The second half of March was a mad dash that began when I accepted the nonprofit job and put in my two weeks’ notice. Everything was falling into place. Megan agreed to let me and Tucker move into her St. Paul apartment in April, so I would exit the nest (for the third or fourth time) before my thirtieth birthday. I would miss my parents and my brothers, but I was ready to reclaim my independence. And lest my folks become lonely with just the boys around, my brother Skipp‘s girlfriend, Liz, had recently moved in.
Before starting my new job, I was going to spend the long Easter weekend in Colorado with three of my college girlfriends. The plan was to wrap up my telecommuting position on Thursday, fly to Denver on Friday, return to Minnesota on Monday, and start my new job in Minneapolis on Tuesday. In hindsight, it was lunacy, and I wish it had occurred to me to take a week off. Lesson learned.
I was really looking forward to the quick vacation, but I was absolutely not expecting relaxation. Laughter, yes. Dancing, sure. Wine, absolutely. Andrea, Daniela, and I would be staying with our college teammate, Erin, a high-energy PR professional who lives with her husband, Fran, in the mountains outside of Denver. This woman has serious spunk, and the two of us had already experienced a life’s worth of adventures—and misadventures—together.
We’d gone sailing in North Dakota, seen wild ponies on Chincoteague Island, and gotten in touch with our inner hippies at the Winnepeg Folk Festival. We’d gone clubbing in New York, counseled each other through bouts of anxiety, and given each other ridiculous late-night makeovers. I even let Erin pluck my eyebrows for the first time. I’m not talented in the cosmetic arts, but she has all the best products and gear. She also does a fantastic impression of a gum-smacking hairdresser who calls everyone “toots.” So, I hope it’s clear why I was looking forward to a weekend at Erin’s mountain retreat.
In the midst of all my running around on my last day of work, I found out that my nephew, Ethan, had been admitted to the hospital for dehydration. He’d been throwing up for a couple of days, and he just couldn’t keep fluids down. So, on the way to my writing class, I stopped at the hospital—the same place where the cute little bugger had been born and spent the first month of his life.
My sister-in-law looked exhausted. When a six-month-old baby is in the hospital, his parents are pretty much patients, too. Little Ethan was lethargic and just wanted to be held. While I was there, Hilary took the opportunity to take a shower, so I got to spend a few minutes sitting quietly with Ethan. “You’re gonna be okay, little buddy,” I said, kissing him on the top of his downy head. “Auntie loves you.” He tolerated my care but was obviously relieved when his freshly showered mama took over. I hugged them both and promised to visit them at home soon after I returned from my trip.
After class that night, I crashed at Josh’s place so I’d have quick access to the airport the next morning. I was already missing my man. After five months together, a weekend without him felt long. In a couple of weeks, I would live just ten minutes away, and I could stop lugging around bags stuffed with clothes, running shoes, and dog food. The next chapter of my life was about to begin, and after some fresh mountain air and girl talk, I knew I’d be ready.
*****
Blog Housekeeping
FYI, Erin is the lovely blonde bridesmaid on the far right side of the “Dead End” photo.
I’m looking for some advice! My readership has leveled off, and I need some creative ways to bring new people on board. However, with this being the 50th post in my story, I’m afraid it may seem daunting for people to catch up. Or impossible to catch up without reading the whole thing. I’ve thought about creating a catch-up page. Other ideas? (Both in terms of how to help people catch up and how to reach new readers.)
I just started reading and I was the opposite of “daunting” to catch up.
I dreading being caught up and having to actually wait for a post. LOL.
THEStephanie´s last blog ..Stephanie cooks- Baked Tilapia
I’m a newbie to your blogoir and I LOVE it. I started at the beginning and found it so compelling that it wasn’t “daunting.” I actually find myself reading slower now because I’m nearing being caught up and I just don’t want it to end.
FYI, I found you through http://sincemydivorce.com/
Emma, I was a couple years ahead of you at our alma mater, and I found your blog via Erin’s link on fb. I’ve read the whole thing today…I love your writing style! I noticed that you asked for ideas on how to grow readership…you just got a new reader in me! I was feeling more than a bit like a stalker for reading your entire blog, but seeing that you’re looking for more readers makes me feel slightly less like I need to register with the authorities. Congrats on being a tough woman, and keep up the excellent writing!
