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| This way to the coffee. Yes! |
MN Blogger Conference is in a bigger venue than last year so they could increase attendance, or at least have more spots available. Last year there was a wait list and I ended up buying a ticket from someone else that ended up not being able to attend. DD1 was going to attend, but she had a work conflict and any of my friends with an interest weren't able to come. There was no wait list this year, so I have an extra ticket. I suppose I could grab her "stuff" but then I'd have to carry her free notebook, a really nice one at that and pen, around with me all day. Not doing it. I brought my camera, as it does have WiFi capability, but I haven't figured out how to configure that yet. Perhaps I'll get pointers later on. I'm a self proclaimed troglodyte.
At this point, more people are starting to come so I made my way to the auditorium to start a little networking-and find coffee.The opening speaker, Jennifer Kane,was quite good, a mixture of entertaining, motivating, and informative, with the theme of Fierce and Fearless or vice versa. I feel neither I nor my blog is either synonym, so I tried to perk up to her tips. My two morning sessions were on unblocking writers block, and using live video. I am still trying to figure out the world of a recorded and edited video on YouTube so the presentation was interesting, but not applicable-now. It was presented by the wonderful Erica Hanna, who I've been
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| The fierce, fearless, and fabulous Erica Hanna @meeterica |
Take aways-
- I can't see myself making a real career out of blogging in the near future, but as a viable hobby, and way to meet like minded folks, I'll keep at it. But...one never knows.
- I need to just get off the dime and launch content on samandcoffee.com, and not worry about perfection. Also, a little video (even if not live) can go a long way.
- Who knew Hennepin County library had so many free resources for aspiring writers? I do now.
- I like learning and feeling like a student again. Admittedly, 50% of today was over my technological comfort zone, but terms I've heard are no longer foreign, and I am inspired to explore new ways to improve my writing, my use of technology, and my enjoyment of this hobby.
- Minnesota has some really creative people, and people willing to share their experiences and expertise. January weather still sucks, but the people are awesome.
Will I attend next year. Sure! Why not invest a day in learning new information, potentially new contacts, and new skills? The price was a bargain; early bird tickets at $20, and even with eating one of the two tickets, still low cost. I have another idea from just talking ideas out loud for yet another blog site, pulling bits I've touched on in a more singular purposed topic. We'll see how much cabin fever I get this winter before I dive into another project. I do this though, get excited about ideas and then reality sets in, and energy wains.That whole full time job and a family thing. Still, hopefully in the last last year I applied some new strategies from the last conference that made my my blog and writing better and will do the same in the months to come. I even picked up a few more followers on Twitter-wowsa, I'm at 110 now. Who's up for joining me in 2017?
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| One of my favorites, engraved on a university wall, fitting for the day. |
Sounds like a fun weekend. No one I know blogs around here at all.
ReplyDeleteThere might b e more than you think. I need to follow up with a few contacts.
DeleteIt does sound like fun! I have never heard of one around here, but I blog for my own amusement I guess.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun. I think this years leaned much ore ehaviy towards the professional blogger, there was enough to peak my interest.
DeleteI'm the same way - I have a zillion good ideas but few come to fruition. If only I had the energy to follow through! At least we can blog about it :)
ReplyDeleteWe can blog about our good ideas that don't make it into a blog of their own them-love it!. But imagine the alternative? No sparks, nothing to ponder and get energized about-no fun in that.
DeleteThat sounds like a fantastic event. Thanks for sharing your take-aways, so astutue (and not just about blogging).
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean about that feeling of being a student again, we went to a book launch and lecture at a nearby university last week. The event itself was fascinating but the energy being around the young people and those who are passionate about learning and passing on their knowledge is just so inspiring. I always leave wanting to learn all the things and become an expert on something - well I guess I am en expert on something but I mean something else!
Learning just to expand my limited world is a gift to myself. Devoting a full day to something not for work, not for my kids or other family members, not with friends is rare.Other than this conference, I can't think of the last time I spent a full day on my own interests, so the student in me could be fed.
DeleteOMG I can't even post anything regularly on my little blog. I thought I would have way more time now I'm not working but it just hasn't happened. I have a little notebook/journal where all my post ideas get scribbled down but never actually make it to the blog lol. I have so much travel stuff to write about but then the next trip needs planning and life gets in the way. I think I need to organise my day more effectively too
ReplyDeleteIf journaling is just as beneficial, I don't think you should worry about not blogging. If you feel like it do it, but if not, just enjoy your travels! I'm happy I found this creative outlet or as often the case, whining outlet to rant, but we should all do what works. I'd rather be really traveling than writing about it anyway, so you have that!
DeleteIt is always great to hang out with like minded people. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I think, you will make a career out of blogging.
ReplyDeleteThat's kind of you to say, but since my site monetarily earns about $0.08 per day, I'll have to greatly reduce my standard of living. Thank you for reading and commenting on my post.
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