Not Yet

I am getting closer to making my decisions for this year’s winners of the 2023 Great Bloggers’ Bake-Off. I have narrowed some things down and have made some decisions, but have a few more to make. I should have the results very, very soon. In the mean time though, I will continue to share some more of our fabulous entries. We have a lot of very talented bakers in our midst. 🙂

And another great interview with Mel. This time she interviewed Sadje from https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/

There are two words that we have heard again and again when talking to WordPressers about why they stick with WordPress and why they like this community of writers so much. The first was INSPIRATION, but equally important is ENCOURAGEMENT.

We all know that ENCOURAGEMENT can be a powerful motivator. Like sunshine and water to a seedling, the positive feedback we give and receive within WordPress can be a huge spur to us growing creatively and becoming more confident in expressing ourselves.

When we thought about the power of ENCOURAGEMENT on WordPress many names came to mind – but top of the list was Sadje. She has a reputation from being one of the friendliest and most encouraging of writers. Some of us remember Sadje when she was new to WordPress, and we have seen her flourish and grow and admire at what a creative force she has steadily become.

Sadje, it is a true pleasure to be able to feature you as one of our INPSIRATIONAL WORDPRESSERS this weekend. We have some questions for you, and we are sure that your answers will be a great source of encouragement for us.

When did you start out on WordPress and what has motivated you to continue publishing online?

I started my blog on 6th September 2018. It was a spur of the moment decision and I never imagined where it would take me. 

It was fun and exciting to connect with so many like-minded people on WordPress and make friends with them. The act of putting my words and thoughts out there in the world was cathartic, exhilarating, and inspiring. When I saw the response of many of my readers I kept on writing!

How do writing prompts help you to develop your creativity?

I think it was early on in my blogging journey that I discovered the various prompts and challenges different people were hosting. Once I started writing for them, I got addicted to doing the daily challenges. These words would be so different from each other that combining them in one post would be a challenging task. I loved doing that. 

I also started writing poetry, which I hadn’t done before but now I can proudly say that I can write different forms of poetry too. 

Sadje, we know everyone will agree that you have been one of the most encouraging WordPressers out there – why is it so important to you to encourage others with their creativity?

Thank you Mel for your kind words. I think I wanted to repay in kind what was gifted to me when I started my blog. 

I used to make many mistakes initially, both in spellings and grammar and some very kind and generous people would correct me in a manner that would be encouraging and never put me down.  So I also wanted to be that sort of support to new bloggers in WordPress. I also believe that the real spirit of blogging lies in the interaction between bloggers. So I try my best to engage with the people I follow. A positive feedback brings out the best in us all.

We know that you host at least one prompt. Could you let us know how we can find your prompts and give us an idea of what they involve please?

I host a weekly image-based challenge that is posted every Monday. I took over when a very dear friend/ blogger Helene passed away in 2019. This challenge is called, “WHAT DO YOU SEE?”  Every Sunday, I also ask a question in my, “SUNDAY POSER” The question can be related to life in general or sometimes to blogging. 

We know some of us have at times encountered challenges in using WordPress, but what would you say is the best thing about WordPress?

I feel the best thing about WordPress is its community and the community spirit. People here are helpful, kind, and supportive. So despite the various technical difficulties/ glitches we all have experienced on this platform, we all are still around because of our awesome community. 

Thank you Sadje – for this interview and also for all that you have contributed to WordPress. You have encouraged so many other writers, and become a very precious part of a thriving WordPress community, We are so glad for all that you are and all that you do.

And thank you Mel for ALL your amazing work every year on this fabulously fun event. You make it all happen. 🙂