1. When did you begin your blog?
I'm pretty brand new to blogging. I launched this blog at the beginning of summer 2012. So I've been up and running for about 7-8 months.
2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?
My blog really just began as a hobby. My original intent was just to document daily life with my two Newfies. They add so much humor and joy to my life, I felt the need to share it with others. I've tried blogging in the past, but have never had that inspiration to keep me writing until my dogs came along.
3. Is your current purpose the same?
Basically. My purpose is still to capture my life (that revolves largely around my dogs) in words and photographs.
4. How often do you post?
I try to post at least 3 times a week. Sometimes I fail, depending on how busy of a week it was.
5. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?
Definitely as the spirit moves me! I do not publish on a schedule, because every week tends to vary so much. I'm still in the process of finding some semblance of a posting routine, but in the meantime, I write when an idea pops into my mind.
6. How much time do you spend writing your blog per week? How much time visiting other blogs? Share your tips for staying on top of it all.
Writing a post and editing (most of the) photos for it usually takes a minimum of an hour. So all in all, I spend about 3-5 hours per week working on my blog. I'd love to spend more time visiting other blogs, but right now can only manage a couple of hours a week. I definitely enjoy seeing how others are doing it and gathering inspiration from them.
I really don't have any tips for staying on top of blogging, because I'm kind of terrible at it. There are days when I have some form of writer's block and can't think of a single interesting thing to write about. Then there are days when several ideas form at once. I try to remember to stay present in the moment as much as possible, rather than constantly brainstorming for blog ideas or worrying that I haven't posted anything in a couple of days. And ideas usually flow once I've stepped away from technology and gone on an adventure with my Newfies.
7. How do you measure the success of a post and of your blog in general (comments, shares, traffic)?
Since I am new to blogging, I haven't been measuring success in any formal way (comments, traffic, etc.). I don't have millions of people trafficking the blog, so I just consider myself successful when I am able to keep posting interesting stories regularly - which can be a challenge in itself.
8. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one issue you’re having with your blog, what would it be?
How do you keep inspiration flowing? Some days I feel like I've already written about every topic possible. How do you get past that block? I'd like to keep this a fun hobby, rather than it turn into an obligation or a chore.
9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2013?
My main goal is keep sharing stories. I want my blog to remain a relaxing hobby, rather than become a chore. So I'd like to remember not to worry or obsess, or compare my writing to others, etc. My goal is to live in the moment and soak in the time I get to spend with the dogs, then write about it later.
