My 2 Year Blogging Anniversary: A Q+A

Photo credit to Jo Anaya on Unsplash.

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Wow, I cannot believe that it has been two years. Two years of writing posts, connecting with readers, sharing parts of my heart that hopefully encourage others, and overall having a wonderful time. I've loved every second of it so far, and hope that you've been blessed by my posts!

If you're part of my email list (you can sign up here if you haven't already), you know that I sent out a Q+A form in September's newsletter. I thought it would be a fun post to share with this anniversary, and am so thankful to everyone who submitted a question! Now, on to the post and my answers...

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What is the most important lesson you've learned from the last two years of blogging?

That if I write from the heart, my blogging is able to touch people in ways I never thought it would be able to. I honestly sort of just fell into blogging and tried out different styles and topics of posts for a while, but the more that I write about what I personally feel is on my heart, the more that I see my work connecting with other people. I love my blog, I love my community here, and I am so blessed to have been given this spot to share what I've learned and have been leaning!

What got you into writing and what do you love about it?

I think what got me into writing is my love for reading and stories, and that all goes back to my mom who helped foster that love that I've had ever for as far back as I can remember. I'm a fairly driven person, so it's no surprise that I eventually wanted to try writing my own books. I love good stories because they effect people in a way that nothing else can, they help us become more well-rounded, and the creation process is so exhilarating and amazing - I am beyond thankful that God has instilled a creativity in His people.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Ah, a fun question! I don't even know if I can choose a specific food, but one favorite of mine is the Irish stew that my mom makes every once in a while. I suppose anything would get old after repetition for the rest of my life, but I wouldn't mind having this for at least a week or two straight.

Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean?

The mountains. My family has done a bit of hiking (both by ourselves and with friends), and I just love the memories we've made and the scenery we've experienced. I usually like collecting shells and walking on the beach at sunset, but don't prefer the crowds and ocean water itself - I prefer being able to see my feet while swimming, and the prospect of sharks isn't very appealing either!

What tips do you have for brainstorming a solution to a plot hole in your story, especially when

you feel like you just keep running in circles?

There are two things that always help me with brainstorming! The first is to set aside my project or idea and do something else. Going on a walk is especially helpful, and I've found that while not being entirely focused on my project, my brain is able to think through solutions I wouldn't have otherwise. The second is to find someone to talk to about your idea. Hearing thoughts from an outside perspective and getting to think out loud is invaluable to the process!

What have you found easier and/or more enjoyable: Writing, or having a business?

I am surprised by, but quite like this question! I think I'd have to say that writing comes easier and is more enjoyable - probably because I have much more experience and have put much more time into that opposed to business. However, I also love and am very interested in running businesses and being an entrepreneur, so this question isn't the most black and white in answer!

What is something that makes you smile?

Well, my list of things that makes me smile is very long, but the first thing that came to mind was my pets. My family has accumulated quite a quantity and variety of pets at this point, and on any given day, I'm sure you could find me smiling and laughing over any one of the them. Special mentions must go to my cats, Earl Grey and Armanji, who are both hilarious and a little crazy - they always are up to something that either results in a smile or a scolding!

What inspired you to start a blog? And then what has been one of your favorite parts of blogging?

I honestly don't remember what initially inspired me! I started my blog just two months after I joined the Young Writer's Workshop (and online writing community), and I think that's when I first realized that teens could start and run blogs. I decided that it was something I wanted to try, so I researched a bit and set up the first version of mollymcternan.com - I've come a long way from then, and I'm sure there are many ways I could have done things that would have resulted in an easier and more successful launch, but I wouldn't change a thing.

Some of my favorite parts of blogging have been connecting with my readers and coming up with post ideas! I love it when people comment on my blog posts and share thoughts and takeaways, and I truly have the best time mapping out my months and what I'll post when.