“Three Years On”

~ Elizabeth

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I started writing this blog in July of 2016. I didn’t have any particular goals for it, since I had never written for the public before. Armed with just a library book, I started “Saved By Words,” titled after the reality that words had been a lifesaver for me throughout my life. Word Press helped me get started. A terrific blogger named Pete gave me much needed advice when I got stuck. His assistance introduced me to the community that writes in my corner of things.

I began by commenting on posts that I read. I also responded immediately to the first few readers that found me, goodness knows how. I especially appreciate Rachel of Cricket Pages and Arlene for their early consistent attention to my writing.

Never particularly interested in the statistics WordPress makes available, I find that they are a helpful way to reflect back on the three years. My followers have increased very gradually, and many who are listed as followers really aren’t, I think. The biggest growth has been in interactivity, the aspect of this medium I appreciate the most. My comments have tripled, and I now have a pretty consistent group of readers I can count on to comment.

I intentionally keep my posts short. I like the idea that it is easy for a reader to sit down and  read a group at one time. That turns out to be true in many cases. While I try to write most days, many of my followers seem to catch up in batches. I love that.

And most surprisingly of all, I have now had readers in 117 different countries. What an amazing gift for a retired English professor typing away in Connecticut, United States. Thanks to every one of you, whether you follow regularly or you just dropped by. I haven’t run out of things to write, much to my amazement. I look forward to my fourth year.

36 thoughts on ““Three Years On””

  2. Congratulations on 3 years of blogging! 😊🌹 My 3 year anniversary was last April and honestly I’m somewhat surprised to have lasted this long. Like you I have learned a lot from other boggers and appreciate the blogging community.

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  5. Congratulations on your three years, and I hope to see many more. 🙂
    The mention is appreciated, but it is really my pleasure to follow you, and to revel in the nostalgia that we share, separated by an ocean.
    Best wishes, Pete.

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  6. Have been following a few months and enjoy your posts. I’m sure you’re right about short posts. Mine tend to be longer because of what I write about, but I’ve noticed it’s the short ones that usually get more comments.

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  7. I haven’t known you long as I’ve been only blogging for a few months, Elizabeth, but I like the interesting things you choose to write about. I also have felt welcomed and appreciate the kind interaction and support of this community. The one thing that amazes me the most about my fellow bloggers is the volume of material some people produce. That will never be me, but that is okay too. I guess there are too many other things that I’ve got my hands in.

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    1. Some people have blogging as their central focus, so they produce a great deal of writing. Like you I have a number of other things to do. Thanks for the follow.

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  8. I agree (in general) about keeping posts short, for several reasons. For one, many readers have limited time to follow blogs, so something has to give: either the busy reader will skim through a long post/give it a pass, or read it attentively but give the next blogger’s post short shrift to make up for the length of time spent on the preceding post. Another reason to practice saying what you want to say in as few words as possible, is that self-editing sharpens your writing skills and makes you a better writer.

    I could go on, but that would be contrary to practicing what I preach!

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  10. What a lovely post. I’ve been blogging just a few months longer than you and with several breaks. And my approach is quite different: irregular and longer posts. I enjoy the length of your posts, Elizabeth, and the nostalgia. You always have something interesting to say! Congratulaitons on your anniversary and I hope you continue blogging for a long while to come. It’s a great way to take a peek into other corners of the world!

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    1. Thanks. It makes sense that yours are longer since you take the time to really think through literature you are reading, among other things. Thanks for checking out the other side of the Atlantic.

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  11. Congratulations, my friend. Your consistency is admirable and what a gift to find this passion in retirement. To many more years of blogging!

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  13. Congratulations on your milestone. It’s true, it’s not the number of followers, it’s all about that group of loyal friends that are always there for you. Their the reason we blog.

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  14. I love your posts, Elizabeth. I was just saying to Steve over at S’Musing blog that I love learning about people and how they live their lives, their pasts, their children and their relaxation. I enjoy other people.

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  18. I like all your posts Elizabeth 🙂 And I am really glad that WordPress has brought me into contact likeminded people from different parts of the world 🙂 Your name brought to mind Enid Blyton 🙂

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