Nearly 12 years ago, I decided to start a blog. At the time, I was a freshly divorced grad student, navigating the dating world… poorly. I needed a place to share my shaky recovery from a deeply unhealthy relationship and my somewhat disastrous attempts at dating. Belle of the Library was born.

As the years passed, my blog changed with me. I went from blogging about grad school and dating, to writing about being a teen librarian, to sharing the ups and downs of marriage, and even creating a separate space to vent about my infertility journey. I wrote about pregnancy and, for a short time, being a working mom. Now, I suppose I’m just one of many mommy bloggers, but my love of writing persists, so I shall as well.

While I can’t say I’ve ever written this blog for anyone but my future self, it does feel good to get likes and views. As information sharing has changed, I’ve seen fewer of both, which can be disheartening after spending a few hours editing a post. I, like everyone, want to be heard. I want other women, who feel as I do and/or share the same experiences, to feel a little less alone. I want to know that my writing makes any impact in the world. I’ve considered ways to increase my readership, at times, but then Scarlet falls off the changing table or Thomas knocks over a potted plant and it vanishes from my mind.

I suppose my biggest objection to branching out to Instagram or TikTok has largely been one of respect for my family’s privacy. While I’d love to have a greater presence, I refuse to sell my children’s childhood or sense of security by sharing intimate photos and details for the entertainment and attention of strangers. Perhaps, I also fear failure in such a crowded market. I’m not especially niche blogger, neither an extreme Christian homemaker or a successful boss lady momfluencer. Ironically, after a lifetime of striving to be perfectly ordinary, it’s now a handicap.

Recently, my aunt has encouraged me to boost my viewership, upon learning of this blog. She, herself, began an online crafting series during Covid-19 and now helps other women expand their own online presence. So, if you have any interest in following my daily shenanigans… like the fact that I just made a triple batch of banana bread in the lid to a cake carrier, because I didn’t realize I didn’t have a dish large enough to hold the batter… please follow me on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/belle_of_the_library?igsh=aHc5dWt4eWdrazE=