Writing can be difficult for many of us. If you are one who finds writing challenging I would like to urge you to start blogging. I have discovered that my writing has improved as I draft my weekly faith-based blogs under the name of HopeGrams and my more prolific blog for HOPEpreneurs (the one you are reading right now).
Here are some steps to get you started:
Pick a blogging site
Both of the blogs are on WordPress. I discovered that it was easy to use and customize without knowing the techie stuff. I am very comfortable in that venue now but have learned on my own. I am starting a new blog on Tumblr called The Power of Hope 4 Caregivers. I’ll let you know how it comes along as I progress. It seems pretty simple so far and adds the benefit of providing a way to connect with others who are also writing Tumblr blogs. They have created a community for bloggers and it is growing exponentially.
Set up a simple blog
Pick your theme and get going. This is one venue where you won’t want to wait until you have perfect. I realize as I’ve gone back to read some of my original HopeGrams that my writing is improving. I’ve even had comments from others. The most important thing is to share your heart. It will also get you in writing mode because of the deadlines you will set up in the next point.
Create a writing schedule
Determine how often you will write in your blog. It is a real turn-off to click on link to a blog and see that it’s been months since the person posted in their blog. It is possible to create drafts when you have time to write and then simply go in and publish them according to your schedule. I have written a HopeGram almost every week for a year and half. It is now part of what I do. The great part is that I am always looking for topics which are also stories that I blend into my keynotes. It works both ways.
Be consistent and respond to comments
Set up the notification to get an email when you get comments. I have mine set up where I have to approve the comments. This is a good idea because you can get spam. On the flip side, it’s important to respond quickly to the comments you receive. This begins to build your online presence and sense of community.
What are waiting for? Let’s start a dialogue around your experiences in setting up and writing in a blog. We will talk later about how to find topics and ways to promote your blog. I look forward to hearing from other HOPEpreneurs. You have a life message inside of you that the world needs to hear. I would love to promote your blog. I will also be thrilled to gladly help you in any way that I can.
Karen Sebastian is a serial entrepreneur who wants to help you succeed in your business. Subscribe to this blog for more inspiration on how to become a HOPEpreneur.
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HOPEpreneurs - Providing support and success strategies for women entrepreneurs 
Funny you should talk about blogging. I started one a few years ago and well, that was all she wrote. Literally, that was it.. I never got back to it..I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. My dear friend and fellow entrepreneur got me started in the world of Twitter and from there I have picked up more ideas of what I should do and not do. Blogging however, has still alluded me. So with that said, I’m IN. Let’s get this blogging thing rolling this year. I am so enjoying the interconnection that in otherwise would be impossible. Seems God is even interested in the internet and will use anything that will allow His love to be demonstrated.
Shirley, I love it! Did you want to go back to the one you already started or are you wanting to start a new one? I just set up one on Tumblr that was super, duper easy. It’s considered a micro-blogging site so they limit the length of your blogs. It seems to me that it might be perfect to put some of your sayings. What topic do you want to blog about?
I am new to blogging and I have found that although I do like to write, that I am having difficulties coming up with topics. But I am looking forward to the journey of blogging and I have found this site to be insightful.
I am so proud of you for taking the plunge to start blogging. In the beginning it can seem a little challenging. I would love to help you come up with topics if you want to give me your general topic. I’m pretty good at the idea side of things. In fact, I love that side of it. Have you tried mind-mapping?
Thank you, and the task of starting to blog does seem a little daunting. I am still trying to work out the kinks, learn how to link, and have fun with it while increasing readership. My blog, at this point, has started off as just an introduction. It is geared toward single parents. I heard that when blogging, it is important to find a niche…well I don’t fit into just one category and I think that is going to be the challenge .I am a single parent, hence the name, but I have so many other things that I do and love; like cooking, writing and travelling, etc. I have not tried mind-mapping.
I went to check out your blog. Here are some suggested topics:
It seems to me that you should blog so that you can help others who are going through experiences that you’ve already successfully made it through. Make them short and to the point. What are your biggest challenges as a single parent?
Right off the top of my head I can think of a lot of them even though I have not been a single parent:
1. How do you teach your kids to give you a little space when you first get home?
2. What’s hard about being a single parent?
3. What’s easier as a single parent?
4. How do you manage to make time for yourself?
5. What’s the most rewarding part of being a parent?
6. What are some funny stories that have happened to you just when you were ready to lose it?
7. How do you give yourself some space when you start to get angry?
8. What do you do to go have fun that doesn’t cost anything?
I could keep going but this could keep you busy for a while.
Don’t give up. Post on your schedule and you will begin to see that it starts to come alive. Especially since you love to write. I’m going to subscribe to it. Good luck and let me know if there is any other way I can help you. We are in this together!
Karen Sebastian
http://www.hopepreneurs.com
Okay, so I had replied to the first comment before reading this one. I thank you for the tips and my goal is to blog everyday for a month, while continuing to learn and figure out what works. I will see how it goes. I feel that it is going to be an exciting journey. Thanks for giving me hope!