Post authoIts the end of September! We saw the transition of a hot, sticky summer to the cold, rainy autumn — well, at least in Japan! This September was a magical month as I achieved all my goals and created new outlets for my content.
Did I Achieve My Goals?
September was a hectic month as I networked mostly on Facebook and Twitter. I also wrote seven pieces, which is one more than August’s total.
But, I also achieved my goals: 3,000 views on my blog (1,000 more than what I expected and almost double from August’s views), more than 300 likes on Facebook, 1,800 followers on Twitter, and just created a Pinterest account. The sad news this month is that my Instagram account is on hiatus as I am unable to follow anyone. I try to report the problem to Instagram but no response. They think I am a spammer. �? If anyone knows how to overcome my Instagram problem, let me know in the comments.
Guess What!
I also received my first ever award for my blog, and I am entirely over the moon. The award is the Blogger Recognition Award. This is my first time earning this award I am genuinely blessed and honored to be nominated. I was chosen by the lovely Erica Raquel, the writer of Grand Fash Life. Please do check her blog out because it is terrific!
The Rules
Here are the rules for receiving the Blogger Recognition Award:
- Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog
- Write a post and explain how your blog got started
- Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers
- Nominate 15 other bloggers you feel deserves some recognition
- Comment on each blog nominating them, providing the link to the post you created
Why I Started to Blog
I started blogging in 2008 when I received a big box of CDs from Japan when I lived in the USA. I found some singles from artists that I never heard about before. I decided then to create a blog about rare and unheard songs. That is how ai love music was born!
However, I became an extremely busy college student a year after. After graduation, I moved from the US to Japan, thus having a busy work life. These two factors were the reason why I stopped blogging for about six years until January 2015. At that time, I was a bit sad and depressed at a job that didn’t appreciate me and didn’t care about their employees. I started my blog back up to a) relieve the depression and loneliness, b) share music that I found on Youtube and other sites, and c) to share about free lives performed by local, upcoming artists. I also started writing once more because I wanted to improve my writing skills. When I got fired from that depressing job, I came to Nagoya and found more ideas for my blog.
Taking a Break and Then After
ai love music was doing fine until April 2017 when I joined an entertainment business class at avex trax (which is a major music label here in Japan). I decided to take a year-long break since I was busy with classwork, studying for a Japanese test, and working full time, and I didn’t want to blab about company secrets on my blog.
I came back to the blogging world full time since April. I have also been steady with posting new entries since July. It’s been an uphill battle as I struggle with being proud of my work. I always worry about my “poor” writing skills as I think that I suck at grammar. But, I am working hard to improve my grammar skills every day. I hope it shows in my future pieces.
Two Pieces of Advice for New Bloggers
Create What You Love
I am struggling with this one from time to time. I know my niche is music. But, I also like to write about lifestyle, education, food/drinks, and other things. I love music, don’t get me wrong. But, I can use music to inspire others and talk about other things, right?
Just create!!!! 🎨
Don’t worry about having a single thing to focus on when blogging. Just create what is on your heart, on your mind, and what inspires you! I am able to create posts that mix together music and things that inspire me (for example, a fitness app or my favorite autumn drinks).
Your Writing Skills and Style Will Get Better Over Time
I mentioned in the “why I became a blogger” section that I was worried about my “poor” writing skills. I was always told and thought that I was terrible at writing. However, I overcame those worries and struggles by just writing about whatever is on my mind. I believe that I have gradually improved my writing skills since my first post in 2008.
I also believe that the journey of writing is a neverending journey, and there will always be opportunities that will let me improve my writing and style.
My Nominations
These are fifteen amazing bloggers that I want to nominate for the Blogger Recognization Award:
🌟 The Story of John Sennet
🌟 Clementine Rose
🌟I am Batmom85
🌟BeardedIgor Blogs
🌟Hello Bexa
🌟My Everyday Challenges
🌟 The Frozen Mind
🌟 Lovely Audiobooks
🌟 Bailey Leah
🌟 entertainingly nerdy
🌟Kindness and Compassion Coaching
🌟 Undoubtedly Young
🌟Imogen Chloe
🌟LouLou Girls
🌟 The Spirit of Soul
Next Month’s Goals
My goals for October are pretty simple. I want to get 4,000 page views, about 500 likes on Facebook, and approximately 2,000 followers on Twitter. I also want to connect with more artists to feature more new songs. Eventually, I want to migrate my site to my domain and create some sort of business with my blog. I need to plan the business aspect out more. I am seeking a coach to help me to create a blogging business too. If you know a blogging coach, please let me know in the comments!
Dancing in September!
I am ending this post with Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September”. This song was playing for the whole month of September throughout the various convenience stores. I love anything by Earth, Wind & Fire as their music puts anyone in a positive mood and makes you want to dance.
Have you heard of Earth, Wind & Fire’s music before? What songs of theirs are your favorite? How do they make you feel? Tell me in the comments!
