A blogging inspiration event, part of the Libraries NI #GetBloggingNI tour, will welcome vlogger Michelle Connolly and Blogger Jill McDowell to Finaghy Library later this month.
The free event on Wednesday 11 December, which aims to teach and inspire attendees about the world of blogging, is one in a series happening across Northern Ireland in 2019 and 2020.
Designed to encourage existing and new bloggers to get started and learn new skills the #GetBloggingNI speakers, facilitator and host will provide top tips, hints, tricks and tools to help supercharge your blogging journey.
Speaker Michelle Connolly is founder of Belfast based LearningMole, an educational blog which aims to support Parents, teachers and children and has over 1.8million views on YouTube. With 15 years teaching experience and being a parent of 3 children she has used her blog to reach parents in over 166 countries.
She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to speak at the #GetBloggingNI session in Finaghy. Education is at the heart of what I do and it is a great opportunity to chat to others who are developing new skills.
“I started blogging while I was a Primary School teacher. Parents often asked me to support them as the education system has changed so much. I wanted to support parents across the globe and blogging seemed the most natural way to do this.
“Blogging has been such a rewarding experience for me both on a personal and business level. I have forged partnerships across the globe in China and have worked on many government contracts because of my blogging experience.
“It is a great way to share your skills and experiences. Everyone has something to say and so many people will be inspired by listening.”
Also speaking in Finaghy Library is Jill McDowell, the founder of the blog Home At Rose Cottage who started her blogging journey when renovating her grandparent’s home. Jill began posting photos of her journey on Instagram and it was so popular the blog was born.
She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to be involved at the #GetBloggingNI session; having attended the 6-week course myself over a year ago, I never ever thought I would be the one at the front encouraging others to start their blogging journey.
“Blogging has provided me with such amazing opportunities, working with brands I could only dream of, and making friends and connections with such amazing people.
“Blogging has opened up another world for me and it can do the same for others too. Confidence building, exercising your creativity and promoting positive mental health are only a few of the benefits it can have.”
Chartered Marketer Christine Watson of Training Matchmaker will facilitate the session, which is hosted by journalist and content creator, Tina Calder of the Content Club and Excalibur Press.
Christine said Libraries NI is responding to the thirst for knowledge for new skills such as blogging.
She added: “In recent years there has been a surge in interest in blogging, vlogging and podcasting across Northern Ireland.
“It’s a fantastic way to connect with like-minded people, immerse yourself in your passions, keep your mind healthy and active and an excellent excuse to get out and about and use your local library.
“Attendees at the Blogging Inspiration event in Finaghy Library will be sure to leave with the motivation, encouragement and practical knowhow they need to begin or amplify their blogging journey.”
Libraries NI Service Development Manager Julie Reid said: “Libraries NI is pleased to offer this free Blogging Inspiration event to introduce people to the art of blogging.
“Storytelling is forever evolving and blogging, vlogging and podcasting is quickly becoming the new platform for telling stories through text, images and video.
“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 Christine Watson to present this event on Wednesday 11 December at Finaghy Library and look forward to welcoming our speakers Michelle Connolly and Jill McDowell as well as host Tina Calder to the library.”
The event at Finaghy Library is part of the ongoing 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 roadshows.
Booking for #GetBloggingNI at Finaghy Library on Wednesday 11 December from 6:00pm-7:30pm is free. Tickets are available from trainingmatchmaker.eventbrite.com.