Um, I love you! No need to register with the authorities.
I am so thrilled when I hear that someone reads through the archives!
Oh wow, I love the idea of guest posting. How can I get into that too? I’ve been told that if you comment on other people’s blogs that is a good way to get more readers too. So comment a lot, and it did work for me, but like you, my readership hasn’t increased in a while. Also, check out this link http://seattlemomblogs.com/2008/05/5-essential-pieces-of-advice-for-the-new-blogger/
KT´s last blog ..a vent; sometimes i want my ex to just drop off the face of the earth
Thanks for the link. I checked it out, and there are some good tips! I bet if you write in a blog post that you’re interested in guest posting, you’ll get some offers!
man, i totally skipped over the part about erin mimicking the hairdresser. i could totally picture that. (although, i must admit, the image i see is of amy sedaris doing it, so…)
yeah, that video is pretty cool. glad you liked it. :]
c.c.´s last blog ..homework
Ha! Now I can totally see Amy Sedaris doing it, too.
Hi. I got referred over to your blog by an Smith alum. She said I had to see your header and boy, it’s great.
If you’re looking for inspiration to write, take up the blogging challenge that our other Seven Sisters and a bunch of mommy bloggers doing. I’ve asked people to think through the definition of success and define what it means to them.
http://www.moneyandrisk.com/saving-money/philosophy/tell-the-world-how-you-define-success/
Check it out and let me know what you think.
Kim @ Money and Risk´s last blog ..Change the World by Redefining Success
Thanks for visiting! I will see if I can work your blogging challenge into my plot!
I’d go with Auntie Suta – the answers to these questions will tell you how to prioritize your time. Chasing readership is like look of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
I’d be happy to have you guest post for me. I have a trip coming up later in the summer and would love some guest posts for while I’m gone. I’m open to suggestions about the topic although it would need to be related to divorce.
Mandy´s last blog ..Caught sleeping while married
Thanks, Mandy! I’d love to do a guest post for you. I’m sure I can come up with something divorce-related! I’ll start thinking about it.
Aw, I hope your nephew is doing better!
Jamie Jenson´s last blog ..The Bachelorette: After the First Rose Ceremony.
I seriously love your blog. I have noticed mine readership will plateau and then pick up again. It seems to all go in cycles. I have noticed it coincides with time of year too. Less people have time for their computer when their kids are out of school, so I noticed my blog views drop sometimes during school holidays. By the way, there is a blog award waiting for you at my blog. If it is not your thing, totally understand but if you want it, it is there.
Debra´s last blog ..Blog Award
Thanks, Debra! I really appreciate your feedback and the award. It’s good to know that you’ve also noticed fluctuations in traffic. Sometimes it seems so random!
Emma,
You’ve gotten some excellent suggestions here! A fast-track page (love the concept!) would make it easy for people to start right in. Once they realize that every word is worth reading, they’ll go back to the beginning. I don’t have tons of readers, but I seem to pick up a couple every week, and I think some of them notice comments I’ve made elsewhere. I’m pretty sure there are groups for bloggers in their 20s and 30s, but I don’t know how to find them.
Also, you have a niche that you could help build. You might include a short paragraph about the art of blogoir with each post… what it is, what it requires, where to find others, tips on how to do it….stuff that would turn up on Google and establish you as an expert (or a “person of interest”). Then reach out to connect with others….
Blissed-Out Grandma´s last blog ..Telephones…love ‘em or hate ‘em
Thanks! I am going to do something with your blogoir idea. I may even create a page about. I really like the idea of connecting with other “blogoirists.”
I’ve been digging your anniversary posts, BTW!
I think many of us are in the same boat with a leveling off of readers. Unless you have a lot of free time to visit a gazillion blogs a day I think it is hard to attract new readers. Even then there is no guarantee. I’ve pretty much settled on trying to bring the enjoyment back and focus less on the numbers. A summary post is always a good idea. You could even put a link in your sidebar so it is always there for new readers to access.
