Beth’s blind blogging buddy

June 17, 2010 • Posted in Beth Finke, blindness, Blogroll, book tour, guide dogs, Seeing Eye dogs, technology for people who are blind, travel, Uncategorized, writing, Writing for Children by

Hello from our seat on the Hiawatha train to Wisconsin. Hanni and I are on our way to Waukesha, where I’ll be leading a couple sessions at the Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books. I’ll be sitting on a panel about blogging, too, and the moderator sent some questions for we panelists to ponder in advance.

Each of you plays a significant role as a blogger, bringing entertainment, news and social commentary to the world. But you also appear to write your blogs in lighthearted ways. Is this intentional?

You’re often connecting to people who need a voice in the community. How does this influence the specific content of your blog?

As a writer I’m often encouraged to keep a blog and although I have a page on my web site, my writing tends to feel a lot like navel gazing. What advice would you give a blogger in this situation?

What is the most heartwarming connection you’ve made with a reader through your blog?

I’ll have to give those first few questions some thought before our 4 pm

That's OJ, Jen's guide dog.

panel tomorrow. I’m ready with an answer for that last question, though.

I’ve made plenty of heartwarming connections through my Safe & Sound blog, but one I find particularly touching is my connection with Jennifer Doherty, a guide dog user an Ireland. I know all this internet-blogging-connecting stuff is old news by now, but I still find it amazing that a woman in Ireland could pres the keys on her talking computer to search for “guide dog” or “blind” or whatever,, come up with my name, link to my blog, type a few words and shazam! She’s responded to me here in Chicago!

If you enjoyed Jenny’s comments here, you’ll be pleased to know Jenny keeps a blog of her own, too. Paws for Thought talks about life in Ireland with OJ, Jenny’s guide dog. Jenny keeps up with blind bloggers all over the world, and last month she asked a few of us if we’d be willing to write a guest blog for Paws for Thought. I was flattered to be asked, and wrote a post about retiring Dora, my first Seeing Eye dog. You can link to my guest post at Paws for Thought. While you’re there, check out the other guest bloggers that week. Interesting stuff!

Uh-oh. They’re calling the Milwaukee stop, and I still need to come up with answers for those other panel questions. Better stop blogging about blogging here and think about what I’ll say when I’m blah, blah, blahing about blogging at tomorrow’s panel instead. Waukesha, here we come!

Mary Robinson Swanson On June 17, 2010 at 7:00 pm

Beth,
I just finished your book, “Long Time No See”. It was fabulous. Thank you for writing it. Your story would be compelling even if you were sighted. I have a greater understanding and new appreciation for the challenges of blindness, diabetes, and parenting a special needs child.

I am also a York High, class of 1976, grad, currently living in Geneva, IL. It’s great to see one of my classmates so successful. You go girl!

Regards,
Mary Robinson Swanson

Jenny On June 18, 2010 at 5:48 am

Thanks for the mention Beth. I loved doing guest posts because they were all great, and it meant I didn’t have to try and think of things to write about!
Good luck talking about blogging. I’m sure you’ll answer all the questions brilliantly.
Jenny x

Beth On June 18, 2010 at 7:52 am

I remember you from York! You must have been in some of my classes, right? And did we have lunch together sometimes? Hate to admit it, but it’s hard for me to remember details from high school days anymore. I *do* remember you, though, you were always so nice. And still are — how sweet of you to take the time to comment to my blog. AND to compliment my book. Glad you liked Long Time No See, Mary. Thanks for telling me so!

Mary Robinson Swanson On June 19, 2010 at 9:00 am

Gosh, Beth, you have a great memory. I remember so little of my high school days; mainly just the boys I had crushes on who didn’t know I existed. I’ve been on Facebook, where I found out about your book from Sal Lejarza.

Beth On June 18, 2010 at 8:07 am

That gives me an idea, Jenny! If the following question comes up, maybe I’ll use your example, tell them to post guest blogs:
As a writer I’m often encouraged to keep a blog and although I have a page on my web site, my writing tends to feel a lot like navel gazing. What advice would you give a blogger in this situation?

Hanni and I are “Safe & Sound” now, in our hotel room preparing for todays sessions at the book fest. Better think about getting dressed…

Beth On June 19, 2010 at 11:43 am

Mary, Sal Lejarza is yet *another* nice person from our high school cllass! I don’t have a FB page, but Hanni does (long story about why that is, I’ll spare you). If you go to Facebook and search for “Hanni” you’ll find her. Not many Hanni’s out there and she’s the only one with a canine face! I also have a “Beth Finke Fan Page” if you’re interested…

Maria On June 19, 2010 at 7:33 pm

You and Hanni continue to amaze me…..what impressive gals you are!
Keep on bloggin! Love reading them.

Deborah Lynn Jacobs On June 21, 2010 at 1:11 pm

Beth,
You did a great job on the panel about blogging. It was a pleasure to meet you. I enjoyed sitting at your table at the author’s reception. The festival organizers certainly worked hard to make us feel welcome!
Deborah Lynn Jacobs

bethfinke On June 21, 2010 at 4:25 pm

Deb, I had a ball at the Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books, and I agree with you: the organizers did a sensational job, especially with this being the very first time they attempted such a big event. A highlight for me was spending time with other authors (like you!) at the author reception Friday evening.
Hope your session on Saturday went well – I mean, with a title like “Freaks & Vampires: They’re Just like You” how could you go wrong?!
Thanks for coming to the blog panel, and then for commenting to my blog –keep up the good work you do –

Deborah Lynn Jacobs On June 21, 2010 at 4:38 pm

Thanks, Beth. Yes, the author reception was terrific! Who can argue with free food and wine? (yes, I know, beer would have been welcome!)
The only thing I might have suggested is they make the music quieter. Although the group was fun, my hearing isn’t what it used to be!
My session went well–I think! Kimberly Pauley was charming and interesting (we co-presented.) A number of teens came, which was a high point for me, as Kimberly and I both write for teens. One teen came up after our presentation and asked for advice about her book–she’s only going into ninth grade and has already written her first novel. Man, the competition is tough out there! Hope I can keep up!
Hope to connect again with you. You are a riot to hang out with.

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