Women Bloggers of the World
I’m a woman blogger, but being halfway across the world, didn’t get to attend the BlogHer Conference, which was held this year from July 27th - 29th in Chicago. Nevertheless, I’ve been enjoying reading all about the goings-on at the conference by those who were there: keep reading »
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Granted Wishes
I was looking through my previous blog entries here, and came upon something I wrote last year, A blogger’s wishlist. These were things I, as a blogger, wanted last December- and what do you know? It’s six months later, and I’m living proof that wishes come true.
Let’s have a look at the original list, with updates: keep reading »
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Blogging Rituals
As a writer, I’ve always had my own quirky “writer’s rituals”- from dimming the lights and writing poetry by candlelight, to needing a cigarette in my mouth while working on a newspaper column. I’ve made mix tapes (now iTunes playlists) especially for writing, aptly titled “Songs to Write By”, and have been known to haul out my antique typewriter (circle 1922) at particularly desperate times.
Why, then, should blogging be any different? The simple answer is, of course, that it isn’t. Because I usually blog in the morning, I’ve grown used to sipping a cup of coffee while blogging, iTunes set to my “writing playlist” of choice- right now, mostly Yo-Yo Ma’s cello suites with a smattering of christmas carols- while morning sunshine streams through the blinds from the window beside my desk.
Because today was especially long, I’m blogging in the evening. It’s after dinner, I’ve just had a delicious bowl of my husband’s Fabada, and I so needed the flavor of coffee while writing this post that before I even started, I sent for a tall Gingerbread Latte from the nearest Starbucks. Mmmmm. Not a bad ritual at all.
What are your blogging rituals? Do you have any?
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Good Reads
Because I’m the multitasker of multitaskers, I keep a special bookmarks list of articles and posts online that look interesting, for me to get back to when I actually have time to read through them.
This morning, a gloriously overcast Sunday morning, I got to reading these gems, which I share with you now:
Warpspire’s Writing Quality Content, first published on December 8th, is a must-read for every blogger, but is especially meaningful to me because I write for a living, and ProBlogger’s How Much Money Can A Blog Earn is required reading for all would-be professional bloggers.
Because this post is titled “Good Reads”, I thought I might as well mention some of my new RSS subscriptions. These sites are not new, but my discovery of them is:
Get reading.
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Post-Valentine’s Linkage
Have I mentioned how much I adore holidays? I love them, and take advantage of any excuse to celebrate life. Which is why I went missing before and after Valentine’s.
While I get back into the swing of things, let me point you towards these must-visits for all bloggers:
Blogging? Six tips on how to do it right by Robert Scoble and Shel Israel touches on everything from naming your blog to finding inspiration.
Janice’s Technorati Test, Tips, & Tricks Site is one of my favorite new finds (thanks to Successful Blog for the link).
Blog Design for Beginners over at ProBlogger is a great read for non-beginners as well.
Inside AdSense’s 9 for Newbies and 8 for Experts are both worthy bookmarks.
Enjoy.
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RSS for your readers
Because I’m a serial blogger, I read a lot of other blogs- for inspiration, fun, news, etc.
Now while there are so many wonderful blogs out there, many of them aren’t too easy on the eyes (especially when you’ve got extremely high astigmatism). Tiny fonts, bad fonts, too-tight or too-loose line-spacing… the list goes on and on.
Which is why the very first thing I do when discovering a good blog is look for their RSS feed. My eyes seek out that little orange button.
For the most part, I’ve learned to find these feeds based on what specific platform the blog is using. For example, Typepad blogs usually have a “Subscribe to this blog’s feed” text line. Majority of Wordpress templates, on the other hand, have the RSS feed listed in the “smalltype” of their page footers. Some blogs have clearly labeled, easily discovered buttons and links- others require a bit more digging (and source viewing in some cases).
My point? If you publish a blog, please publish an RSS feed. Validate your feed, and feature the link prominently on your blog. It makes life that much easier for your readers.
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I’m an Official SOB
That’s Successful and Outstanding Blogger, according to the very kind Miz Liz.
I’m thrilled not only because of the said “award”, not only because GoodBlogger will be part of their new SOB directory, but because Successful Blog is a damn good site, and one of my favourite blogger’s bookmarks.
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