"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Monday, June 4, 2018

Pen & Prosper Enjoys Nine Years in the Blogosphere!

Welcome back, readers!

It's a pleasure to have you join me here in June, as I celebrate nine wonderful years in the blogosphere! (In addition to my birthday month).

It's been a beautiful, enlightening, exhausting, interesting journey...with never a dull moment.
And I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your role in Pen and Prosper's longevity and success.

From those who read and comment on my posts on a regular basis; to those who have provided periodic guest posts; to those who share my work within their social media circles; to those who have recognized my site with creative awards--you are truly appreciated!

There are so many "moving parts" to creating and maintaining a successful blog, and contrary to popular opinion, it's a lot of hard work, folks!

To celebrate my 9 years, and hopefully help those of you who may aspire to do the same, I'd like to share 9 important lessons I've learned along the way...

9 TIPS TO A SUCCESSFUL LONG-TERM  BLOG EXPERIENCE




1. CHOOSE A TOPIC THAT YOU LOVE
If you don't enjoy your subject matter, (trust me here) you'll bore yourself and your readers silly.
I love writing and helping others. This passion has fueled my efforts amid dark times, computer glitches, writer's block, doubt, uncertainty, and bad hair days.

2. BE CONSISTENT
Consistency helps to build your brand, establish credibility and form virtual bonds.
In fact, some of my blog buddies have become my long-distance friends.

3. STRIVE TO ADD VALUE TO THE BLOGGING COMMUNITY
By sharing quality information, resources, reviews, and solutions to your readership's common pain points. Give to receive.

4. PERSEVERE & PRAY
It's easy to give up. Many bloggers have. "When you want to give up, remember why you started."

5. DON'T BE AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES
It's all part of the learning process. I laugh when I look back at some of the things I published initially back in 2009.  Still, I'm proud.

6. FORGET ABOUT THE NUMBERS
True success is not in having a "huge" following, but in having a major impact on your readers.

7. INJECT HUMOR
The world needs it today. Humor is like seasoning to food; it makes everything a bit better.

8. TAKE BREAKS WHEN NEEDED
Better a break than a "break down." Remember, you can't give from an empty cup.

9. LATHER, RINSE, REPEAT...

Wrapping things up here, I'd like to give a shout-out to a few of my most loyal supporters:

KAREN L.
LINDA O.
SUSAN S.
BRYAN F.


You have made all the difference.

Thanks readers, for 9 wonderful years!


Warmly,

Jen


Image credits: Pixabay.com








20 comments:

  1. Hi Jen - congratulations on your nine years ... and I agree with your 'list' ... and you've done wonders with your blog - now on to further years!! Cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hilary,
      Thanks so much for your cheerful support and positivity. U rock!

      Delete
  2. Congratulations on 9 years, Jen! That is indeed a milestone. You are an anchor to us all, offering so much wise input and info. Thanks for all you do to keep us informed, encouraged, and productive. And wow, thanks also for the shout out. I'm humbled, honored, and blessed to be a part of your journey. Wishing you many more amazing years of success in all you do! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen, Karen, Karen,
      You are more than a friend; you are a blessing.
      Much appreciation!

      Delete
    2. Oh yeah, sending birthday regards your way for June, too. ;-)

      Delete
  3. I can't remember how I found your blog. All that matters is that I did. Pen and Prosper is a wonderful way to start my day. Thank you for mentioning me. That is so nice of you.

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    Replies
    1. Bryan,
      You deserve it, dear!
      Thanks 4 everything. ;-)

      Delete
  4. Jen - congratulations!! How lucky are we that you continue to deliver such great posts that have truly helped me on my writer's journey...cheers to many more years of creativity - and Happy Birthday in June! Mxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maribel,

      OMG! What a blessing to hear from you all the way from Australia. How have you been? I've missed you.
      Thanks for stopping by and joining the celebration!

      Delete
  5. Your birthday - of course....I knew I forgot something. Happy Birthday!!!!!

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  6. Congrats Jen. Quite an achievement -- one you should be super proud of. :)

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    Replies
    1. Yuwanda,

      I am indeed. Now, if I could duplicate your social media followers. Lol
      I appreciate your time and comment here.
      Have a great week.

      Delete
  7. Jennifer - Wow, nine years! Good, good for you. I wouldn't even be a blogger if it weren't for you. Thank you for being so consistent, possessed of humor, choosing awesome topics, and making a few (maybe one?) mistakes. =0) Love you, girl. Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww, shucks. Thanks much!
      Love u more.;-)
      Enjoy your day, Sue.

      Delete
  8. You never cease to amaze and inspire me. Thank you for all you do. I think I discovered you long before you began blogging. Congratulations on your successful and consistently helpful blog, Jen.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lin,
    You are more than welcome, dearest. Happy to have you as one of my peeps. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Congratulations Jen, for 9 glorious years! Wishing you many more years of literary success! You are simply the best!
    Also, a very early Happy Birthday!!!
    Deb Taylor

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deb,

      I'm tickled pink to see you here. Thanks so much!

      Now, if I could see you offline. LOL
      Hope to catch up and have tea soon.

      Delete
    2. Almost forgot. See u next week for our annual Poetry on 'da Patio, Deb.

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