I created this blog exactly six years ago today, back when I hadn’t yet become a published author, back when I didn’t even know what a blog was. I’d read how important blogging was for authors, both as a way of getting known and as a way of connecting with readers, so I decided to “act as if” I were going to be published in the hopes of making it happen. I had nothing to say, no one to say it to, no reason to say anything, but I didn’t let that stop me. I started blogging on September 24, 2007, and haven’t stopped since.
Did acting as if I were goin
g to get published work? Perhaps, though there is no direct connection that I know of. Still, one and a half years after starting this blog, my first two books were published by Second Wind Publishing. They have now published five of my books — four suspense novels and one non-fiction book about grief. More importantly — at least blog-wise — I am still blogging, still making connections, still making friends. Still having fun.
One thing I never expected when I set up Bertram’s Blog, is how much I would like writing and publishing my articles. I feel safe here, away from the constant promos, ideological ravings, and mindless ratings on other sites, and it gives me the freedom to say what I want, no matter how personal. Three and a half years ago, my life mate/soul mate died, and his death catapulted me into such a world of such pain that it bled over into my posts. This blog became a place where I could try to make sense of what I was going through, to offer comfort and be comforted, to find my way to renewed life.
It’s nice to know that whatever life throws at me, whatever problems I encounter, whatever challenges come my way, this blog will be here for me.
Although I’d planned to post every day, during the first four years I only managed to blog three or four times a week, but exactly two years ago today, I made a 100-day commitment to post a daily blog, and I continued to post every day once that initial commitment was fulfilled. (Which makes this a double anniversary — 6 years for blogging, 2 years for daily blogging.)
It amazes me that anyone wants to read anything that I write here. This is so much a place for just letting my thoughts roam, for thinking through problems, and (I admit it) for pontificating a bit. It’s been a kick, writing this blog, and I want to thank all of you for indulging my whims and whimseys.
Thank you for reading. Thank you all for your comments, your likes, your support. They have meant more to me (especially this past three and a half years) than you can ever imagine.
***
Pat Bertram is the author of the suspense novels Light Bringer, More Deaths Than One, A Spark of Heavenly Fire, and Daughter Am I. Bertram is also the author of Grief: The Great Yearning, “an exquisite book, wrenching to read, and at the same time full of profound truths.” Connect with Pat on Google+. Like Pat on Facebook.
Bertram's Blog 
September 24, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Wow! Six years. Congratulations! And thank you for presenting so many outstanding and thought provoking articles, Pat.
September 24, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Thank you, Deb. 2007 was an auspicious year. I got a computer in March. Got my first email address in April. Got the internet in May. Started this blog in September. Did the Gather contest and met you in October. (And met my future publisher, though I didn’t know it then.)
September 24, 2013 at 3:44 pm
Happy Bloggiversary!
September 24, 2013 at 8:03 pm
Thank you, Paula.
September 24, 2013 at 4:07 pm
Congratulations Pat! Let’s go another six years of memories, musings, and discussions, okay?
September 24, 2013 at 8:04 pm
Thank you!
Another six years? Hmmm.
September 24, 2013 at 8:15 pm
Not sure you can take that much interaction with me? I know, my parents say the same thing (not really).
September 24, 2013 at 8:23 pm
Now that I think of it. . .!
Actually, I’m more into living day by day. Who knows where I will be three or four years from now, or even if I will be.
September 24, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Well, I certainly hope you will be! When you and I have discussions on writing, I learn a lot and I’m glad I made that decision to read your Freshly Pressed post and follow you. I’ve benefited in so many ways, and I like to think you’ve benefited as well, and I don’t want that to end.
And I’m sure many other people feel the same.
September 26, 2013 at 12:53 pm
Awesome!! Very inspiring!! 🙂
September 26, 2013 at 2:24 pm
Thank you.