31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

I’ve decided to join Cheryl at Muppin and try to blog every day for the entire month of December.  This WILL be a challenge for me, because I try not to just blather about anything – I want my blog to be informational and useful.
To that end, tonight I am going to write a little bit about why I blog.
I started Dizzy Quilter in November of 2015.  I was just getting back into quilting seriously, after taking some time off for life.  I knew about blogs, and had started following a couple of bloggers.  I had a vague idea that blogging could be a way to earn money, and also that interacting with other quilters could be fun.
I had some success with my first few posts.  My first was a tutorial on Moravian Stars.  It was well received, and has been one of my most popular posts ever.  (I’m not a one trick pony, I swear.  I just love this particular project.)  The next big one was my That’s No Moon quilt.  I timed it to coincide with the release of a Star Wars movie, because I’m a tricky bitch.  It went over well, too.
For the money making, I still haven’t cracked that puzzle.  I think I’m getting closer, but I am focused on building content and engagement.  I think the real secret must be having something to sell.  I’ve taken courses on publishing patterns, and I should have one coming out in February of 2018.  Getting sponsors and advertisers requires a larger audience.
I do have a few different affiliate programs I participate in.  They sound easy – I earn commission if someone buys something from a link I share.  In two years I’ve made $2.13.  It isn’t a complaint – pushing affiliate links just isn’t my thing.  Yet.
So, if I’m not making money, why am I still blogging?  I like it.  I’ve always enjoyed writing, and I think the practice is good for me.  Also, I love interacting with my readers, although I am faintly embarrassed when people in my real life talk to me about the blog.  I don’t know why I feel that way.
I have some rather grand ambitions of being a published quilter, with books, magazine patterns, and videos.  I think blogging is a way to get there.  Saying “yes” to opportunities that present themselves to me is another.  I’ve already done a video, and the next one will be better.  I have a pattern that is supposed to be in a magazine in January, and a pattern will be featured on the Moda Bakeshop website in February.  So, I’m getting there.
I will say, the blogger community is amazing.  I’ve made friends participating in hops and sew alongs.  Some of my virtual friends have even turned into real-life friends, and that is wonderful.  It has been great fun to watch some of my friends who were where I am now have professional success.  I’m luck that I don’t feel jealous when others are successful.  It just makes me see that a little more hard work will get me where I want to be.
Have you had any successes along your blogging journey, if you are on one?  What has helped you the most?