I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one who feels this way! Thanks for your input. I like the sidebar link idea!
Poor baby, Ethan.
I almost started crying reading it since, well, you know.
We have talked about it before and I think that having a catch-up post is a good idea. I think that once people get into it, they’ll eventually go back and read from the beginning.
Not sure what to do about more readership. I think doing what you’re doing. You’ve had highlights on other pages. I’ve shared you on FB, my friend was a gazillion followers on Twitter posted your blog. I’ll try to brainstorm.
Thanks, Melissa! I always appreciate your input.
Love the idea of a catch-up (or fast-track) page(s). I WANT to go back and catch up and will eventually, because I like reading the more detailed story, but right now its a bit daunting and I don’t have enough free minutes! Though its true your posts are short enough that I SHOULD be able to manage it.
Your blog is definitely different than most I read in that its a continuing story (hence “blogoir”). Which is awesome — I really like the idea — but (perhaps erroneously) makes me want to catch up before reading more….
Kristin @ Intrepid Murmurings´s last blog ..5 reasons to not call my girls “The Twins”
I hear you on not having enough minutes! I have a hard time keeping up with my google Reader, let alone reading archives. I’m working on the catch-up!
thanks for reading picky and leaving it some love! i’m glad you liked the post!
c.c.´s last blog ..the eyes of others are upon us
I don’t think you need to worry about a catch up page, I loved reading through all your posts, in fact, I couldn’t wait to get into bed at night with my laptop and start reading. Now that I’m all caught up I look forward to when you post a new chapter of your blogoir. As far as more readers, look for people that are having link parties and make sure to link up. A blogoir button would be good too.
Thanks for the ideas! I will look for more link-up opportunities. I created a button tonight. And I’m so glad that you enjoy the blogoir!
I don’t know much about how to increase readership, but I have been following for a little while…so excited to see your Facebook page and actually put names to faces! Thanks for that! : )
Thanks! I will try to keep adding more pics. It’s fun!
button for your blog that others can put on their blogs? guest posting on other blogs?
as for your concern that others won’t want to start at the beginning and read through fifty posts to catch up? i wouldn’t worry about that. they will. you tell a good story. and your posts are pretty short — quick reading.
c.c.´s last blog ..the eyes of others are upon us
okee. am i blind? has that button always been there? or did you just put one up?
c.c.´s last blog ..the eyes of others are upon us
Ha! You inspired me. I just did it tonight. I had no idea how easy it would be. So thanks for the inspiration. I added you to my blogroll, too, BTW!
I’ve been reading your blog for months, and when I started reading it I went back and read from the beginning. With it being at 50 posts it would be a little much to go back and read from the beginning now, so creating a “catch-up post” would be an excellent idea. You’re a great writer and I’m sure you can find a way to condense the first 50 posts of your story into 1 catch up post.
I love your blog, being a 26 year old divorcee I can relate!
Thanks for the input! I’m leaning towards doing a catch-up page, but I just need to carve out some time to do it. I’m so glad that you enjoy my blog. Thanks very much for reading and commenting!
Emma,
Ask yourself a few questions about why you want more readers.
1. What is my goal in writing this blogoir?
2. Am I trying to turn this into a publishable book?
3. Am I writing to teach others a lesson or just share my experience with as many people as possible.
4. Am I writing mostly for myself?
My blog has ten followers who have actually signed up. And though I am writing mostly for myself, I do enjoy the rare comments.
Auntie Suta´s last blog ..My favorite virtue
Very good questions. I am writing this for so many reasons. I love how blogging can be an interactive experience, and it just keeps getting richer as I get feedback from more readers. And I really enjoy discovering new blogs, too, and being part of their conversations.
No idea how to increase readership, but I read several blogs that have a “fast track” page that they put up every few months that tells a very short story of their lives.
You are a very talented writer and I look forward to your new posts!
Shelley
Shelley (Jennings) Bumpus´s last blog ..How about now?
Thanks for weighing in! I like the term “fast track.” Might have to borrow that.
As a first time visitor to your blog, I would love a catch-up post!
Honey B.´s last blog ..How Does Blogging Pay You?