should I start a blog?

should I start a blog?

Happy Anniversary. Ours, I should say. Yours and mine.

My blog just celebrated an anniversary. What started just to keep family and friends up to date on our life, morphed into something more.

Something profoundly personal and beautiful.

The first few years were sporadic.  Earnestly studying the craft of writing and dreaming of publication did not include time for blog writing. That hardly felt like writing at all. It was just random thoughts or ideas.

No structure, no purpose. Not really…

When I started a blogging class on an impulse, I wasn’t entirely sure it would be relevant to me.

Money was tight; I had just enough to pay the fee with only small change left over. Less than a dollar.

Is it worth having a blog?

An investment. In me. Turns out that my writing was worth the gamble. (read here please for my thank you message to YOU)

Since I started the class, my focus has completely shifted.

My blog became an extension of my home. My words a welcome into my world, my heart.  Training my fingers and brain to work together as a team produced words that inspire and challenge.

And mostly? I learned it is okay to admit that.

(Read my 7 essential tips for bloggers here)

A writer not a blogger

Before the class I am not entirely sure I was comfortable with claiming WRITER for myself. I wanted to be a writer. Was an aspiring writer.

Never yet, Christa Sterken…Writer.

I had “other” titles, blessed in my personal life. Professionally though, confidence was lacking.

No longer. Blogging required countless hours of learning a new medium, understanding the foreign language of codes and widgets. It took time. Beyond what I could spare.

But, I did it anyway.

I didn’t learn in a bubble. Aside from the course content, the best, most unexpected delight was the new community of writers.  Wordsmiths from around the globe, connecting and sharing and teaching.

Making mistakes together, celebrating accomplishments. True, lifelong friendships were formed.

This blog is also FUN. The interaction has been amazing. Having a place to be freely creative is pretty addictive.

So again, I wish you Happy Anniversary. Thanks for sharing the journey with me. If you are a recent sojourner, welcome.

Why blog?

I write because I want you to know you are seen.  Every word is a lesson for me, shared with you. I am not a hobbyist, I am learning to call myself Professional. You can too!

God created me to be an open book. Last year I asked Him, “Why? I don’t WANT to share those things.”

His answer was direct, “I created you to learn things and share them with others who need those words…”

So here I am. Praying to be a powerful and effective writer. That you’ll be blessed for spending a few precious minutes of your day with me.

Thank you ♥

You are wondering if you should start a blog? If it brings you joy, then absolutely! No one can tell your story like YOU!

Amy Lynn Andrews offers a wealth of information. She is a great place to start, here is a link. Happy writing and enjoy the journey!

Resources for writers

• Write His answer
• The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly?
• Bird by bird

If you can swing a bigger investment? This is worth every cent. I have been writing and blogging since 2008. When I started hearing about the SEO Boot Camp course from Kingdom Bloggers, I wasn’t sure if it was right for me.

I am over the moon that I jumped in, because I learned more in 8 weeks than in the 10 years prior in regards to the nuts and bolts behind the scenes of writing material that can encourage and inspire others in a way that they can FIND it. SEO wasn’t a thing back in the day.

I can’t say enough about the information packed into this course and the VALUE of what it held for me, and for many people I know who fel the same renewed confidence after taking it!

It would be great for beginners who can do things “right” from the outset. (It opens again in January 2022, bookmark this and write it on your calendar!)

But also, for people like me who are long-term invested and need to update our skillset!

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I do/would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links that at NO additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission to help support this blog. Read full privacy policy here.