Libraries NI is hosting a free ‘Blogging Inspiration’ session at Newry City Library on Thursday 28 November from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.
The event is designed to encourage potential bloggers to get started and will provide hints, tips and tricks.
Speakers will include Kilkeel woman Maura Ward, famed for her blog, the Geriatric Traveller and online safety expert Wayne Denner.
70-year-old Maura started her blog after being inspired by her son’s online travel diary, which began to make him money.She said: “I must confess that as he reported the income rising, the more interested I became.
“Eventually in 2012, I decided to blog about the travelling I was doing, but I aim mine at an older demographic - and there begins the saga of Geriatric Traveller. Without any conscious effort on my part, I have amassed some 3300 page followers, and a recent post had over 6000 views, which was absolutely gobsmacking.”
Maura Ward at Panglao Bohol
Newry dad Wayne Denner, who also founded his own podcast called ‘Zero Lives Left’, said he started blogging almost accidentally through his background in online safety.
“I realised that many parents had questions when it came to keeping children and young people in their care safer online, and that they needed useful and helpful information. I decided to create an online safety blog to provide helpful and practical online safety information for parents, carers and those who work with children and young people.”
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Wayne’s blogging has led to him becoming a regular media commentator with BBC, ITV, RTE, Virgin Media Ireland and u105.
He said that “everyone has a story to tell and blogging provides people with an easy and simple way to express themselves and create content.”
Wayne Denner
Wayne also noted that the hardest part for any new blogger is getting started, and in the early days he struggled with writing but like anything over time his style has improved.
He continued: “One of the most rewarding things for me personally is the content that I am creating is helping people.”
Libraries NI Service Development Manager Julie Reid said: “Whether you’re blogging for business, documenting your family history or keeping a record of travelling expeditions, you’re using the power of words to tell a story.
“We’re delighted to once again team up with [chartered marketer] Christine Watson to present this event and look forward to welcoming our speakers Maura Ward and Wayne Denner as well as host, journalist Tina Calder to the library.”
The event at Newry City Library is part of the on-going Libraries NI #GetBloggingNI series which will run into 2020 across Northern Ireland.
Officially presented by TrainingMatchmaker.com in collaboration with Libraries NI, previous events in the #GetBloggingNI series included Blogging Inspiration sessions, a six-week Get Blogging Course and five Blogging for Wellness road shows.
This event is free and booking is essential. If interested, Book your place at Newry City Library on 28 November at: trainingmatchmaker.eventbrite.com
