saturday Shout Out is back ann better than before, with a whole new set of questions to really get to know everything about the blog and blogger featured!
Today I welcome Kay of Anxious Devotions for Anxious Christians to the Saturday Shout Out! So, grab yourself a cuppa and sit back to find out all about this lovely blogger and her blog!
What is your name and what is your blog called?
My actual name is Kiersten, but I go by Kay. My blog is called Anxious Devotions for Anxious Christians.
What is your blog about?
My blog is mostly about what it looks like to be a Christian and having some mental illness. I post a lot of devotions and then other random Mental Health Awareness.
What 3 words would you used to describe your blog?
Supportive. Colorful. Empowering.
How long have you been blogging?
I have been blogging for about three years, but I have only been on this domain for two.
How did you get into blogging?
Journaling has always been a way to do self-care. Then I got to thinking that others sharing their story always helped me, so I wanted to be able to help others.
What is the inspiration behind your blogs name?
When I first started to become a Christian, I couldn’t find anything in the Christian literature that was specifically for those who struggle with their mental health. The name is my way to rebel against that.
Where do you find your blog post inspiration?
Reading posts on those who struggle with mental health, my own Bible time, classes that I am taking in school. Really wherever I can relate or wrestle with something and formulate it into a post.
How do you plan and schedule your content?
Devotions come out every Wednesday, a motivational post on Monday, and I am working on what it looks like to add a post to either Friday or Saturday.
What is your writing process like, from concept to published post?
A lot of scribbled notes. Flipping through the Bible. Making connections between scribbles and scripture. Handwriting a draft. Changing that draft as I type it. Then finally the final form is published.
What are your favourite topics to write about?
Self-worth and self-love are two topics I am passionate about.
How often do you post content to your blog? What is your posting schedule?
See question 8 for my posting schedule. I post twice a week right now. I am looking at ways to increase the amount I post.
What is your favourite aspect of blogging?
My favorite aspect of blogging would definitely be connecting with others. Forming a community of support for myself and to be that support for others.
What have you learnt from any mistakes you’ve made as a blogger?
I think one of the biggest mistakes I made as a beginner blogger was how infrequently I was posting. This led to a just as infrequent following.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a blogger?
I have a voice and my voice can even help others.
What has been your greatest achievement regarding blogging?
I have used the inspiration of my blog and the support of my followers to make the decision to start writing a devotional to be published. I am happy to announce that is well in the works.
What strengths do you have which have helped you with blogging?
I think my biggest strengths are compassion, determination, and the ability to relate with others.
In 3 words, describe yourself.
Caring, Resourceful, Emotional
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love to read. I read just about anything. I love to draw and color. I am a big fan of sloths (they are my spirit animal). And I am big into anything Christian studies and theology.
How do you stay motivated?
Keep everything detailed in my planner, I always want to be able to check things off my lists. I also really think about others and that by not posting or replying is not hurting me but could be hurting others.
Is blogging your main job or do you work elsewhere? If so, what is your job?
Blogging is really just a side-gig. I currently am a Lead Sunday School teacher and full time seminary student.
How do you manage your time?
My planner has become my best friend!
What is your most productive time of the day?
My most productive time of the day is right after dinner. I am definitely a night owl and get a second burst of energy after dinner.
How much time, roughly, per week do you spend on
A) Content – 14ish hours (I block two hours a day)
B) Marketing – I do this all throughout the day so i’d say about the same as content
C) Admin – 5-7 hours
Where do you write your content? What is your set up like?
I am currently a floor girl. I get out all of my stuff and sprawled out on the floor and write as much as I can. I have a fluffy carpet and a weighted blanket and lots of notebooks full of random notes.
What are some essentials you use when blogging?
My Bible, hot tea, my weighted blanket, a pen that writes smoothly
How has your blog evolved since you launched it?
I more frequent following, increased content quality, and a cleaner style.
What have you learned about blogging since you started?
It takes way more time that you are ever thinking that it does.
What one piece of advice you would give to a new blogger?
If you haven’t already, just start! If you have started, reach out and form a community that will help give you feedback.
What are your best blog posts?
How do you attract new readers?
I have just recently expanded out to social media platforms, and I definitely interact with as many different people’s blogs as I can.
What blogging problems have you faced and how have you overcome them?
The biggest problem I faced getting started was finding a regular set of readers and supporters. When you aren’t getting any interaction it’s hard to keep up the motivation, but I just pushed through and reached out to others until I finally had a regular audience.
What was your last blogging milestone?
100 followers. I took a little hiatus with posting and had lost some followers, so to rehit that milestone was huge.
What do you want to achieve on your blog this year?
I am working hard to reach 200 followers in the next year.
What are your goals for the Tfuture?
Turn some of my content into published work. Be able to increase my posts per week, and continue to increase my support.
How important do you think other social media (eg Instagram and Twitter) is to bloggers?
I think it is incredibly important. I just recently made the move and it has already shown to be incredibly helpful!
Do you have any favourite bloggers you follow?
What do you think is the biggest problem facing bloggers?
Time management and organization… I think it’s way too easy for your blog to be able to take hits from ever busy schedules and the hits life throws at us.
What is the best thing about blogging?
The best thing about blogging is being able to create a community of like-minded people and thrive to see each other succeed. It really is such a beautiful thing!
Where else can we find you on the internet?
My Colourful Life 