I started my blog in 2007 because I wanted to be more public about who I am, and because there are those who want to hear what I have to say. It could be scary to think my writing might be on display for people around the world to scrutinize, but to me the effort is worthwhile.
What is a blog?
The word blog comes from joining the words web (World Wide Web) and log, or weblog. It’s a journal, diary, report, story, or whatever you want to call what happens when you feel compelled to write words.
It’s easy to start blogging. I’ve used Blogger and WordPress, where a simple blog costs nothing. There are probably others, but these are the two I’ve used. Both these sites have a selection of templates, or layouts, to choose from, with the option to upgrade for a price.
Where to start
It is a good idea to visit blogs to see what others are writing about (blogging). I suggest you start with Dorcas Smucker’s Life in the Shoe. From there you can type in a Google search for any interest you may have, like homeschooling blogs, or dalmatian breeding blogs, or how to sharpen knives blogs. Here’s another one: “how to start your blog on WordPress.com.”
Find your purpose
“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin” (1 John 2:1 ESV).
Why do you write? The apostle John made his reason for writing his letter clear in this simple sentence. You may change how you define your purpose later on, but taking the time to identify your target before you start writing can make the process easier.
My treadmill desk
After I identified what I wanted to write about, I dove in. I have never been able to sit still for long, and now I know why. After typing for just an hour or so, my back and shoulders ache. Altering my ergonomics did hot help much. Then I learned about standing work stations.
In my research I found that treadmill desks were becoming popular in work places that normally require a lot of sitting. And though bodily movement may slow down typing speed, overall it actually increases productivity.
I asked my husband to build me a pulpit-like box to set on my desk, raising my keyboard and monitor. He cut the pedestal off my old treadmill (which came from a friend who’d found it in an abandoned storage unit) so it would slide easily under the desk.
Blog away!
Now that I can work at my computer many more hours per day, I am more motivated to keep growing in my writing. I enjoy editing my posts (or blog entries), even if it’s been months since they were published. It doesn’t hurt my feelings to find imperfections and correct them.
Like painting or sewing, or any art form, improvements can be made by adding a different hue or removing a few stitches and re-sewing.
We can’t be afraid to make changes.
by Kathy Sheldon Davis
kathysheldondavis.com 