Last month on the Blog Paws site Dawn Miklich asked it anyone was interested in participating in an exercise; 31 Days to a Better Blog. This exercise is actually based on a book of the same name written by Darren Rowse, who is a professional blogger. Check out his website here.
Of course I said yes, because really that is my goal in writing this blog. To become a professional writer.
The first task, is to write an elevator pitch. You know, in 200 words or less what you would say to someone you were trying to “sell” your blog to.
I have a hard time with this. I find it difficult to talk about myself or the things I’ve done. I think it’s because I’m afraid of sounding arrogant.
I call it tooting my own horn and I don’t care for it at all. So I struggled with my pitch, the truth is most things sound much better in my head than they do when I write them down.
So here’s what I came up with.
Life with Sampson and Delilah, the 411, is about my daily life with two dogs who are as opposite in personalities as any two dogs can be. l share the challenges and joy which come from living with and loving two very different dogs and all the crazy stories that come with it.
Whether you are looking for some light-hearted stories to make you smile, or something more serious like training tips you will find this blog has a little bit of everything. Come join me on this crazy ride called Life with Sampson and Delilah, the 411.
That’s it. I know it’s not right, but I’m not really sure what it needs. One of the comments was to tell a little bit about what makes Sampson and Delilah so different.
How’s this?
Two dogs. One calm, well-trained, easy-going male. One excitable, food-driven, impetuous female. And the dog mom who loves them both like crazy. Join me in my trials and triumphs as I balance life with Sampson and Delilah.
This is where I second guess myself, if I can’t even figure out how to make an elevator pitch, how in the world am I going to improve this blog?
I like the way you were heading with the second re-write of who Sampson and Delilah are.
Give yourself a little credit, I enjoy reading your blog 🙂
I like them both, but I like the second one better– it’s more descriptive. You’re doing fine. And your posts are always a good read.
Thank you Kaleba, I like them both and wonder if I could combine them? BTW yesterday I tried to find your blog but couldn’t, today the link worked and I really loved it! I added you to my blogroll.
Thanks Misty, I appreciate your input. I think I like the 2nd one better.
I keep coming back to read your blog because your writing is honest with a true sense of the person behind it. You have a story to tell – a consistent topic – and what characters your main four legged characters are! You don’t take your self too seriously. I tend to read a lot of blogs written by moms raising kids because that is where I am in life right now and I can not tell you how many there are out there who are just way to perfect. It could give me a complex if I let it. (And no, I do not cut my kids sandwiches into cute cookie cutter shapes everyday, in case you were wondering! People really do that?!?).
I like how you intertwine the past with the present in your storytelling. I am guessing that most people, myself included, have come across your blog somewhere in the middle and may not have the time to read all of your past posts. It is nice to read snippets of you and your puppies past. Oh, and your elevator pitch, I have to agree with the above comments, as I like the second one best.
Because I am a bit of a perfectionist, I am trying to write a “good” blog and not just a blog. I have read a couple books that give me thought and have helped me improve my process. One is “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamotte and the other is “On Writing Well” by William Zinsser. And now I will have to check out 31 Days to a Better Blog.
Ok, I will stop. I think this just may be the longest comment I have ever made. 🙂
Wow, I appreciate the kind words. I try to keep my posts honest, because really I don’t want to be something that I’m not, but I feel sometimes by reading other people’s blogs that my writing is too “simple.”
I would cut my grandkids sandwiches into little shapes if they asked. 🙂
As for your blog, I love what you write there.
You did well on both, but I like the first one better. I like that it leaves a little bit untold to be filled in with your posts. Good job!
Thank you!!
Oh I like both. And honestly can’t decide which I like more. I really enjoy your blog and think you do a great job portraying the unique personalities of Sampson and Delilah
Thank you Patty, I appreciate that.
I like the 2nd one better; I can hear the tense voice of a male announcer saying it in an undertone… 🙂
LOL Kathy!!