First and foremost in my heart of hearts, I am a writer.
Those of you who have been on this journey with me since late 2009 know that I started art journaling as a way to deal with a wicked bad case of writer’s block, which had me feeling like my head was about to explode.
I’ve had a love affair with translating what’s in my head and heart onto the page since I first held one of those chubby blue starter pencils in my hands and learned to scrawl my own name on that cheap paper they give you in preschool – you know the stuff – newsprint, with a center line in blue and two red lines on top and bottom so you know where to begin and end the tails of your letters.
Writing has taken a back seat in my life since I started teaching. I *do* write. All the time. Daily, really. Some of what I write is in my journal. Some of it is content I create for classes I’m teaching. But I don’t write ‘out loud’ like I used to, and I miss it. I miss the confessional style of my writer’s voice, and the sense of connection I derive from sharing my deepest heart.
In 2013, I did a blog along, and it was fabulous.
I lost count of the number of people that blogged along with me, and of the new connections I forged through that intensely satisfying community building exercise. I blogged about everything – what was going on with me, what I made for dinner, what my furbabes were up to, what I did that day. It was like becoming reacquainted with an old friend, and I loved it. I even completed the challenge to do it every day, and while it wasn’t easy – I do have a life after all – it was a *pleasure*.
So, I’m doing it again, and you’re welcome to join me.
What do you say? There are no ‘rules’ other than one: Blog. Every day. In September. That’s it. Give it a go. Dust off that old blogger account. Spiffy up your WordPress.com. Start a blog! Or a Tumblr. Or use Facebook or Instagram as your platform. As for what to write about, well, write about you. What’s on your heart? What are you thinking about? Where would you like to be in five years? What’s cooking in your kitchen? What are you ordering in? Keep it as light or as heavy as you want. This is your time to shine.
I’m here to help!
Starting on September 1st, 2017 when we officially kick this thing off, I will send you an email every single day with the link to my blog for that day AND a few suggested blog topics. You are welcome to use the prompts I send, or ignore them all together. I just don’t want anyone out there floundering over ‘what to write’. This is *free*. I just want to get us all blogging again like we used to back in the day when friendships were forged over RSS feeds and we all clamoured to hear about one another’s day in updates that were a little more than 144 characters. Oh, and by the way – the e-list is optional. You can play along without it by visiting me here every day and adding a link to your day’s blog in the comments section.
You in? Sign up for the e-list, and then comment below with a link to your blog so I know you’re joining me.
I’ll see you on September 1st with my first blog and your first (optional) prompt.
Want a button? Here you go.
Link it to this page so folks can join you. Here is the shortlink!
https://wp.me/p1ZQyo-22l
I will give it a go!
I’ll give it a try. Have to go find all my blog info. LOL
Ok, I’ve been needing to get back in the blogging saddle! My baby proto blog is at http://www.tangledspirits.com
Yes, just realized I haven’t posted on my blog since April!
Yep! Time to dust off my lonely blog and give it an update. http://www.foronemoment.blogspot.com
I would like to join you! My blog is wyrdneedles.blogspot.com. Thank you!
Oh I’ve really needed this Effy honey, thank you. I used to blog daily and have now gotten to the point where weeks go by before I blog again. I really want to get back to regular blogging. So YES! I’ll join! My blog is at: http://www.maitrilibellule.com
A week ago I was killing it and wondered why I had abandoned regular blogging. This week I’m pulling teeth trying to come up with topics. Oh, yeah, that was why. So, I’m in. I blog at MAD Goddess/Musings.
https://madgoddess.com/blog/
I’ve been on a prolonged hiatus – sounds like a great idea! http://bunnysgirl.blogspot.ca
I’m in! Already on your mailing list, but signed up for the elist reminders. Here’s my blog: https://www.kintsugi-living.com/blog
I’m not sure if I can blog everyday – but I will join in when I can! I hope that’s fine? I’m over at https://ModernGypsy.in
Hi Effy. This challenge has come at exactly the right time. I was just contemplating brushing off my blog and bringing it back to life! Here is where you can find it. http://lynnspiro.com/posts/
I’ll give it a go!
artbypan.wordpress.com
I’m in! https://caryscholes.wixsite.com/website
Ok, I am in! Now I have a reason to begin.
gypsyangelblog.wordpress.com
earthstonehollow.wordpress.com … and I tried posting a draft, which didn’t work, … I’ll figure it out by Sept. 1st… lol… been 3 years since I even looked at the blog site…
I am going to give this a go! My much neglected blog is: https://eleventhbeatnik.com
I LOVE this idea!!! I am a baby blogger: http://www.lovejamiegirl.com and can’t wait to learn and grow.
