Pet Blogger Challenge

I decided to take the leap and do the Pet Blogger Challenge hosted by Will My Dog Hate Me and Go Pet Friendly.  Since I didn’t know about this challenge last year, this will be my first time participating.   The questions for repeaters are different then the questions for first timers.

When did you begin your blog?

I started my blog December 1, 2010.

What was your original purpose for starting a blog?

My original purpose was a challenge to myself to blog every day for a year. My hope was to better my writing and to generate interest in a book I had written.  I had gone to a seminar given by a literary agent at a local library, and her advice was to develop an internet presence in order to have people interested in what you have to say.

Is your current purpose the same?

Yes and no. I think  the original book I had written isn’t really the way I want to go.  I still hope to become a published author, I’m just not sure it will be a children’s book anymore. 

My ultimate goal has always been to share my sweet Sampson with the world and to let others know the joy and love experienced from being owned by a furry bundle of love.

If not, what’s different?

My goal now is to become a writer.  Whether that means I blog professionally or personally, my ultimate goal is to be able to stay home and write for a living.  Allowing me what I consider to be the best of both worlds…spending time with my dogs but still have an income.

If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals?

Well you’re reading this right?  LOL I’ve actually developed a readership.  Granted it is not as large as I would like, but it is still people I didn’t know before I started this blog. 

Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?

My goal is to blog every day and I do. 

If the former, how often — and what techniques do you use to stick to it?

I blog every day, and the post must be up BEFORE I go to bed, mostly I blog at night after dinner, but there are times I start the post early and work on it throughout the day.

If the latter, do you worry about… well, whatever you might worry about (e.g. losing traffic, losing momentum)?

I do worry about losing readers because that is who I am.  It still boggles my mind when I see the post was sent to 53 Word Press subscribers!

Are you generating income from your blog?

No.  So far no-one has approached me for advertising purposes.

If so, how (e.g. sponsor ads, affiliate relationships, spokesperson opportunities)?

If not currently, do you hope to in the future — and how?

I’m on the fence about it.  I’m thinking more in lines of a sponsorship, where people would pay to ‘sponsor’ the blog.  I also think I would be particular about who I chose to sponsor me.  For instance, I personally don’t use those chemical flea and tick products you put on your pet once a month.  Since I don’t believe in them I would not want them to sponsor me.

What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)?

What I love about blogging is the relationships I have developed with my readers and other bloggers.  The Blogosphere is a tight-knit community and we all have each other’s backs.  If you are feeling down in the dumps or unsure you can bet a fellow blogger will be right there with their hand out, pulling you up and holding you up if necessary.

What I like most about my blog in particular is that it’s mine, no-one can dictate that they want it ‘done’ a certain way, however it turns out, it is all me.

What do you like least?

The technological side of blogging usually has me scratching my head.  I’m more of a ‘learn by doing’ kind of gal, so in order for me to learn technical stuff, I have to have the book in front of me and do it step by step.  I’m not always very good at finding those types of resources.

How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2012?

I definitely hope to really grow my readership, and develop more blogging relationships.

This is the PBC blog hop, you can get your link here.