Best of 2011: People's Choice Awards

The people have spoken through page views, and the blog post winners have been chosen. Let me start by thanking all the people who take the time to read my posts and a special thank you to those who comment.

I started this blog early this year, but didn't commit to it fully until May's WordCount Blogathon. Another tip of the hat to Michelle Rafter for planting the seed and giving me the confidence to soar. After that I found more wonderful writing communities who helped me with ideas and confidence: Kait Nolan's A Round of Words in 80 Days, Rachael Harrie's Writers' Platform-Building Campaign, BlogHer's NaBloPoMo, Melissa Foster's WoMen's Literary Cafe, and SheWrites.

I also want to thank the lovely bloggers who have guest posted this year: Carrie Green, Lisa Pollard, Lisa Carter, Morgan Bailey, Nicky LaMarco, Eden Sterlington, and Liz Sheffield. Plus, I can't forget to thank my mom, dad, two sisters, and my daughters for their blog posts and contributions.

The flashing light is blinking and music is starting. My thank you time is coming to an end. But lastly I do want to thank all the authors who've shared their knowledge with me and on this blog. I've learned so much!

Reader's Favorite Posts of 2011

Knock on Wood: 11/11/11 and Break Your Mother's Back: Superstitions Part Two: Both posts talk about the idea of superstitions.

Feathers and Stone: Balance: Trying to find balance, something I know most of us struggle with.

Drifting Away: Third Campaigner Challenge: Before Rachael Harrie's campaign, I really had never attempted flash fiction much less put it out there for people to read.

Why I Blog: These reasons still hold true.

What Makes me Swoon: From Husband to Vampires to Volleyball Players: A fun post outlining my crushes through the years.

What Most Southern Women Love About the F Word: Mom has written some wonderful posts this year, but this was the most viewed. I think the tantalizing title grabbed people.

I look forward to many wonderful interactions in 2012.

Please share your favorite 2011 post from your blog in the comments below. I'd love to see them!

Choosing Topics for a Random Blog: Guest Post

Please welcome Lisa Pollard from Insignificant at Best, a wonderful blog full of random topics and interesting takes. Lisa and I met through the Ultimate Blog Challenge and quickly became friends. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, Lisa's blog became "a favorite thanks to the way she weaves together randomness with beautiful threads of humor, honesty, and wit."

Enjoy her post!

*****

Choosing Topics for a Random Blog

I have to tell you that I was thrilled and honored when Tia asked me to write a guest post for her blog!  I’ve been a fan of the Depression Cookies blog for a while now and just recently bought the book (which I can’t wait to read!!!).  So getting to guest post for Depression Cookies is a real treat (no pun intended…lol)!

When I asked her what she’d like me to write about, one of her suggestions was “How do you choose your topics, since you post about different things and don't, in general, have a theme?”.  To be honest, when I decided to start blogging, I realized there was no way I could write a “niche” blog.  I love to talk and share my opinions on all kinds of things, so I knew “niche” blogging wasn’t for me.  Like I say in the About Me section of my site “I’m not one to stick to a single subject, my mind doesn’t work that way, so neither does my blog”.

I actually started blogging back in 2009, but it didn’t quite take.  I could never think of anything to write and when I did, half the time it was some type of self-discovery crap nobody would want to read. Not even me.

Needless to say my blogging was “sporadic” at best.  Looking back now, I realize it was because I was in a pretty deep depression.  2009 was by far the worst year of my life, and I wasn’t ready to share all of my darkest thoughts with the world.

Then April of this year I sat down and wrote a post called Anyone Still Out There?!? and that was it.  I was off and running and I haven’t looked back since.  I honestly don’t know what changed, other than the fact that I’m in a much better place in my life, but I’m glad it did.  I’ve met a lot of really amazing people through blogging, like Tia, and I’ve found it to be insanely therapeutic! 

Okay, wow, I’ve gone incredibly off course here.  Back to the topic at hand.

I’d like to say I have this genius way of coming up with blog post ideas, but I don’t.  I share what makes me laugh, I share the things I love (music, products, websites, etc.), or I just plain talk about whatever is on my mind that day.

However, if you’re looking for an easy way to come up with post topics, a way that requires little thought on your part, do a Google search for Blog Challenges.  This was one of the very first things I did, and it worked out really well for me.  I found a 30 Day Blog Challenge, which allowed me to share with my readers a lot about myself.  I gained a lot of followers during that time and people seemed to really like it.

One other trick I have up my sleeve is a list of topics I want to write about.  I have a blog post draft where I write down all the things that come to me and seem like good post topics. Sometimes they don’t pan out, but for the most part the list hasn’t failed me.  Plus, if I’m ever at a loss, I have a “go to” list of ideas.  I’m constantly on the lookout for ideas to add to this list, too. Recently, I was in the car and realized how annoying the electronic signs on the freeway were and it turned into a guest post for another blog.  I currently have a post about my annoying co-worker waiting in the wings.  She’s… interesting, to say the least.  LOL Just be aware of your surroundings and constantly on the lookout for things you want to share with your readers.

I’ve also gotten ideas from reading other people’s blogs (e.g., my Bad Poetry Day post I wrote thanks to Tia).  Surprisingly once the blogging bug bit me, it really hasn’t been a problem.  Though I’ve only been actively blogging for about 5 months now, so check back with me next year. ;)

Any questions?  Please ask away in the comments below!  Any suggestions on how to come up with topics that you’d like to share?  Please share in the comments below!

Showing The Love, Blog-Style

I love featuring guest posts on our blog. And, no, it's not just to save myself from dipping into the idea well too often. It's to showcase something different, a little treat for our readers. Now don't get me wrong, it does help spark ideas and preserve my well. And, no, I'm not above calling Mom or one of my sisters to join the party here!

Guest posts are also a way to grow my blogosphere. What better way to find new blog friends than to see a guest post on a blog I already value? It's like the song my daughter sings every Girl Scout meeting, "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold."

Today, Lisa Pollard of Insignificant at Best is featuring my post, Be Careful What You Wish For. I found Lisa's blog through the Ultimate Blog Challenge. It quickly became a favorite thanks to the way she weaves together randomness with beautiful threads of humor, honesty, and wit. Please stop by and say hello.

A sneak peek from today's guest post:

My life had many goodbyes, but just as many hellos. I’m not afraid to put myself out there and meet people, to try on another hat.

Funny, that's exactly how I feel about welcoming guests to our blog. I've met so many new people since Depression Cookies was published a year ago. What a journey it has been. I am thankful for all the bloggers, readers, writers, and others who have touched my life.

Please stop by tomorrow to read Lisa's post discussing how she picks blog topics. You don't want to miss it!

Have Internet friendships been rewarding or even surprised you?