If I Can Do This Blogging Thing, Anyone Can

A month and a half. A lot can happen in a month in a half. In school years, you can fight with friends, make up with friends and get new best friends in that amount of time.

In mom years, a month and a half can go by in the blink of an eye or seem to stretch of the period of a thousand years. As the saying goes, “The years are short, but the days are long.” Amen and amen.

I started this little blog a month and a half ago. I started it not knowing what I was doing (I still don’t). But, I look a brave step. I went in a direction I never expected to go in. I never thought I could go in, if I’m being honest.

I had a teacher once tell me that I wasn’t a writer. And I believed him. I still do most days. I am no great writer. I am not super creative or poetic. I don’t have anything to give – except my own stories and my opinions on books.

And ultimately, if I have a place on the big scary internet where I can safely record my stories and my thoughts, that is great. If I can use them to help others, then even better.

In just a month and a half, I have been overwhelmed by the friends and strangers who have cheered me on and encouraged me to speak honestly and openly. I have laughed, with joy unspeakable, at how many fun things have resulted from something as simple as putting my fingers to the keys.

1. Free Books – so many free books! They are simply mine for the taking! Had I have known that starting a blog would mean publishers would just put their books in my hands for me to tell the world what I think, I would have started this years ago! At this point, I have publicly reviewed 15 books (12 of which were FREE!). And I have a giant list of more free arc’s (advanced reader’s copies by those who don’t know the lingo) waiting for me. Not just any old books either, but books by authors I love and follow. Free, you guys! Why didn’t anyone tell me?!
2. Freelance writing gigs – I have been doing this for a month and a half, and I already have regular paid freelancing gigs for three different clients. It has tickled me to see how funny God thinks He is since my first paid freelancing writing gigs are for a church supply store, a parenting website and a mommy blog. If you had told little old 18 year old me working in a Christian bookstore that one day she’d be using her knowledge of choir robes and communion supplies to get paid to write church blogs, I would have never ever believed you. Further, if you had told that same girl one day she’d make money talking mom stuff, she would have fallen out of her chair laughing.
3. Guest posts – I have had a piece published by another mom blog about a private topic. Again, if you had told me when I was struggling with depression during my pregnancy that I would a.) go public with it b.) that other people would read it c.) that others would not only read it, but respond to it, I would have thought you were egging me on for a big joke (similar to poor Carrie).
4. 47 cents – My blog itself has made a whopping 47 cents. Ha! I can quit my tutoring job now! 

In just a month and half, I have come to learn that blogging is fun and freeing. I’ve also learned that it is hard, and I will be criticized and misunderstood. My first negative comment came from a Christian questioning my book choices. It happens.

But, the most exciting thing I have learned in a month and half is that I can do it. I can put myself out there. I can change course. It is possible for me to continue to stay home (if I so choose to). I never ever thought that something as simple as a space on the internet to record my thoughts about being a mom and books would provide me these opportunities.

If you are following because you know me and are friends with me, thank you. If you are following because you somehow stumbled across my page, thank you. Thank you for letting me add some more thoughts to the gigantic internet and following along for the ride.

Most importantly, if you are someone who is hesitating to put your voice out there or scared to try something new, I encourage you to give it your best shot. A lot can happen in a month and half. As the great Anne Lamott writes in Bird by Bird, “If there is one door in the castle you have been told not to go through, you must. Otherwise, you'll just be rearranging furniture in rooms you've already been in.”

I swear this is not a piece to do a giant humble brag. I really am just at the point where I want to tell everyone I know to give it their best shot.  If I can do it, you can too.