I am so excited to tell you all about the newest feature on the blog! "Hey Holly" is a new piece on The Cat'z Meow that will be published regularly.
As a blogger for four years, and a writer for what seems
like a lifetime, I tend to receive a lot of outreach from my followers.
This really means a lot to me! Questions are often sent my
way seeking advice on writing, relationships, fashion,
dealing with a sibling that lives so far away, the transition from
vegetarianism, etc.
Since this blog is primarily a place to vent and dish out
my thoughts, I thought it would be a great resource for me to share
(anonymously of course) what other people are feeling as well, and what I
(and you) can do to help! You never know who may be experiencing the
same situations as you, and maybe we can all help each other a little
bit. And don't worry, unless you tell me to, I will never publish your name
- I will just refer to you as one of my beloved friends.
So, here is my first "Hey Holly" post.
Q: Hey Holly:
I really want
to start a blog. I already have one in the works, but I am nervous to
publish it. What if no one reads it, what if people do read it and leave
hateful comments? How do you deal with criticism?
Thanks!
A:
Hey, friend!
Thanks
for your message. You'd be surprised how many I get that are almost
identical to this one! First of all - congrats on the blog! It
takes talent and time to build one, and that's great. Second, I
want to tell you that it's okay to be nervous to publish your blog - a blog is
almost like an open diary where you are sharing all of your thoughts and
feelings with the internet world, knowing full well that some people are going
to judge you. But, those people are just the jealous people who don't
have the guts to do what you're doing and for making your life so
public! Once you can recognize that, and get over the fear of what other
people think, then you're well on your way to being the next big blogger!
Here's
how I feel- If no one reads my posts? Oh well. I'm not
writing them wishing to have 10000 views. I write them because I have
something to share with the world, and if people happen to stop by and smile,
feel inspired, or take something positive out of my post, then that's
awesome. But, if they don't, I still got off my chest what I wanted to
write about, and I feel much better after doing so. This blog is for me,
and I'm just grateful my readers want to be a part of my world.
You should try to get into that same mindset, because it will help you through
your blogging process. Remember, if you create a blog just hoping to have
a million readers, then you're doing it for the wrong reasons. You want
to create a blog as a way to detoxify and spill out all the
feelings you have bottled up inside, and when people see how genuine you
are, you will get a good amount of real, authentic followers.
If
people leave hateful comments or bad criticism, I say screw 'em. Let the
negative people be negative, it's only hurting them... not us! And,
always remember, you can turn the "comments section" off on
your page so that no one else has to see any negativity either. If
people have nice things to say, they can send an e-mail. That's usually
what I do!
So,
I hope this helped, and I hope you find the courage to kick start that blog
right now. And when you do, send me the link -- I can't wait to read it!
XO,
Holly
Want to be featured on Hey
Holly? Keep sending your messages to me via e-mail at hollyamber28@gmail.com
