Do you remember looking through leather-bound encyclopedias to read more on a subject?
Perhaps you still do. So do I, sometimes.
But I must admit that the World Wide Web has made researching things so much easier for me, particularly when searching for advice and tips on blogging and writing, and things that interest me, like photography, books and more.
(Thank you, Tim Berners-Lee, I guess)
I’m listing below some of the good ones that have helped me and inspired me to start a blog, keep a blog, and how to blog, and those that give good advice on photography, books and more.
You’ll notice, if you’ve looked through my site that I haven’t implemented all their advice. I’m working on that.
Blogs and blogging
The task of the Christian blogger is different but the same. He, too, needs to do a lot of living that will never turn into tweets or blog posts. She, too, must first cultivate relationships with her Savior and her family. He, too, must be constantly learning and growing through the Word. She, too, must put aside desires for other visions of success in favor of the simple joy of helping others understand how to follow Jesus. And what a joy that is! And what a blessing that blogs make it possible.
Tim Challies of challies.com
Tim Challies is a Christian and a blogger (or a Christian blogger). I first came across his website last year, or it could have been back in 2022, when I was first looking for tips and advice on how to start a blog.
I visit his website now and then and I recommend his articles on blogging and writing if you’re looking to start your own blog or if you simply want advice on writing from a Christian perspective.
‘Start with the customer – find out what they want and give it to them.’
This is a good lesson for bloggers also.
While I would also recommend that you start with yourself as a blogger and blog out of your own passions, experiences and knowledge – it is essential that you are aware of your reader and that you create content that will add something to their lives. Give them something useful.
Darren Rowse of problogger.com
Darren Rowse offers extensive resources for anyone and everyone who wants to start a website, a blog, and tips and advice on creating content and so much more.
I recommend Problogger to you if you’re starting out with your website, or if you want to know how to earn money blogging, it’s all there.
Photography
Don’t allow Imposter’s Syndrome to cloud your faith in yourself. Push past your doubts and trust in your gifts. You might be the new kid on the block right now, but you have the capabilities to learn your way around the neighborhood.
Chanel G of chanelgphotography.com
There’s something about Chanel G’s website that draws you in and invites you to browse. I can’t quite put my finger on it but it’s a beautiful combination of her use of colours, post styles and of course, her photographs.
I especially like her artistic portraiture where she’s somehow captured the true ‘sense’ of her subjects and her self-portraiture. It looks like she hasn’t posted anything new for a while now but I do enjoy reading and re-reading her blog.
Once you articulate a dream, yes, your mind holds you accountable if you’re not living it. That can make you miserable. It can also give you powerful motivation to move forward.
Jenika of psychologyforphotographers.com
Jenika does far more than simply combining psychology and photography. She offers insights that benefits all creatives.
I particularly like her thoughts on how to post as a private person, especially since I’m an introvert sharing my personal thoughts and stories to the world and you. Her post on articulating our dream lives is helping me to articulate mine.
Books and Book Reviews
To examine life is to connect to our humanity and the humanity in others.
Ellen Vrana of theexaminedlife.org
I came across The Examined Life quite by accident, and I now, I can’t quite remember what it was I was looking for but I’m glad I clicked on the link and visited the site.
Vrana’s articles are interesting in that she examines an idea, an emotion, a life event through the works of authors and books she’s read. These are not Amazon or Goodreads reviews, no, these are deeper analysis and reflections on the writer’s view on life.
It’s difficult to say whether Vrana still posts on her site because the articles are not dated. They are worth examining nonetheless.
The Amazon.com Books homepage helps you explore Earth’s Biggest Bookstore without ever leaving the comfort of your couch.
The Amazon Books homepage
Free excerpts, that’s why I’ve included Amazon even though it’s not strictly a personal website or blog.
Books, good books, are hard to come by here. You see, my hometown, Nadi, doesn’t have a bookshop. What it does have are stationery shops that sell questionable high-priced novels. There’s a variety shop called Bargain Box located in town where I buy second-hand books, and where I’ve found some good books from authors like Agatha Christie, Ellis Peters, and Philip Yancey.
So when I hear or read about a book that I know wouldn’t be readily available here, I look it up on Amazon and read the free sample. I know, it’s not the same as reading the entire book, but at least I get an idea of what it’s about and whether I should include it in my wish-to-read list.
I prefer physical books over e-books any time.
Your Turn
I hope you’ll find something from these websites and blogs that interest you and might even help you.
Do you know any websites and blogs that you’re willing to recommend? Have you shared your own recommended lists on your own website or blog? Please share list them or share the link in the comments box below.
Thank you for stopping by.
Credits: Featured image by kaboompics.com.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bloggers, blogs, websites featured in this article, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.