Today I am responding to some questions people ask me about my blog:
How did you start writing your blog?
My friend and colleague, Sister Susan Wolf, SND, suggested I start writing a blog. She encouraged several other Notre Dames to do it too. Learning to post a blog was a big learning curve for me, I must admit. I am not very computer-savvy. The first few posts took me hours and hours to do, but with Sister Susan’s gentle nudging and ready help, I finally began to get the hang of it.
Why did you start writing a blog?
For several reasons. First, I have experienced the power of the written word in my personal life—so I believe in that power. Although I’ve been writing articles and books for over 40 years, I have never before had the immediate feedback that I get with my blog. I post something and right away a reader responds. That’s rewarding! That’s fun!
Sister Susan also convinced me that as educators, evangelizers, and “spiritual writers,” we must go where the people are. And many people today are online. When I learned that my blog has readers not only across the U.S. and Canada, but also from all over the world, all I could say was WOW!
Where do you get your ideas for your blog?
From everywhere! I read a lot, so sometimes I share something I’ve read—like a story or an insight or a person I have read about. I also draw from my personal prayer and experience. Good conversations with friends have also morphed into blogs. I have two manila folders on my desk labeled “blog ideas.” Both folders are stuffed with newspaper clippings, notes scribbled on small pieces of paper, 3 X 5 index cards with quotes, and such. Occasionally I’ll lift something from one of my books. Someone once asked, “Are you afraid of running out of ideas?” Not really. I think I’ll run out of LIFE before I run out of ideas for my blog!
How long does it take you to write a typical blog entry?
The time varies, but usually it takes me several hours. I rewrite a lot. I always have. I rewrite a lot so my readers won’t have to work so hard to read what I’ve written! I probably spend too much time looking for the songs I use—but I find that search rewarding and fun. There’s so much good music out there! In fact I have another folder labeled “blog music” with lists of songs for future blogs. It also takes me time to find appropriate pictures for my blog, ones that aren’t copyrighted.
How many people read your blog?
I have over 2,000 subscribers. Every Monday my blog gets about 1200 hits. I know there are some readers who share my blog with others too. One Sister says she makes copies of my blog each week for friends who do not or cannot use the computer. My writings in Living Faith, Living with Christ, and Give Us this Day have garnered new readers for me too.
What do you like best about writing your blog?
I like the whole process of posting a reflection—from getting an idea, to putting it into words, to finding music and pictures, and to designing the layout. After I post something, I eagerly wait for the responses to come in. I’m always interested in seeing what touched my readers or what new insights they add. When I give talks and retreats, I’m always happy to meet readers of my blog. I feel a bond with them, part of a beautiful “virtual community.”
Is there anything else you want to say about your blog?
I have been writing this blog since February 13, 2012. I have posted over 307 reflections and received over 5320 comments. I want to thank you for reading my blog and for responding to the posts. I am also grateful to the Sisters of Notre Dame for supporting my blog—financially and otherwise. I’m happy I can share my reflections with my readers for free!
Did anything strike you in this reflection?
How did you start reading my blog? How did you find me? If you’d like to share your story briefly, please respond below.
Here’s one of my favorite old Christian hymns: “How Can I Keep From Singing.” It was written in 1868 by Robert Wadsworth Lowry, a Baptist minister. This version is sung by Audrey Assad, the daughter of a Syrian refugee and American mother. Assad is an award winning Catholic singer and composer who even sang for Pope Francis when he visited the U.S. For this song, the background pictures of winter are appropriate for those of us living in the northern hemisphere. This hymn does not deny the “tumult, strife, and darkness” of life. But it says our singing is rooted in our trust in a loving and merciful God and in the supreme sacrifice of Jesus. When I hear this song, I am tempted to sing, “How can I keep from writing?… How can I keep from blogging?”
Would you like to share any thoughts with us today?
59 Responses
I started reading your blog from reading Living Faith, Living With Christ. I always enjoyed when it was your reflection, there was a brief notation under your name about your blog…so I checked it out. What I loved from day one is the song/video that you include each week. My husband and I sang (well he sang, I played percussion) in a Folk Choir at mass for over 30 years….it disbanded when our leader and dear friend retired. The songs you choose are often songs we did and they bring back so many beautiful memories. Music is such an important part of our faith life. I really enjoyed your reflection today, nice to learn a bit more about you and what goes into your doing your blog!
