Blogging to Build Community

march 2013 Dear ,Thanks for being a part of the another jennifer community. My passions are writing and philanthropy, so each month I share a writing tip, a simple way to give back and the best of the blog from the previous month. Since you can't comment on a newsletter, please feel free to email me with any questions, suggestions, or tips of your own (I'll credit you, of course). I love to collaborate! *Upcoming Online Blogging Class:  How to Write Blog Posts That Build a Community Starts on 3/4/13! This online course is all about writing engaging blog posts and building a community of readers who not only visit your blog regularly but also share your posts. It runs through 3/13/13, and you can take it at your own pace. Find out more via this short video or register on Skillshare. I hope to "see" you there! a writing tip In honor of National Grammar Day on March 4th, I thought I'd share a quick and easy tip I gave to my writing lab attendees at the BlogHer '12 conference last July. Before you hit that publish or send button - depending on what you are writing - go through your message, post or article and read it out loud. Does it make sense? What sentence or words are you getting stuck on? Delete and re-write the words that just don't flow out of your mouth. This technique is also a great way to pick up typos that you might auto-correct in your head when not reading out loud. a simple way to give back As we head into March, I have to think warmer weather is on its way to Maine. Well, through my association with the Global Team of 200, I was recently introduced to Charity Miles, a social good fitness app. You can actually raise money for a number of great causes just by downloading the app and going on a walk, run or bike ride. Your exercise not only keeps you healthy, but it also generates donations to the cause of you choice. And it's all for free! So, you're giving back to a cause and yourself. Pretty neat, huh? best of the blog: february 2013 Here are my top 10 posts for the month of February, in order of oldest to newest.Listen to Me Talk Social Media and Blogging on Mind Your Own Business Radio I had a ball being interviewed by Debi Davis and Mike Dacri. Take a listen.Writing Prompts and Challenges for Bloggers and Writers Need some writing inspiration? Check out this list. Wordless Wednesday: Sleeping Puppy Can you handle the cuteness?If my sons vlogged Warning: This video may cause nausea due to excessive movement and loudness.Blizzard 2013 Photos from Brunswick, Maine It snowed a bit here. And since when do we name blizzards? Wordless Wednesday: King of the Snow Mountain Taking advantage of the post-blizzard snow piles. Philanthropy Friday: Zelda's Mission Zelda's Biscuit Bakery is more than a small dog treat company in Maine. My Writer's Retreat Sometimes, you've just gotta get away and write. By yourself. Near the ocean. One of my favorite charities (vlog) This one got me thinking about how and why I give.Writing Your Passion: My Guest Post on No Holding Back Can you guess what I wrote about? Head on over and see.Don't want to miss a post? Get blog posts delivered to your inbox Happy Writing!Jennifer Barbourchief engagement officer another jennifer blog + writing lab