Jamie
Hi Effy! This is a great idea, I’m definitely going to try and join in – I’ve been tentatively blogging for a while now but seeing that no one reads them does get a bit disheartening so this is the encouragement I need to really give a good go! My blog is http://www.littlelyra.com :-) xxx
i’m in! http://www.heavenspiritcreations.com
Oh man. I have FOMO so I’ll try!! Maybe that will spark my mojo. Lol
I started my first blog last month and need to get back to it. because of an art exhibit next week i have been busy with painting, but it this will be perfect and help me form a habit of writing again… amused1967.wordpress.com
Hi Effy, I would like to join in. However I have never blogged before and don’t even know where to begin. Help please.
Check your email. xo
I’m in, I need to get back to blogging, this will be a good kick in the pants!!! My blog is http://www.anewdayartstudio.com/blog/
I’ll play along. My facebook page is Color It Out! It’s a closed group so just request to join. Thanks for always challenging me Effy!
I created an art blog on WordPress and have exactly one entry dated 6/16 and an About page which is also out of date. I’m in. The address is https://suzyhollifield.wordpress.com I need to begin. I also have a massage blog http:tapestrylife.net. I’ll work on it, too.
yes I love to blog every day now on! About everything food, myself, what I read and so on!
Ooooh, yes please. Like everyone else here, I abandoned my blog several months ago but am feeling the pull to get back into writing it again. This will give me the structure I’m looking for to re-start my writing. Thank you for doing this. My blog is located at http://www.annebolender.com/the-clarity-alchemist-blog/
I think I will give this a try. It has been a long time since I blogged last. I think I will use my tumblr account for this.
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/cassandraphelan
I need this. I have a website don’t know where to start with a blog. I never think anyone would want to hear what I have to say. http://Www.lifestoolkit.com.
Took off some time for end of summer and now, need to get back to blogging. Will give this a go. https://myscrapbookevolution.com/
thank you for this … and i am grateful for the prompts as well … looking forward to being in blogging community again.
Yes. This sounds like fun.
https://acutehootwriter.blogspot.com/
This is the first blog post I have made in years! I am so ready! Sounds like fun!
I might give it a go although I’m notoriously bad at rules, never use prompts, only blog when I feel like it and very rarely MAKE myself write a post, and am flying back to Vancouver Sept 1st…oh and have two art shows and a workshop in Sept.
Anything else? Oh yeah, the blog template I use doesn’t do buttons…lol. I know, it doesn’t seem like I play nice with the other kids, but it sounds like fun. :D
I would like to give this a try but have never been brave enough to have a blog, any suggestions on the easiest blog account to get started with would be most appreciated…..thank you xxx
I am so very, totally not an expert, just diving in after years and years of procrastinating, but since you didn’t get any other answers, I’ll have a go! I have a gmail account, so I got a blogspot (Blogger) slice of the internet to call my very own, for free. Well, it isn’t MINE really, I write it, but the data is stored on Google’s servers so I guess they actually own it!
The thing is, if I put actual thought into it all, researching platforms, working out goals for my blog, I’d never get going. Been there before, not done that.
There are a bunch of tutorials online. I’m using this one, for no better reason than I like the way she writes. https://www.bloggingbasics101.com/ And because it was one of the first to have a comprehensible explanation of a question I googled!
Good luck! Jump on in!
