardening and cooking and photography (Lori!) and poetry and my paintings and illustrations and skellies and mandalas. Learned about paper clay and collage and micron pens and a zillion creative ideas of every kind imaginable. Found a friend for life (♥ Lo) and actually, I hope, several.

I regularly "talk" to and share and visit people very much like and very much unlike me from all over the world: Iran, Argentina, England, Oregon, British Columbia, India, Australia (even Perth: Hello Robyn!), Italy, The Netherlands, Florida, California, Malaysia, Indiana, Tennessee, Canada, the Philippines, Maryland, Oklahoma, Chicago, New England, France, Detroit......

.....I could go on.

I am writing this post on blogging because I have noticed a number of people lately who want to start blogging and are looking for the marketing and the science of it. My message is something different.

I say: Use blogging to meet some incredible people and make some incredible connections and learn and share something about yourself and others. That alone will be the most unique and gratifying reason to blog.

And if you want to expand your blog, think in terms of how much time you have to support the bloggers who will be supporting you.

And be real. That part is hard to fake.

Oh, and one more thing: Blogging a most wonderful world. It's intoxicating and exhilarating. My god the writers and artists and creative fantastic people I have met.

I can't wait to see the comments and takes on this!! :^)

Love

kj