I’ve been blogging for four and a half years now, and it’s time for a change. It’s been no secret that I’ve had problems with Blogger. There were the issues with leaving comments. Difficulty making posts appear in published form as they did in the draft stage. And most recently, a weird arrangement of words spread across posts willy-nilly, truncated at the end of lines as if hyphenated — but without hyphens. Blogger has been a good place to start, but it’s time for me to move on.
After a holiday blog break (December 23-January 3), I’ll return to Blogger for another month. Come February I’ll be elsewhere!
In the weeks ahead, the incredible Erin and Phil Ulrich at Design by Insight will give both my blog and website a complete overhaul. Why am I doing this? Here are a few reasons:
- I’m ready for a blogging platform that looks more professional and allows me more control.
- I’d like the ability to update my website on my own, rather than sending information to my web designer to update several times a year.
- I’d like my blog and website in one place.
- I’m ready for a fresh look.
Unbeknownst to me, I’ve admired Erin and Phil’s work for years. They both designed two of my favorite blogs/websites, my dear friend Jamie’s
Steady Mom, and the blog I never miss, Emily P. Freeman’s
Chatting at the Sky.
One risk a move like this brings is the very real possibility I’ll lose some readers who don’t follow me over. To the best of my ability, I will keep all interested readers updated on where to find me and will direct all traffic to the new site. I’ll be sure to leave information at Caroline by line about finding my new Internet home.
In celebration of my February relaunch and MAY B.’s January paperback release, my first post at the new place is going to be a biggie. I’ll be giving away ten signed copies of the paperback. How can readers enter to win a copy? Simple! But first I need to do a bit of explaining.
Courage and Hope
These are the words I include every time I sign a copy of MAY B. They are the essence of Mavis Betterly, an imaginary girl who is nevertheless incredibly real to me. I’m excited to share her brand of courage with new and old readers alike.
What do courage and hope mean to you? In February, I’ll encourage all interested to blog or tweet a picture, a memory, a story — anything — that represents courage and hope. I’ll have bloggers link to my post so other readers can celebrate their experiences. For those posting to Twitter, I’ll ask you to use the hashtags #MayB. and #courageandhope. Ten participants will win paperback copies of MAY B. Start thinking now about what you might share!
I hope you’re as excited as I am about what’s to come!
I’ll try to follow you there!
Thanks, Matt!
Sounds like a great change because I’ve had trouble commenting. I’ll follow you when you move. Happy Holidays!
Good to hear.
Already thinking….. :)
Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Sounds like you have a lot to look forward to in 2014! Have a lovely holidays.
Thanks, Becky. I’m excited about what’s ahead. My author copies of the paperback arrived yesterday, and they’re just beautiful.
Merry Christmas to you!
Courage and Hope, great themes. I’ll look forward to your exciting offer and blog move. I am going to ask my students to respond as well. I’ll have them respond on our class blog. Have a great break. See you in January!
Margaret, I love this! Thank you for involving your students.
Yay! Come to WordPress self hosted with me!!!! Mia of PragmaticMom
You’ll see me soon!