My first blog post was published ten years ago this week, through Weebly. I used Weebly a couple of years but it was so hard to manipulate so when the local school system offered a couple of classes for WordPress, I signed up.
WordPress is much easier to use and I enjoy getting feedback on posts. I’ve met such delightful people, which is a godsend for someone mostly homebound.
I also WordPress’s analytics, which tell how many people visited each one, which countries they’re from, even what device they use to read a post. I was surprised to learn that most (72 percent) of my followers read blog posts on a mobile unit–their cellphones!
That first blog post is a favorite, Needle in Her Hand. I still remember where I was sitting when Mom revealed the story behind the old photo. The story became Chapter 28 (The Imbedded Needle) in Leora’s Dexter Stories: The Scarcity Years of the Great Depression.
Is what surprising Joy? The fact that people around the world enjoy your family and the stories about them? Your family is easy to love.
The surprise is the reach! The internet is amazing!
CongaRats!
I “met” you, Rich, through one of my blog posts about WWII!
Congratulations on reaching this milestone, Joy! During those 10 years, your posts have influenced countless people, including myself, to begin or continue their own writing pursuits. I’ve enjoyed following your ongoing journey through your family’s history, especially the exploits and challenges of the family during the Depression and war years. Keep on writing!
Oh, bless you Dennis. I had no idea I’d been useful, except for the nudge to get busy with Dillon’s War. I thought Meadowlark might be my last, then I notice quiet God nudges about memoir stories. Stay tuned I guess!
Congratulations on ten years of blogging!
Thanks, Darlene!
Congratulations, Joy! Ten years and counting is a very successful blog run!
I’m so thankful to have such a fun way to “get out of the house.”
A whole decade of making friends all over the world! Good on you, Joy. (I used Weebly for a while as well)
Thank you, Annette!
A milestone year for you. Six years for me. My favorite part is meeting people I wouldn’t have otherwise known.
Amen, Pete! And it’s such a godsend to someone mostly homebound. #aginggratefully
Congratulations on ten years. Love reading your posts.
Thank you, Tim. It’s certainly been a godsend!
Congratulations Joy. A neat milestone!!
Thank you, Brian. It was the next step in eventually publishing Grandma Leora’s stories. A blessing, for sure.
Congratulations on ten years and counting, Joy!
Yes, and counting. Nineteen scheduled! Thank you, Eilene.
Congrats on a decade!
I have enjoyed getting to know your family through your books- it’s been so interesting!
Thank you, Kelly!
Congratulations, Joy! Your first blog post is definitely a significant milestone. I always enjoy reading your posts.
Thank you, Tim. I’m especially thankful for it since I’m mainly homebound!
Congratulations on your milestone blogiversary! I love all your stories.
Thank you, Linda. It’s a godsend to someone mostly homebound!
Congratualtions on your 10th blogging anniversary, Joy! Ten years is a long time and I’m happy to see what you have accomplished in ten year. <3
Thank you, Miriam! Especially at my age. I started at age 70. #aginggratefully
Thank you for setting a wonderful example, Joy! My husband’s friend turned 96. She’s a singer. She wrote three memoirs last year. She traveled and sang well into her early 90s. I want to be like her.
I hope you will, Miriam!
When you first started blogging ten years ago, you weren’t a successful author of four books with one in the hopper. You’ve accomplished so much over the span of one decade! I thoroughly enjoy your posts. Congratulations, Joy Neal Kidney!!! 🙂
Bless you, Nancy. I’m amazed and humbled at it all. Today I’m meeting Robin Grunder for the first time, who’s been a large part of all five books. She was my coauthor on the first one!
God blessed you with just the right person to help tell your family’s story.
Amen!
Congrats, Joy! A wonderful milestone!
It went quickly. Thanks, Lauren!
Congratulations on ten years of blogging! Love your posts!
Bless you, Linda!
Congratulations on 10 years of blogging! I keep having things get in my way of staying up to date and current on my writing.
Scott, that’s because you have a life! I’ve lived with fibromyalgia for two dozen years, so the blog post and social media are godsends!