What We’ve Learned About Blogging

As I said last week this is the eleventh month of the eleventh year of our blog. That led me to reflecting a little and  looking up things about the number eleven. According to https://www.thefactsite.com/number-11-facts/ the fastest recorded time for eating an 11 pound (4.99 kg) cheesecake is nine minutes. This record was achieved by Sonya Thomas, an American competitive eater from Alexandria, Virginia.

Wickeds, what have you learned over eleven years of blogging?

Barb: I’ve learned that I like writing blog posts. The length and the topics speak to me. In another life, I would have loved to have been an essayist or a columnist. I had no idea I would like that work before the blog.

Edith/Maddie: Barb, your posts have been some of the best ones! We’ve all gotten more fluent with the mechanics. I remember in the beginning, Sherry was particularly nervous that she wasn’t doing something right. We’ve also learned that we or our guests need to own the rights to any picture we include. That we all make the occasional mistake in scheduling or producing a post and that it’s okay – we fix it and move on. And that consistency is a good thing. We’re here for our readers every weekday come hell or high water and they – you all – can count on that.

Julie: I’ve learned how valuable it is to make space for conversations, and celebrations. And like Barb, I love short posts that can provide a brief respite for readers. Authors love coming on the Wickeds blog because we have engaged readers. And how much fun is it to give a new book a platform?

Also, an 11 pound cheesecake in 9 minutes? My stomach roils…

Sherry: I agree, Julie. I can’t imagine doing any food competition. I have watched the hot dog eating competition with fascination and horror a few times. As Edith said, I was terrified in the beginning. But I learned I could do it and, apparently, people were interested in what I has to say. I also agree that being able to lift up each other and other authors has been the best thing about the blog.

Jessie: I like cheesecake, but 11 pounds! Yikes! I’ve learned that an enterprise like the Wickeds blog has the ability to build community. It has been amazing to get to “know” people over the internet in this way, both guests and readers through their comments. It has been such a delight!

Readers: What have you learned reading our blog?