~*Blogging for Bliss book release party*~

Welcome to the celebration!!

**Party update: This just in from Tara Frey...the book just went #1 in crafts on Amazon!!!! Which means we moved Miss Martha Stewart down as of 5::30 pm est! Horray for bloggers!!**Come on inside, grab a cupcake and enjoy all the guests we have with us today in honor of Tara Frey and her fantastic new book Blogging for Bliss! On the right sidebar is a list of all the blogs participating in the book release party. Be sure and take some time to pop on over to each and read about all the people that stay true to their heart and write and create authentically, sharing themselves with the world as they "blog for bliss."

In the book, Tara brings together "creative bloggers" of all types- art blogs, quilting blogs, sewing blogs, vintage ephemera blogs, and more. She empowers the newbie to give it a try and dig deep where "you'll find your voice, and learn how to connect with others around the world." Tara also goes through the nuts and bolts of how to create a blog, how to make it beautiful, how to get traffic to your little corner of the blog-o-sphere, and even the ever-important etiquette. The book also features over 50 inspiring blogs in a "Meet the Blogger" section at the end of each chapter. Be sure and leave a comment at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy of Blogging for Bliss!

As it says in my page in the book, my blogging story began an autumn day in Minnesota in 2005. My very first post states my intention of starting my blog as, "...a place to throw out thoughts, ideas and inspirations. This blog is an attempt to be more aware. To take in my life moment by moment. It's an online scrapbook of sorts; layers of images, text, pieces of this and that. This is my life. Welcome to it!" 788 posts later, this is still what I do and my reason for doing it. It has inspired me to write my own book, teach classes and go to countless art retreats connecting with online friends from around the world. Best of all, it helps me to appreciate each day and see the beauty in everything around me. Our author extraordinaire, Tara Frey, is joining us for a little meet-and-greet.

In the book, you mention you began your blog in 2004, how has your blog evolved over the years? What have you changed? What’s stayed the same?

My blog has evolved and grown with me over the years. It first was all about my store (at the time) and I would think too much before each post. Now I blog from the heart and the words flow easily from the keyboard. I now talk about everyday things, like family, friends, and little random thought bubbles.

How has your blog helped your business?

This one is easy...without my blog there would be no book deal.

Why did you decide to write a book about Blogging for Bliss? What did you learn during this process?

The book was sort of a take off of some of my columns that feature creative bloggers. We wanted to expand this idea, feature more bloggers, and also give helpful information, tips, tools and visual imagery to inspire readers.

I learned that creative women who blog are superheros. Not only are they wives and mothers, they are creating, then inspire us all by taking beautiful photos of the creation and giving instructions as well. They are fabulous and generous creatures.

What three things are necessary to have a great blog?

Large crisp photos, a great banner, and most importantly, be yourself. Always stay true to your own voice and the words and posts will flow easily.

Do you have a favorite blog post?

If you mean on my own blog, then I think it would have to be anything I've written to my husband, (who doesn't read the blog, ironically) Except he did read "The Bullet List" I wrote him.

Thanks, Tara!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Leave a comment if you'd like to be entered in the drawing to win a copy of the book. Anyone who stops by can enter. Be sure and post in the comments when you put your party post up on your blog . That way we can all visit the other bloggers participating and don't forget to get your picture taken on the way out!