Bethany’s Best, July Edition: Blogging, Lemon Pie, and Music

Each month I take a moment to pause and share a few things I’ve found to be helpful and fun along the journey as a busy writer. I hope you find them to be enlightening and encouraging!

Article Roundup: Blogging

These days it’s pretty common for writers to have some sort of a website or blog in order to be connected with readers, publishers, or just to have their name out there. In a digital age it’s a digital calling card of sorts.

Whether you’re interested in blogging or not quite sure what to think about it, here are a few articles I’ve found helpful in sorting through the blogging process. I’m still relatively new to the blogging world myself and it’s been a fun and sometimes stressful adventures of figuring out where to start and what to do next. There’s always more to learn! I wish you the best of luck on your journey 🙂

Your Author Blog: What Should An Author Blog About? – Anne R Allen’s Blog… With Ruth Harris

• I read this a while before I ever started blogging and I’m SO glad I did. The concept of slow blogging is brilliant. And before we ever start blogging it’s kind of crucial that we know what we’re blogging about and what our goals are.

11 Author Website Must Have Elements– Your Writer Platform

• I referred back to this list multiple times while sorting out what I wanted my blog to look like. I really liked how the advice was broken down with practical tips and examples.

How To Customize WordPress (WordPress 101)– WebsiteSetup

• This is a great nuts and bolts breakdown of how to set up a site on WordPress. There is so much information out there it was helpful to have a guide in one place.

How To Find Time To Blog When You’re A Busy Blogger– Beautiful Dawn Designs

• This article reminds me of thoughts I’ve shared here at The Busy Writer! Finding ways to write even when we’re busy is hard whether we’re writing a blog post or a novel. Find some tips and perspective here.

Bluehost

• Bluehost is where I pay for hosting for my blog and so far they’ve been hassle free and affordable which are both pretty important to me. This is an affiliate link so if you purchase something through it I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. I’m not trying to be scammy, I only recommend Bluehost ‘cause I actually think they’re a good option to check out… so if you’re thinking about setting up a site you should check them out 🙂

Book Spotlight: Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton may one of my favorite summer reads! This fast paced YA fantasy is set in a desert world that is rich in magic, myth, and secrets. Weaving together stories of the djinn, a rebel prince, and life in a country pitted with war and poverty, this story is an entertaining read that also contains deeper themes of loyalty, truth, right and wrong, and patriotism.

I love the protagonist Amani’s sharp wit, swift gun, and her fierce spirit. And I loved that she struggles with her choices, sometimes falters, and that she fights to find her own way amidst the chaotic times she finds herself in. Besides Amani, the rest of the characters are also intriguing, complex, and wonderfully portrayed. The desert scenery is gritty and real and the story compelling.

This book is worth reading on its own but I’m already looking forward to tracking down its sequel, Traitor to the Throne. Altogether a great addition to any summer reading list!

Recipe of the Month: Easy, Creamy, Sweet & Tart Lemon Pie

This right here is summer in the form of a pie. Fresh, smooth, and both sweet and tart- this pie is delicious. And did I mention it’s easy? Because that makes this recipe a winner in my book and a pie to make again and again. Enjoy!

Self Care Homework: Music

Have you listened to your favorite songs lately? Pull out your headphones or turn up the radio and soak in some songs that speak to your soul. Jam out and do a little dance!

For a bonus you can look up some of your old favorites too and go for a walk down memory lane. It’s amazing how many of those lyrics will come back to you 🙂

Writing Prompt: Dictionary Fun

Skim and flip through the dictionary and pick 5-10 words that jump out at you. (Bonus points if you aren’t familiar with all the words!)

Now take your word list and incorporate them all into one poem or short story. See where the words take you!

Cuteness Quota: Those Puppy Eyes… <3 

Quote:

“Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers.”—Ray Bradbury

Happy writing to you all! I hope your month has been fabulous and full of joy.

I’m always looking for feedback and ways to make this site helpful to you, so if you have any writing questions you’d like me to tackle next or topics to focus on, please let me know below in the comments! Or use my contact me page. I’d love to hear from you. 🙂