Thursday, July 7, 2011

Blogging and Beyond

I'm pretty honest with my readers. I try to be straightforward with you all about blogging and the work that goes into it, which is why I think my Commenting 101 series and Blogging Myths series have done pretty well. One of my personal goals for this summer was to grow my blog, but also keep my main focus on my family...by being a balanced blogger.

But between working on projects to write about, writing, commenting, putting together a weekly link up, keeping up with social media (!) to work on the blog's growth, and living life...I've been a little depleted. Offering consistent content here is very important to me, so while I was brainstorming ways to hold on to my sanity I remembered an idea I had a year or so ago.

My idea grew into a plan for a whole new series that revolves around finding out more about my favorite bloggers. I sent some emails out and received a very encouraging respsonse for...
Serenity Now blog series


Last year, I wasn't confident enough to ask some of my favorite bloggers if they'd be willing to do an informal interview with me. But the desire to spend more time with my girls and enjoy our summer together really won out. I was so excited when the ladies contacted me in turn and agreed to be interviewed!

This won't be a series with specific number of entries. I have enough "subjects" for now that I may eventually turn this into a Feature series and begin showcasing some of the awesome people who stop here to read and comment each day. I try to ask questions that you won't find out by reading Suzie Blogger's profile or About Page.

For now, you'll see an interview here or there as I need time to work behind the scenes. I'm so excited to share these bloggers' responses with you...they have some amazing insight to offer---on blogging...and beyond!

I hope you'll stick around to see who will be stopping by to chat! I am so very grateful for mentors, readers, colleagues and friends who are making it possible for me to continue working- on blogging and beyond! I appreciate each and every one of you and your encouragement.


21 comments:

  1. I'm looking forward to reading those interviews, Amanda. Your blog has been a great source of encouragement and inspiration to me. Thanks for all you do!

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  2. This sounds like a good way for you to take a break and for your readers to learn more about some bloggers whose blogs we probably all enjoy reading.

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  3. I can't wait! I'm sure you are going to have some really great guest posts! This summer has been tough for me too blogging wise. I want to work on and improve my blog, but I don't want to spend my whole summer blogging either!

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  4. Summer is definitely harder to blog...I have found myself not putting up as many posts. And honestly I am ok with that. My kids like it when I take time for them:-) So the pool it is! I can't wait to see who you got to interview!!!!

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  5. I think this sounds like a great series that I will definitely be reading. One of my favorite things to do is to read a popular blogger's earliest post to see how much she has grown and changed her style since the beginning. I hope your interviews will add such insights into the real lives of bloggers we love.

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  6. What a great idea! I know I have been struggling with balancing everything too...I look forward to reading your interviews :)

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  7. Looking forward to your guest bloggers! I just did the same thing, I had 16 guest bloggers while we were on vacation and while I took a break. It was nice to have but I missing my blog after awhile!!! I couldn't agree more with finding that balance, it's so hard, you just want to be able to do it all!!!!

    Thanks again for everything, the badge looks great up there! :)

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  8. I can't wait to read the interviews! I sometimes get a little overwhelmed by all the blogger options. I guess if I want my blog to grow..Ill put more into it. At this point I'm to tired!! Thanks for stopping by yesterday! :)
    www.moddybee.blogspot.com

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  9. This sounds really cool! I'm excited to see the interviews. You always have such great ideas!

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  10. I think that's a super idea, and a fun series to read! You blog hard, Amanda- you deserve a little downtime!

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  11. girl you are so smart!!! I love this idea!! cant wait!

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  12. Love the idea. Looking forward to seeing the series.

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  13. What a great idea for a series, Amanda! I can't wait to read your interviews. Get out and enjoy those girls!

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  14. I love this idea! I look forward to the interviews and I am glad this is working for what is best for you and your family. It's all good!

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  15. I can't wait to hear the interviews. What a great idea!

    Balanced anything is difficult to acheive and blogging definitely can take time and energy away from other parts of your life. Great job figuring out something to help maintain that balance.

    Looing forward to it!

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  16. What a great idea! I can't wait to read along! The sense of community in blogland is so awesome!
    Kerry at housetalkn.blogspot.com

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  17. Thanks so much for guest posting and sharing your Frozen Mocha with us!

    I'm glad to see that you're taking some time for your family with the upcoming series. I find that to be the hardest thing about blogging, one that I'm always struggling with. Sounds like a great idea and I'm excited to see what (and who!) you have planned!

    Have a great weekend!

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  18. Hey girl! I've been in Colorado all week for a retreat, and I've hardly been online at all! Probably a good thing for me. I just caught up on reading your posts from the week--your Behind the Scenes series sounds really good. I am going to email you when I get home--I have a new linky thing I'm going to start on my blog (I've had a new button there for a couple of weeks; I just haven't gotten started) and I'd love to get your advice.

    I appreciate you so much! You are such a good presence in the blogging community. I get a big kick out of telling people that I've met you in real life. Now I'd like to see you in real life again!!

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  19. You're right Amanda- it is really hard to keep up with it all! I got "behind" recently and had to let it go- no social media, not posting as often, etc. Maintaining a good balance is a never-ending effort!

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  20. Guest posts are good idea.Let's be honest we can't be creative all the time.And sure there are some interested people out there.this weeken I wrote a post about Canelonni and about journey throug Paradise(milford Track) some serene beauty we have in our country:)
    link:http://dzolistic.blogspot.com/
    All welcome;)

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  21. How fun, Amanda! I love hearing other blogger's advice and just learning more about them in general (: I'm excited!

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