I’m a writer. There, I said it. I have been a writer since the first grade, when I wrote my first memorable story, the one about the boy and the bubbles, the one that I illustrated when I still thought I could draw. I have spent years trying to find that story. I know I didn’t throw it away, but I can’t find it. My search for that story is very similar to my search for my writing self. I have written in journals off and on for years and have dabbled with being published in the traditional “write-submit-get published” manner. I had some success, but the path to traditional publication is a long, slow, lonely road.
I got married. My babies were born. We lost one precious family member, then another one. In the middle of all of that, I lost a critical part of myself—the writer part that is as critical to my survival as my heart, lungs, and kidneys. My dreams went dormant. I was caught in the whirlwind of life’s busyness, and I felt disoriented and alone.
Then my brother gave me a Christmas card in 2005. Inside were a URL, username, and password. My blog was born. In its infancy, it was little more than an outlet for funny stories about the kids and short posts about life’s boring details. Approximately 2.7 readers stayed with me during the early years.
My blog, like my children, has grown up. It has taken on a life of its own and has become the way my writing makes its way into the world, for now. Through my blog and social media interaction, I have found my voice, friends I never imagined I would “meet,” and my inner writer. Finally.
Jennifer blogs about faith, family, homeschooling, and having a child with special needs. She enjoys Bible study, reading, writing, spending time with family and friends, and taking field trips with her kids to bring learning to life. She plays Wii, likes pens with blue ink, and roots for the Arkansas Razorbacks (although she was raised a Longhorn).
Grab some sweet tea and dark chocolate, and join Jennifer as she navigates life:
Blog: http://jenniferajanes.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jenniferajanes
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jenniferajanes
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jenniferajanes
What a cool brother — that’s an awesome gift!
Thanks, Amy B.! He is a cool brother. I’m blessed to have him—and thankful for that Christmas card!
WOW- congrats! ;)) I agree with Amy- what a cool brother! I have my husband to thank- he kept at me to start a blog so I finally did. You (Jennifer) are a big part of where I am now! Thanks again SO MUCH for championing me to go to the Arkansas Women Bloggers Unplugged last year!
Thanks, Heidi! I’m excited about this opportunity and am glad my brother is a computer genius. He knew about blogs before I did!
I’m so glad you went to AWBU last year and glad I got to spend some time with you while we were there. Your blog is fantastic. I enjoy reading!
I have to agree–awesome brother, fantastic gift! So glad he gave that to you, because I wouldn’t know you otherwise. 😉
Congrats, Ms. BOTM! Looking forward to reading more about you!
Happy to meet you! Glad your here! AWW the power of blogging! I get the loss of a voice and then gaining it again. I for sure am getting my typing fingers back under me in this process! It is liberating don’t ya think!?
Congratulations to you, Jennifer, and to ARWB! Jennifer is a great choice for Blogger of the Month. I have been enjoying and following her blog and social media for several months now. She is a great writer and so honest and brave in her writing. Keep up the good work!