Blogging | But I Smile Anyway...

#SoCS Dec. 22/18 – Tin

22 Dec 2018 35 Comments

by Ritu in #SoCS Tags: #SoCS, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Linda G Hill, Stream Of Consciousness Saturday, Tin

Linda’s prompt for SoCS this week…

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “tin.” Use it as a word or find a word with “tin” in it, and base your post on that word. Bonus points if you start your post with that word. Enjoy!

Starting from the new year, I am going to be making some changes in my life.

First things first, I need to remove all the tins of biscuits and boxes of chocolates that I was gifted by the lovely children in school…

Speaking of biscuit tins, aren’t some of those tins just amazing? I was given one that looks like a retro radio this year. So cool!

The other thing I need to do is take a partial blogging break… It has to be done. If I am going to get this manuscript ready for an agent/editor, I’ll need to cut back on my weekly challenges, of which I have one almost daily to take part in… That will be a toughie, but it’s got to be done…

So there you have it It won’t be goodbye… I will be back, after I finish writing…

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Dec. 22/18

#Blogmas2018 Ritu’s Blog Tips #21

21 Dec 2018 42 Comments

by Ritu in Blogmas 2018 Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Blogmas, Blogmas 2018, Take A Break

Day 21

Take a break

Now, I’m definitely one who needs to practice what she preaches, but taking a break is not a bad thing at all!

Sometimes your blog starts to bring you down, as you are convinced you aren’t writing engaging content, or inspiration is running dry.

There is no unwritten rule to say you can’t take a break.

Sometimes you need a few days, a week, a month even, to focus on other things, life, or just renew your passion for your blog, so you can come back happier and ready to write!

It is time consuming to keep up with all the little duties that running a successful blog require.

And if you take a break, you need to remember that your readers will still be there when you come back!

If you have built your network successfully, they will be waiting for your return!

If you feel you can’t leave your blog ’empty’ for a certain period, remember there is that great tool called Schedule!

You can prewrite posts that will publish for you during your break, so there is fresh content still appearing.

But if you are feeling jaded, then seriously, take that break!

(I need to take my own advice in the new year, simply because my editing will not happen if I am constantly on here!!! Let’s see if I manage…!)

Setting #writephoto

20 Dec 2018 61 Comments

by Ritu in #WritePhoto, Poems Tags: #WritePhoto, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Photo Prompt, Poetry, Setting

Sue’s #Writephoto prompt this week…

 Sun Set

I love the orange hues
That take away the blues
Then soon the moon shines bright
And stars come out to play 

I love the evening sky
Time to sit and ponder why
As you sit and hold me tight
There are no words to say

I love the setting sun
Just think of all the fun
That happens when the night
Takes over from the day

Ritu 2018

Thursday photo prompt: Setting #writephoto

#Blogmas2018 Ritu’s Blog Tips #20

20 Dec 2018 61 Comments

by Ritu in Blogmas 2018 Tags: Annual Bloggers Bash Awards, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Blogmas, Blogmas 2018, Events

Day 20

Attend bloggers events

Sounds scary, huh?

You thought blogging was a great way to stay anonymous, write in yor little cocoon, and never know who actually reads your words?

I was the same initially, until I decided to attend my first event, as I had been nominated for an award…

My event of choice was the Annual Bloggers Bash, which is held in London, UK.

I had heard of the first one, which was a small gathering of bloggers for a lunch, chat and a set of awards. This developed into a full-blown event, which has been going yearly for 4 years, and the fifth one is on the 15th June next year.

Well, I attended the second, and third, and dragged my Hubby Dearest to the fourth, and each occasion has been amazing!

(Obviously coming second in my category the first year, winning Best Overall Blogger the second, and coming runner up the third helped!)

But I have developed some wonderful friendships due to these events. Each one feels like a reunion, rather than a ‘work’ event. Yes, you network, and are able to listen to some inspirational speakers, but for me, the best thing is to actually talk to bloggers who I read on a daily or weekly basis.

I have picked up some fantastic tips too over the years, and I have baked too… but that’s another story!

There are blogging events all across the world, and if you want to create a network, it is a great way to link up with people.

You may even decide to travel overseas to one! I know we have had attendees from the USA, Australia, Lichtenstein, amongst other places over the years, at the Bash… maybe I could convince some of you to attend???