When did you start your blog, Stories for Invisible Friends?

I officially started in Summer 2005 when I was moving from South Florida to take a faculty position as a history professor in Tallahassee.  Before that I had a website where I published the articles I wrote for parenting magazines.

Why did you start your blog?

The first time I heard the word “blog” and became aware of their existence was in Summer 2005 when I read about a New York Beauty editor/blogger losing her job for writing about work while at work.

Minutes after I read that article I followed a few links and had my own blog up.  I had no specific intentions, no desired audience. It felt very much like buying a new leather journal - exciting, inspiring, fresh and new.

What is the significance of turning 40 and posting your 1000th blog entry on the same day for you?

About two months ago when I logged on to Blogger,  I saw that I was at post 950, and decided to pace myself to hit 1,000 on my 40th birthday.

Honestly, I’m amazed at how effortlessly the stories have come, and how they show how my perspective and voice have evolved over the past three years.  One thousand sounds like a huge number, but really, it works out to less than a story a day, reflecting only a tiny corner of my life.

At first I thought I would write about turning 40, but I have a bigger story to write –  one that doesn’t involve me at all. It’s called “Hearts: Broken and Hopeful.”  (more…)

You probably started your blog as a way to communicate with your audience, perhaps hoping that an Internet presence would help increase your readership and ultimately sell your book or service.

How’s it working out for you so far? Do you sometimes feel you are pouring your heart out on the page (or onto the computer) and you’ve no idea if anyone even knows you exist? Do you ask yourself if you’re wasting your time when you could be writing your book instead? If you’re not getting any feedback in the form of reader comments or trackbacks from other blog writers, it may be time to ask yourself, “Is my blog creating a buzz or putting people to sleep?”

Like books, blogs are meant to educate and entertain. To be successful with your blog (or your book), ask yourself these three questions before beginning:

1. Who will read what I write? Identifying your audience before you begin will get you focused on communicating your message and help eliminate writer’s block. Having a clear picture of your reader will also help you figure out how and where to reach them in the real and virtual worlds. 
2. What new information or solution am I bringing to the marketplace? This may be the single-most important factor in determining whether you will keep and grow your blog readership. Certainly a pleasant design and good writing helps, but if you’re not educating, offering new information or providing a solution to a problem, then there’s little reason for readers to follow your blog.
3. How can I balance creating value for my readers with marketing my book, product or service? Readers understand that you have a book or service that may help them; that’s why they read your blog or newsletter. They appreciate hearing about your new offerings, especially if there’s a special reward, such a discount, bonus or gift. The key is balance your promotion with real value to the customer. If ever in doubt, go with this maxim: The more you give, the more you will receive.

Blogging can be an effective and fun way to spread your news and your views. The most popular blogs are the ones where the author keeps a clear and authentic voice. So be who you are: funny,chatty,  radical, serious, intense–just don’t be boring and your readership (and sales) will grow.

Gratitude Rocks My World

I am so happy and grateful for these wonderful blessings in my life:

• My loving, supportive husband
• My two children who have grown into adults I admire and respect
• A warm home in a beautiful setting
• Good health for myself and loved ones
• A vocation that I love so much it’s pleasure, not work
• True friends
• Freedom
• Reliable transportation
• My clients
• The opportunities that arrive daily to meet and interact with creative, interesting people

Happy Thanksgiving, Wordy Women and Men! I am thankful for you.

Many thanks to my talented husband, Joe Gemignani, for providing the beautiful image above (our friend’s backyard, for real). Enjoy more of his work at Visual Impressions Art and Joe Gemignani Photography.

Until very recently, I used social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn for professional reasons only. So, it made sense to keep my profile picture and information completely businesslike. Even though I’ve begun connecting with friends on these sites socially, I still prefer maintain a level of formality.

Many people are more casual about their web appearance, even in business. I’ve noticed photos posted with spouses, partners, children, grandchildren and even pets. It’s very acceptable on social networking sites, especially since the key word here is “social.” However, I am curious about what some people were thinking when they posted photos that included a roll of toilet paper or a basket of laundry in the background. Not even your friends want to see that.

Being married to a photographer has made me very conscious of photo composition, and I’m going to share some tips with you on how to take better photos and work with photos you already have. (more…)