Thank you Caroline, I did jump in with blogger,
still a work in progress, but I did it … https://whichsideoftherainbow.blogspot.com.au
Getting my blog back up and running was on my to do list
So im in!
http://www.rebelstardust.com
I am joining you – just setting up my blog…https://eastcoastraven.wordpress.com/
I’m in! Thanks Effy!! https://thenext40years.blogspot.com/
I’ll have a go as well – but I am TERRIBLE at daily challenges. I get to about a week in, then “Squirrel!”.
https://cazzylineonline.blogspot.com.au/ <– it me.
Stupid thing thinks I'm in UK timezone still. If anyone knows how to change that, please let me know! I've updated my Home and Google Now info, but blogspot still doesn't get it!
and I blog at https://cynthia-lee.com/blog/
I finally was able to create a blog! https://circumnavigatingedges.blogspot.ch/
Now I have to figure out how it works :-)
I will give it a go……created this blog and never did anything with it…seems like a good time to start….bluelesley.wordpress.com. Eeeeeeek😲😲😲
I’m giving it a go! I participated in your blog along in 2013 and enjoyed the challenge, although I didn’t blog every day (my father’s declining health and then death later that month had a big impact). I keep wanting to blog more often but I haven’t been doing much of it, so I’m hoping this will help. Thanks for all you do, Effy! I’m blogging at http://www.ginwhite.com …
Hi
I am an intuitive expressive artist and an intuitive writer. I got inspired when I read about your blog along in September. It has come at the right moment as I choose to move out of my comfort zone.Thank you for the wonderful opportunity.
http://www.artfromthesoulblog.wordpress.com is my blog.
Here I am!
https://wordpress.com/post/artbypan.wordpress.com/1714
Come hang out with me at theragamuffindiva.blogspot.com.
This sounds fun, so I’m in! I’m looking forward to reading what others are sharing!
Please do pop by my site, to get some ‘love and light’: http://facetsofjoy.com/
I’m in! 😳 https://capturingmagicofordinarydays.wordpress.com/
I’m in! http://intrepidone.weebly.com/
I’m in. I have 2 blogs and will be posting both places though not every day on each one. Hope you’ll drop by!
http://www.jung-at-heart.com/jung_at_heart
http://thefatchronicles.com
I’m in! Thanks Effy :-) http://www.paulajeffery.com/artblog
Yikes, I guess I’m in! I have even downloaded the blogger app to my phone so that if I am on the go and realise I haven’t posted that day, I can do it on the bus etc.
One day late, but I’m gonna give it a go! Thanks for the nudge Effy – its about time I got back to my blog :)
I’m in! I’ve been saying I’m going to get serious about my blog for way too long. Thanks for the nudge! 😊
underthekimfluence.com
I’m IN! I’ve had a social media hiatus of two months and need to get back into the blogging business. The moment I saw this, I knew this would help. I may not keep up everyday, but I love the idea of blogging along, sharing and seeing other people’s posts. So thanks Effy for the initiative! xoxo
You’ll find my blog here: https://corinnebekker.wordpress.com/
I started to blog yesterday and did day 1+2. I hope that by joining in it will help me mentally and physically. It has been a wild summer!
https://jonespd48.wordpress.com
So it took me forever to find my info to get back into a blog I had started a while ago. Maybe this is exactly what I need to get back on the writing wheel!
I need to let you know (and I will post in the FB group when I publish tonight) that I moved my blog from Word Press to Blogger. UGH!
Same name, just a blogspot address now. https://capturingmagicofordinarydays.blogspot.com/
Love this! I had a hectic summer and was looking for inspiration to get back into my work. I’ve wanted to get back to blogging for a while and this is perfect. Looking forward to making a cup of tea and sitting back to read your blogs.
My blog is: http://groovybliss.com
I’m looking forward to seeing your journal Effy. I’ve never worked in a journal before and not sure that I can as i’m so used to working on individual 6″x6″ pieces. It seems to me that working in a journal would be stressful? My art blog has over 2400 pieces of my daily art and this might come to an end soon as my Photoshop Elements 8 has died. I don’t think my art is worthy of uploading w/o running it through PSE first and being a very old program it’s probably not available anymore or if it is I am not ‘puter savy enough to get it operating.