So am I stopping this blog? Nope.

I just signed up for 750words.com – it’s a blogging site, it’s a writing site. It’s a totally private site where you are encouraged to write 750 words a day…and as the site says “You can’t just fart out 3 pages without running into your subconscious a little bit… 750 words takes a bit of effort, and it never fails to get me typing things that I have wanted to articulate without realizing it. And that’s the point.” According to the website creator, this exercise is suppose to clear your mind and help motivate your creativity. So I’ve decided to take on a personal challenge, try to write 750 words a day for an entire year. I’m hoping this exercise in writing will help me have a more interesting, well-round blog.

DAY 1 of the 750 words challenge as completed prior to writing this post! whoohoo!

One of the fun features about this writing site is it “analyzes” your words and tells you what your words are saying about you and your writing at the moment.  Here is the snap shot of today:

why?

It’s super personal and what I have to say affects more people than just myself.  I think sometimes this is a struggle all writers deal with — what’s for you and what will benefit your audience. It feels really awesome for me to put it all out there, tell the world what’s been happening, and yet I realize that somethings shouldn’t be so public. Lessons were learned and maybe one day I will share those…but for now -

They say What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…and this will stay with me.

This may not make up for my lack of blog-stardom but I just bought these shoes and somehow that makes me feel a lil better.

For the record here are the blogs I’ve been reading:

Candice Does The World
The Everywhereist

In college I took Greek as my foreign language…and not modern Greek, Ancient Greek. Why? Because I was a borderline geek and took Latin in highschool. I was never stellar in Greek and I was pretty sure my professor hated me, but I still loved the class. Even though my ability to read & translate Greek have fallen by the wayside, I do still “write” in Greek. I write my notes, especially personal-just getting-my-thoughts-on-paper notes by writing the greek equilveant for a roman letter (or as best as it can fit) so the word “all” I would write alpha lambda lambda and so on. It makes me feel less conscious about getting my feelings and thoughts out in public because who is really going to take the time to decode my stuff?

I’m sure when I’m famous and have gone crazy, people will go bonkers for these greekish notes.

If you know me even a little, you know that I also xoxo Chicago and I’m thrilled to bits to start writing regularly for Gapers Block. I officially got the welcome email today, which means the pressure is on to start really performing in my writing. Kinda scary. I’m not even sure if I have a defined voice yet as writer —should I be admitting this? maybe not, but if I’m anything I’m honest.

I already have a listing of posts I want to write…now if only I can figure out Moveable Type.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how to make my blog more than just any old blog.
Blogs are a dime a dozen. How do I make mine stand out in the crowd?

Well it will probably take many, many, more months. and I have to set up a few habits, like writing on a regular basis. So I’ve decided on setting a Monday & Thursday blog schedule. Not often enough to feel crazy pressure, but often enough to start pumping up my content.

I’m trying to read more blogs than I normally do. I’m always amazed at how clever and fun (and smart too) people can come across and so I’ve heard the phrase fake until it you make it…and that’s my plan!

I know mini post but read the articles instead!

I was so impressed with the turn out at TBEX – the first year (of many I’m hoping) was an overwhelming success.  Kim, Debbie, and Maren were so amazing in organizing this event!  I was happy to help out with swag bags.  I pretty much lived with boxes of swag for  weeks a head of time  but the finished bags were great! (check out Debbie’s post here).

I’ve been working with GoGalavanting for about a year now but my blog – as you can see – is still baby-sized and trying to find it’s voice.  And as a newbie blog, meeting and listening to so many writers that I look up too was unbelievable!  Wendy Perrin and Chris Elliot were among my favorites. and Sean from BootsnAll was a definite crowd pleaser.

Part of the sessions covered marketing yourself and finding your voice (something I do need to work on)  But I am still having a hard time grasping this concept personally.  I think it’s difficult to think about branding yourself and marketing yourself and still be authentic and genuine.  I thoroughly  enjoyed just sitting back and listening to the panelists and the audience interact.To say I felt inspired would be an under statement.  To be surrounded by people who are all following their passions is so encouraging.  There was no competition, no airs – just simple advice and support.

Kim & Debbie out by collecting all the great goodies for the swag bags!  My apartment seems to be growing smaller by the day but I know it’s worth it.  The swag bags will be filled from something from Starbuck’s coffee  to Rosetta Stone…and everything in between.  I think this is the first time I’ll be disappointed if I’m not able to snag a bag for myself (for other conferences I’ve attended or worked at generally the most thrilling item inside is a pen or lip balm…so far neither items have shown up at my door but you never know…I’m expecting 34 more boxes (yup, that’s considered a pallet) tomorrow!