community – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Misha, Why Do You Blog?

Published on March 27, 2013March 24, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle22 Comments

I have know Mish from My First Book for quite awhile. She interviewed me on July 24, 2012 and her first comment on my blog was on September 18, 2012 in response to the Genre Favorites Blogfest (A Ninja Captain Alex creation).

“I used to LOVE James Patterson, but it now feels like he just churns out stories without caring about quality. I mean, he never even writes his books any more. :-/”

So, Misha, why do you blog?

When Sydney asked me to write a post on this topic, I was sort of stumped. Not because I don’t have a reason for blogging, but because I have so many motivations for blogging that it’s difficult to pick one.

Basically, I started blogging because writing book after writing book highlighted the importance of building a platform. Easy, I’d thought. It wasn’t.

Blogging is actually very hard work, if you want to build a big following. And the bigger it becomes, the more work you have. So although having a following might one day be useful when I have a book to sell, it’s not really the reason why I blog. If it was, I’d have given up years ago.

No. Now that I’m actually writing this, I realize that most of the reasons why I blog comes down to one. You. Yes. You. The wonderful person reading this.

By writing something on my blog or someone else’s, I’m gifted with a wonderful opportunity to touch your life. If you comment, you get to touch mine in return.

I find that to be a wonderful experience. You advise me, guide me, sometimes you just listen to me or even commiserate with me. All that you require is that I do the same for you.

If you think about it, blogging is actually a profound experience. One we take for granted sometimes, but amazing all the same.

And I’m honored to be part of such an amazing online community.

Why do you blog?

Vikki, Why do you blog?

Published on March 19, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle22 Comments

Here’s another addition of my 2nd year celebration. I would like to introduce you to Vikki Thompson from The View Outside. I first met Vikki on May 2, 2012. She commented on a blog post I wrote called Distracted, Again. Her comment:

“Hi I am sooooo distracted right now in my writing that I really am not one to offer advice lol. So I’m just stopping by (via the Insecure Writers Group) to say I know exactly how you feel There just aren’t enough hours in the day lol Good luck!!!!Xx”

She has been super support ever since. So, Vikki, why do you blog?

When Sydney asked me the question Why Do You Blog? I turned to Molly Greene for inspiration. These are the reasons Molly suggests as to why writers blog:

To connect to readers.

To practice craft, discipline, voice and style.

To form relationships with other authors.

To establish an effective platform.

To blog a book or 2.

To build an e mail list.

All valid “writerly” reasons, but none of these questions sum up WHY I (in italics BIG letters lol) blog (although the 2nd one is definitely something I’ve benefitted from).

At first I started to blog for my own selfish reasons, to keep a record of my writing journey. The things I learnt about writing, so that I could see progression (if there was any!) in my work. But what i discovered is that overnight, I became part of a community. A community of “writers” and i was accepted in with open arms. That was a bit of a shock. People commenting on MY Blog? Really? Why? It took me ages to get my head around that one lol.

You see, for me, Blogging = a community of like minded people who all share the same fears, hopes and dreams. I love the fact that chats, discussions and ideas cross oceans and time zones. I get support, a shoulder to cry on (when required) and a pat on the back just when I need it the most. In return, I do the same 🙂

So why do I Blog? Because no other social media gives me such a sense of belonging as my little corner of WordPress. I may not have thousands of followers, but i don’t care. Each and every one of my followers are part of writing family 🙂

That includes you Sydney! Happy Blogiversary xx

What about you? Why do you blog?

I Can’t Think of a Better Way to Spend my Day

Published on December 16, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle9 Comments

After the tragedy last week in Connecticut, I can’t think of a better way to have spent my Saturday then to volunteer at the Christmas in the Park in Dallas, Texas.

The S.M Wright Foundation created this event to provide toys, bikes, books, clothes, beds and food to families who are less fortunate. It was an amazing day and I am so proud to be a part of my community when they are on their best behavior and help each other.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families in Connecticut and my hope is that all of us find some peace and comfort in this world of chaos.

The Event provided items for over 3,500 families.

Toyland Red Carpet - Personally I would have gone for the Easy Bake Oven — Toyland Red Carpet – Personally I would have gone for the Easy Bake Oven

It was a special afternoon and maked me feel blessed to be back home and have an opportunity to contribute.

Have a great week everyone, I will see you on Tuesday.