SIster Melannie, I have been reading your blog for a year now. I am an Episcopalian and read Morning Prayer at 3 a.m. followed by several devotionals. I discovered you in the pages of Give Us this Day. I enjoyed your blog so much that I scrolled back to the very first one and read forward. I am enjoying your books, too! Hope to get to meet you someday.
The teachers were given a subscription to Living Faith several years ago. Pressed for time in the morning to get to school, I love starting my day with these wonderful reflections. Every time I would read a reflection that deeply resonated with me, you were the author! This is also where I learned you have a blog and and subscribed. I love the topics, variety of music and uplifting joy you offer my soul every Monday! Thank you Sister Melanie.
Thank you for your reflections, and keep it up!! It always makes my Mondays a little better when I read your words.
I went to a retreat day a few years ago in Cincinnati and loved your talks, then found the blog. I’ve been reading ever since!
The music selections pair up well with your writings, and sometimes I just listen to the music a few times to help my own prayer.
So glad you got out of your comfort zone and tried the blog. Thanks again.
I so look forward to your wise words each week and your song choices. I heard you speak several years ago and then began reading your blog. I am very grateful for you! You seem to choose a topic each week that I need to think about. Thank you.
Tina
Thanks for sharing how you got started. This is always
A calm start to the week.
Dear Sister,
A few years ago I made a weekend retreat with you at Berakha in Pittsfield, NH. I was so happy to learn of your blog. Monday is always a day to look for some inspiring words from you. I also so enjoy the music you select as well as the opportunity to listen to many other songs.
Thank you for keeping us nourished with your wonderful insights. You are a woman of prayer and reflection to put out such profound thoughts.
God bless you in all you do and especially are. Keep up the great work.
Many are hungering for this.
Sr. Jeannette Roy
Thank you, Sister, for your wonderful thoughts and insights…….and the strong self-discipline that comes with your weekly commitment. I love Audrey Assad; a wonderful choice to begin the new year. Her rendition of “Winter Snow” is one of my favorites. Blessings in 2018!
Ed J.
I discovered your blog through Living Faith.
I look forward to reading your blog each Monday morning and I have signed up friends and family as well. With their permission of course!
I too found you years ago in Living Faith and then Give Us This Day. It seems I catch you in publications everywhere lately. I’ll be reading an article that really touches my soul and say to myself, I bet this is Sr. Melannie, and it is. I have also had the pleasure of hearing you speak in person twice. Thank you for your dedication to this wonderful blog, all the traveling you do to share your stories, your books, and most of all, for just being you. Wishing you a blessed New Year.
Thank you, Sister Melannie, for today’s blog, all the preceding blogs and those yet to come. Today’s blog was soothing to my jangled spirit this morning! I had seen your wwriting in Living Faith but didn’t know about your blog. As I shared with you at your Leavenworth, KS retreat, a dear friend, who also attended the retreat, forwarded your blog to me and I signed up. I look forward to it eagerly every Monday. Thank you for sharing your creative process with us. Today I ask for prayers for my brother in law Scott who is hospitalized for heart problems , high blood pressure and renal failure. He is having a heart cath today. Also please pray for our priest, Fr Pat, who is having hand surgery today. The song on the blog was so beautiful and appropriate for the artic blasts we are experiencing! Blessings to you and all your readers
Lovely to read of your blog “origin” story, Sr. Melannie. Your online presence is a cyber-gift to so many!
Good morning Sr. Melanie!
The children here in North East Ohio have no school today. Brrrr
Many years ago, I went to one of your retreats in Louisville, Ohio.
A Sister of Notre Dame, at St. Joseph Senior Living, introduced your blog to me. I’m so glad she did. Your books and blogs inspire me!
Than you
Good Morning ☀️
Living Faith is where I found you, along w/ Joyce Rupp you both touch my ❤️ heart. Monday mornings I open my IPad and look forward to your blog. Blessings for A Happy & Healthy 2018.
Char