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.
Moravian StarI 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.
DSCF2576For 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?

9 thoughts on “31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

  1. 31 days, hunh? It sounds like fun, to watch at least. Personally, I devolve into silly blather at any given opportunity, but the truth is that I love other people’s silly blather, especially if it involves quilting! This will be fun. I’ll be here!

  2. I enjoyed “meeting” you in this post. (Found you through the challenge page.) Congratulations on your upcoming patterns. As for your question… the definition of success can vary, but since you mentioned needing a larger following for getting sponsors, one way that I’ve grown my reach is by participating. I’ve gone challenges and instagram swaps and through that I’ve met a lot of people. Commenting and interacting on blogs and IG is key too, I think. Good luck with the writing challenge!

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