Writing is really very easy. Just tap a vein and bleed onto the page. Everything else is just technical. ~Derrick Jensen
I’ve blogged for about a year and a half. I started with Beholding God. Then along came The Write Pursuit. Both on Blogger. The two of them melted into this one in August.
But I hardly recognize either one of them now.
I think my writing’s changed over the months. I hope it’s gotten better. I’ve tried lots of new things, participated in prompts and book studies, wrote in place, got random and disturbed, attempted some poetry, practiced photography.
Tried to find my voice.
Or let it find me.
Speaking of being found, the WordPress survey monkeys haven’t found me. Or I haven’t found them.
But I did check out my Google Analytics for the year.
I’m not going to win any awards for numbers of visits, though I have an average of 43 percent absolute unique visitors. I hear that’s kind of important. And my bounce rate is in the single digits. I hear that’s good, too.
If it’s accurate.
Mostly I’m grateful that anyone comes at all. I never imagined I’d have as many readers as I have from as many countries. I never dreamed that people would see Him through my words.
It blows my mind.
And so, like all the cool kids, today I share my top 10 posts of 2010–by number of visits.
10. I’m Not Happy
6. Hymns, Heartbreak, and Healing
5. Hope Rises
4. Sensing God
2. I Am
And this is what I see.
- I wrote all after I transferred to WordPress–since August. Does that mean my writing is better? Or are the analytics not assessing the other posts that transferred?
- Four are poems–and all four of those are in the top five.
- I wrote most in response to prompts or writing in place pieces.
- Without exception, all are linked to one or more other blogs, so they’ve had more exposure and reciprocal visits.
- Most of these posts overflowed from deep, and at least a couple from sliced veins.
- I spilled several of them, meaning they didn’t take long to write. The top post took about ten minutes.
Now what?
My new posting schedule does not allow as much participation in prompts or blog chains unless I double post in the same day.
And so I’m not sure what to do with this.
Except to feed on Him.
Tilt my head (even if things seem a little blurry.)
And bleed red.
For Him.
Because of Him.
And let Him take it from there.
Interesting to analyze these things, isn’t it? I found that 4 of my top 10 posts for the year were all written in one week in August! Keep up the good work, Sandra. You encourage and bless us. 🙂
Thanks so much, Jason. All in one week? That *is* interesting. Curious to know more about that week.
I think many of us are evaluating our blogs and our writing. I will say this: You continue to improve as a writer. The most difficult things to write are often the best, because by sharing your scars, you give others to do the same.
Thank you so much, Kathy!
When someone risks taking down their mask and exposing their scars, I fee a real connection. It’s healing for reader and writer.
I think kathy nailed it.
You are one of my favorites by far.
Thanks, Michael! The feeling is mutual.
whatever you bleed I will be here to read … and view
Appreciate you, Susan.
Loved this post, Sandra. Your words so often warm my heart. May you be blessed with an abundance of writing mercies this year and always!
Awww, Amy. Thanks!
Sandra…I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog posts and look forward to what’s coming next for you! I plan on learning lots from you. Thanks for writing and being transparent, I think that makes a big difference. I’m hooked, I added you to my google reader!
Yay! Thanks, Mel. I need to get in the habit of reading my google reader.
And I love your voice. It sure is you. Keep diving deep :).
I’m smiling big. 😀
You have a clear, true voice Sandra. I always feel peace when I visit here, and I find your thoughts to be insightful and compelling. And I love your poetry, too! I still remember that one your wrote about the miners — it was beautiful!
You encourage me, Michelle!
I’m with Michelle — I find peace when I come here.
Whatever you do, keep writing. And I’ll keep coming to read too!
🙂 🙂
Your posts always reveal your precious, seeking heart. I love reading you! And I love digging deep, so I guess that means I’ll be around for a long time, digging with you. Love you! 😀