Unlock the Possibilities - Blog It Baby!

I have been asked a number of times about the in's and out's of blogging so I thought I would offer a workshop. I know some say blogging has gone the way of the dinosaur because everyone is all "a twitter" but while they are both useful I look at twitter as an appetizer and blogging as the main course. :)

I am offering a four hour workshop on blogging at my home in Massachusetts. I am 60 minutes south of Boston and 50 minutes east of Providence. The workshop will be a combination of information on blogging and a step by step process on creating your own blog using blogspot.com.  A portion of the workshop fee will go to LANES and massmouth as part of their fundraising efforts.

Bring your laptop and leave with a blog up and running. There will also be handouts for you to continue to learn after the day is done. And yes, if you don't have a laptop you can still come and learn.
 

As of today, my blog stats have passed the 54,000 mark with readers from Thailand, Japan, USA, Australia, Norway, Slovenia, Poland, Canada, France, Ireland, Egypt, Vietnam and beyond. Now while that may not be a lot for some businesses, for a small gal in tiny town I think that is pretty darn good, and you can do it too! Whether your are a performer, teacher or librarian, blogging is another way to  publicize your skills, promote your venues and connect with your clients/parents/students.

• Date: November 12, 2011 *Snow date (hey, it could happen) November 19, 2011
• Location: 97 Chipaway Road, East Freetown, MA
• Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (1/2 break hour for lunch)
• Cost: $65.00 with $15.00 going to LANES $15.00 going to massmouth. And since LANES and massmouth are 501 c3 organizations you can take a $30.00 donation for your taxes. I will provide some munchies and hot/cold drinks.

What you will be responsible for:

• Bringing your laptop 
• Having your first blog post of 300-500 words already typed on your computer. "Why?" So I can show you how to transfer it to your blog, pretty it up with a picture or two and hit that oh so satisfying "Publish" button!
• Your brown bag lunch * I have a microwave if you want to warm something up.
• A "can do" attitude!

 

Participants will be guided in the following:

• Choosing and uploading a template
• Adding and arranging Page Elements
• Searching for public domain pictures to complement the subject
• Uploading pictures from personal computer files
• Moving and arranging pictures within the text
• Embedding URL’s into text
• Changing font and picture size
• Adding color to text
• Constructing, Editing, Previewing, Saving and Publishing a blog post
• Monitoring and answering posted comments
• Uploading blogs to Facebook
• Signing up for Networked Blogs on Facebook
• Adding an RSS feed to the page
• Examining blog statistics

 

I hope you will join me. Space will be limited. Please email me at storybug@aol.com if you are interested or have any questions.

 

Northlands Storytelling Conference - Party Till the Cows Come Home!

Did you receive your income tax refund before the impending government shut down? Don't know how to spend it? Well here's a fabulous idea! Make your way to Wisconsin this month for a weekend filled with workshops to help you bring your performance and business to the next level.

I have attended the Northlands Storytelling Conference since 2000 and it is one of the best ways to connect with your colleagues, network, learn new skills, hear amazing stories, make new friends, AND be pampered at the beautiful Grand Geneva Resort and Spa.

I can't wait to fly in and share the fun with my Midwest friends! I will present a new workshop on Saturday, Enhance Your Online Presence: Blog It Baby! as well as participating in a panel discussion with two award-winning storytellers, Linda Gorham of IL and Elizabeth Ellis of Texas. The topic will be Selling Stories, Not Snake Oil.

Elizabeth will be sharing her vast and valuable expertise on the business of storytelling, Linda on business ethics related to our work, and I will share ideas on how to use social networking carefully and creatively. Linda and I will also be in the Saturday night concert and Elizabeth will grace the stage for the Friday night concert. There will be a story slam and amazing fringes on both nights as well.

Whether you are an experienced storyteller or beginner, a librarian looking to spice up your programs, or an educator who wants to reinvigorate their curriculum, this is the place to be! Stop by the Northlands Storytelling Conference website to learn about the workshops and extra activities offered this year. We'll party till the cows come home! Join us, you won't regret a moooooment!