Since I started this blog eleven years ago, I’ve had over 2.8 million visitors. About 18,650 follow WordDreams and have contributed over 44,292 comments (about 680 a month) on the 1,750 articles I’ve posted. I have several columns:
- writer’s tips (sign up by clicking here)
- book reviews (usually Fridays)
- tech tips for writers (occasional)
- How I’m Doing (on my latest WIP, right now it’s Against All Odds)
I also participate in three blog hops:
- #IWSG
- #AuthorToolboxBloghop
- #AtoZ (sporadically)
In between, I write what’s on my mind, but always about the art of writing.
If I didn’t look at the statistics on my blog, I would guess that the most read posts were about how to market what you write, but that’s not true. The series I wrote a couple of years ago on Genre Writing Tips was so popular I used that theme for my A to Z Challenge–for three years (there are a ton of genres). Then there is a series I call Descriptors–sixty-nine collections on how to describe a variety of stuff you include in your stories.
What a surprise to find out what you-all actually are reading. I am thankful for the WordPress statistics section. Here they are–my top 10 posts and commented-on posts of 2019:
Top Ten Hits
If I remove the description articles (which blew away the competition in number of readers–see below for those rankings), here are the top ten:
- 103 Most Beautiful Words? You Decide
- 6 Tips for Western Fiction Writers
- How to Write
- Why Self-Publishing is Right for Me
- 11 Bits of Wisdom I Learned From a Computer
- Join me to launch Survival of the Fittest
- 12 Survival Tips for Writers
- Join me for The Quest for Home #BookBlast
- 2 More How-to-Write Books
- Have children? Here are two great books
Two of these were from blog hops I participate in–#AuthorToolboxBlogHop and #IWSG. These blog hops do so much to encourage visitors, camaraderie among writers, and excellence. If you’re looking for new online writer friends, start with these blog hops.
Here are the top ten description articles:
- 65 Ways to Describe Sight and Eyes in Your Writing
- 72 Ways to Describe Sound
- 51 Great Similes to Spark Imagination
- How to Show (Not Tell) Emotion–E to O
- How to Describe Nature
- 24 Ways to Describe Pain
- 57 Ways to Describe Talking in a Novel
- How to Describe a Landscape
- 29 Ways to Describe a Headache
- How to Describe a Fight
Top 10 Most Commented
When readers take time to leave a comment and/or click through to a link I include in a post, it means they trust me, are engaged, and find what they’re reading valuable–want to extend it. Since I started my blog, I’ve received 44,292 comments. Why? I’m not sure. I will say I enjoy my readers. I always respond and am inspired to visit their blogs. The perspective I get from their vast range of experience is like nothing else in life. I live in a bubble and you-all invite me out of it.
The articles that inspire this kind of activity from readers are special to me. I learn a lot by noticing what contributed to the WordDreams community. Here they are–the ten most commented articles I shared in 2019:
- #IWSG Does Your Writing Surprise You? (145)
- Book Review: The Gate (141)
- 3 More Home Runs (140)
- Born in a Treacherous Time Receives an Award (133)
- Book Launch–Born in a Treacherous Time (131)
- 19 Self-editing Tips (129)
- 65 Ways to Describe Sight and Eyes in Your Writing (127)
- How do you create readers for life? (124)
- I’ll be busy in November for #NaNoWriMo (123)
- Image Copyright Do’s and Don’ts (123)
What were the most-commented posts on your blog? Do they reflect the goal set for your writing or were you surprised?
Oh–one more thing. I don’t have enough social media followers. If you would follow me, I’ll follow you back! Here’re my handles:
Twitter: @worddreams
Instagram: JacquiMurrayWriter
LinkedIn: Jacqui Murray
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers, and the Man vs. Nature saga. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Against All Odds, Summer 2020. You can find her tech ed books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning
I love these annual rundowns you publish, Jacqui! Here’s to twice as much success in 2020!
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Thanks, Sean! Much appreciated.
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Your statistics are as fascinating as your articles usually are, Jacqui. You are a prolific writer. Don’t ever stop.
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I do watch ‘most commented on’ for an article but only when he breaks 100 comments. Then, it could hit the top ten if the momentum is still there!
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I think 100 comments is a pretty awesome milestone.
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I’ve visited many of these posts, Jacqui, and they were quite helpful. Thanks for all you do to support us writers and bloggers. 🙂
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You’re one of the reasons why they ranked so high!
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🙂
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Just followed you on Instagram 🙂
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Yay! I don’t seem to get much traction there.
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You have some impressive stats!
http://www.thepulpitandthepen.com
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Of course, I’ve been at this for almost a decade!
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I like you new profile pic Jacqui 🙂
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I have no idea why my profile picture changed! It has something to do with the browser or login or who knows what. Thank you, though!
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I bumped into you one A to Z challenge and have benefitted many of your articles . You really are a prolific writer and your statistics are mind blowing.
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Thank you! I really enjoy the blogosphere, blogging, and community. Maybe that comes across?
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Yes it does
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This analysis of your posts and their popularity is so interesting. I suppose I should occasionally look at stats as I never have. I just write what interests me at that moment and hope for the best. I gauge how popular a post is by the number of comments, more or less, in a haphazard way. You are very organised with this, Jacqui.
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I have three other blogs and barely pay attention to their stats. I feel close to this virtual community so maybe that’s why I share more. I’m not a particularly sharing person in the real world!
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Tips for western writers at #2? Didn’t know the genre was making a comeback! 😀
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That is odd, innit? I love westerns but don’t know anyone else who does–well, maybe Sandra Cox who not only likes them but writes them.
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That’s a lot of visitors, but it doesn’t surprise me. You rock, girlfriend.
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It’s fun, not at all like lots of real-world friends calling or texting. I never feel too busy.
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People connect with and are motivated by the articles you write. Your large readership proves that.
Hi Jacqui. Keep those articles comin’!
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Thank you, Neil! I’m flattered.
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Congrats. I am new to blogging. Checking stats is depressing but i cant seem to help it. I am realistic though. I expect with years and consistency to see improvement. I will be checking out your listings.
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Thanks, Nicky. Believe me, it takes time but eventually, if you visit others and comment on their posts, your community builds. You’ll see.
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That’s quite a resume; you must be doing a lot of things right. I wish you continued success in 2020.
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Well, I should have quit blogging many times in the past but just don’t know how to do that. That’s as much ‘doing something right’ as I get!
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You’re far too modest, Jacqui.
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Wow, that’s some amazing stats right there! I’m saving this to Pinterest for inspiration, thanks 🙂
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Hehe. I only look at these once a year. My social media stats aren’t nearly as good.
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If I can … I do like to be unique … a couple coming up and then back to normal … just so glad you enjoy them! Cheers H
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Left to myself, I’d live in my bubble. You make it fun to go outside. And for that, I thank you!
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Congrats!
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Thank you! Steady but sure…
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How interesting and fun that is to check your previous year’s stats. Interesting to read it on others’ blogs too!
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I don’t pay much attention but do know lots of friends and efriends who quit blogging because they think no one is listening. At least I don’t have that issue.
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Definitely not!
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You’re a dynamo, Jacqui. I imagine that I read most of these, but there are some that I want to revisit for reminders. You had an amazing year. Hope this is another one!
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I’d probably say the same if you listed your most popular posts–“Read that one… that one… yep that too.” I used to list the ones no one read but skipped that this year!
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Ha ha ha.
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Interesting learning about your blog stats. I see some things I missed that I will go back and read, even though I am not a “writer.” I love the picture in your avatar. I am not on Twitter but I did follow you on Instagram. I am @scr4pl80 🙂
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Just followed back. Woot!
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What a great list, Jacqui! Nice to break it down and see what is working so well for you. Congrats.
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I get more comments on this blog–my writer blog–and more visits on my education blog. We writers are a much chattier group than teachers.
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🙂
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Great list and impressive stats 🙂 I haven’t looked at my stats in a while, 2019 had more comments than last year though 😀
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It’s always been a nice gradual increase. It just sounds like a lot after 8 years!
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Great stats for your blog. I rarely check the stats on my blog – don’t need that level of depression. I do have a LinkedIn account. I check it every two or three months.
Does that count as participating in social media?
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I only check them once a year and on some of my other blogs, not at all. Like you say–too depressing!
And yes–LI does count! I repost there but not much else.
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What a cool post. You had great material in there. It’s understandable that these ranked so highly!
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Thanks, Mae. I wonder at times if I post too much. I still haven’t decided on that one.
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LOL! I don’t think there’s any such thing as posting too much!
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That’s amazing. Even more so that you were able to compile those impressive stats. Glad you are part of the IWSG and it has helped you and your blog.
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You have built an amazing group on IWSG. I have found many wonderful writers and blogs there. I know it takes a lot of administrative work on your part so know you’re appreciated.
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What an inspiration salute books is the the best thang u can accomplish you can really say “I WROTE THE BOOK ON IT”and that’s true talk your a element in what ever u wrote the book on salute wordDREAM..if u ever want to collaberate it would be fun
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Let me know when your blog is up and running.
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A great year, and looking forward to your posts in 2020.
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Thanks, Jennie! I’m adding a column that might appeal to you–of posts from my teacher blog. I’m surprised how many teacher-author readers I have here.
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Ooo…that’s great, Jacqui. So, you have a separate teacher blog? Please share that with me!
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It’s over at https://askatechteacher.com — Ask a Tech Teacher. BTW, I love yours.
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Thank you! And, thank you! 🙂
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I´m very impressed. Your blog is always informative and interesting. Keep up the good work! I´ve connected with you on social media sites we weren´t already.
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Excellent! I’ll do the same if I see any we aren’t connected on.
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Wow. 2.8 million visitors is impressive, a fine reflection of the quality of your posts – and this one lives up to the previous 1,750. Happy New Year, Jacqui, what a good way to start it.
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Well, 8 years–that helps. Thanks so much, Cath! Happy New Year to you, too.
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Quite impressive, Jacqui. Joanna of naituretails.blog
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I am writing in the dark, raining here. Let me do this again with the lights on. Very impressive, Jacqui. Joanna of naturetails.blog
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We had another electricity outtage here in my neighborhood. You don’t live in California, do you (really, I know you don’t!)
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I know we all have our problems, but I always remind myself how many people live in the war zones or poverty in many countries. And so, I count my blessings.
Thank you, Jacqui, for your kind comments every week.
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Congratulations on a great 2019. This is a wonderful reference…I’m bookmarking it. Happy New Year!
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Thanks, Jill. It does surprise me what resonates with readers. I would place humor first and that barely made the list!
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Congratulations Jacqui … I just enjoy the writing … am glad of the comments – and for now that’s enough. But it’s always interesting to read your posts and see how professional you are … cheers Hilary
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Your posts are always fascinating. You take me to worlds I never would visit otherwise. For that, I thank you.
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