MIDLIFERS WHO WANT TO SHARE THE LOVE

We're creating an Exclusive Link Party for Midlifers who want to Share The Love

DRUM ROLL!

My blogging buddy Sue Loncaric from Sizzling Towards 60 and Beyond is joining me next week to launch our new and Exclusive Midlife Link Party. You might be thinking "Oh, another link party to add to my collection" but what we've been planning is something a bit different to your average Link Up. We want to go beyond the usual format and do something that comes from a different direction.

WHAT WE SEE HAPPENING

Sue and I have both been blogging for three years or so and we've been part of several great link parties over that time (Sue even co-hosts a couple!) But both of us noticed that a lot of people come to Link Parties with a fairly self-focused approach - they forget that it's about growing relationships.

Most of us join up to a Party with the hope that others will read our posts - that's to be expected, but there are some bloggers who go to the extreme and just drop their links into every party they come across and leave without contributing to the party in any other way. They rarely read other bloggers' posts and they never take the time to comment or share.

WHAT OTHER PARTIES ARE ABOUT

We also noticed that most Parties are full of posts that are different to ours. There are Mommy bloggers, Food bloggers, DYI bloggers, Craft bloggers, Make-Up product bloggers, Sponsored Post bloggers, How To Make Money Blogging bloggers, and Fashion bloggers. That’s fabulous if you fit those niches but we wanted to offer something different.

We’ve been asking – “Where have all the Midlife Lifestyle bloggers gone? The ones who write about their life and their thoughts.” We know they're out there and we see them here and there, but we wanted to read more posts from people in our "niche" (that magic blogging term!) We wanted to encourage interaction and sharing in a more focused group. That's where we started from and this is where we've ended up....

OUR NEW PARTY

Next Wednesday 31st January at 6am AWST (the link will help you figure how that time applies to where you are) we're launching our new EXCLUSIVE Midlife Blog Party - 

MIDLIFE SHARE THE LOVE #MLSTL

An Exclusive Link Party for Midlifers who want to Share The Love - Wednesdays 7am AWST

We're being very particular about why we are creating this Party. We want it to be about each other - not just about ourselves - so it needs to have a requirement for some commitment from those who attend.

We are EXCLUSIVE because:
1. We're only inviting Midlifer bloggers (45+ year olds)
2. We are starting really small - and will only grow to 25 posts in total.
3. We don't want the usual posts, we Exclusively want posts on your life and what you're doing and thinking.
4. We want people to Share The Love - because it's not just about you.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

If this sounds remotely interesting to you then we'd love you to join us. You will only be able to link ONE post each week and what we require from you is to then visit several other posts - commenting on at least three of them and sharing at least five of them on your Social Media (you choose three SM sites and share each of the posts on all three).

It might take a little more time than your standard Link Party, but the rewards will include getting to know some other great bloggers in your niche more, and it should also translate into much higher page views because the people participating will be making an effort to grow your blog while you help them grow theirs. We're keeping the numbers low so that everyone gets to Share in the Love.

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!

We really hope you'll stop by and join us in our new endeavour. We know that it's not going to appeal to everyone and we may only have a few who want to join us, but we're hoping that there are others like us who want to connect and grow our blogs. We're excited and hope you will be too. See you there! 

UPDATE AUGUST 2020

After two and a half years of partying, Sue and I decided to take a break and go back to just blogging by ourselves each week. I met some amazing Midlife bloggers through the party and I love the friendships and connections I made along the way - maybe the party will start again one day, but in the meantime I hope you'll stick with me and enjoy this wonderful journey that the second half of life leads us into.


This post was shared at some of these great link parties
To keep up to date with my posts, feel free to add your email into the spot especially for it on my sidebar and I'd love you to follow me on Facebook

59 comments

  1. I love the thought you've put into this - especially re sharing the love. I'm 50, but tend not to blog thoughts etc...I will, however, be dropping by on Wednesdays to see what others are talking about. (and yes I hear you re the ones who link & run.) #TeamLovinLife

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jo I think you'd be surprised about what you have that would fit in with the sort of posts we're looking for. I always enjoy your writing so I'm sure you would have something to share most weeks x

      Delete
  2. ♥ Wishing you two much success, sounds fun! Will join in if my posts qualify. Shared onto Fb, G+, Pn, and Tw ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you'll have a post or two squirrelled away that fits our criteria Dee - it might inspire you to share some more of your life with us xx

      Delete
  3. Yay - good on you both! I love seeing an exclusive linky for midlife bloggers and their words and thoughts. Love it! I might be a little late to the party (will see how I go) because I have been busy getting posts scheduled to cover from now till my return from two weeks away on holiday (coming up) BUT I love your concept and will plan posts to link up with you as soon as I can for sure! xo #TeamLovinLife

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We'll just be cutting our teeth for the first few weeks Min so there'll be plenty of time to join in after you finish your holidaying - so glad you're having a good break. It's nice to have everything in place and to just let it roll along while you take some time away. Enjoy xx

      Delete
  4. Sounds great, Leanne and Sue. Looking forward to checking it out next week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm looking forward to seeing what you're going to bring to the party each week Donna - I think you'll really enjoy it too.

      Delete
  5. Wishing you and Sue much success, Leanne! I'll join if my posts qualify.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Natalie - I hope you find something to share because I think it's going to be a fun party each week - or just pop by for a read.

      Delete
  6. Yay! Wonderful, please count me in. I always love reading about other women's thoughts about life especially those in a similar mid to late life situation, and often want to write about mid-life, but always afraid no one will read my ramblings - so this will give me a focus on two counts. Please count me in ... any chance of sending a reminder email or tagging me in a Facebook post, just as a reminder? Thank you x :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jo - I still haven't gotten around to setting up an email list that actually specifies who gets a reminder about certain things! I'll forward you on to Sue and she can add you to her
      email reminder that she's setting up for the party.
      So glad you want to join us - I'm really looking forward to havin a linky that is proactive and fun for everyone. xx

      Delete
  7. Great to see Leanne. I'm not sure if I fit the genre as I mainly blog about travel. However I sometimes write about more personal issues so I will endeavour to link up. #TeamLovinLife

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think travel works if it's about your trip and features you and what you're doing Kathy - it's the generic posts that appeal to everyone but aren't really lifestyle that may not be the right fit.

      Delete
  8. This is a great idea and good way to make use of a link party!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We hope the Midlifers who join us will be on the same page and want to read each other's posts and share them Jodie - a nice change from the link droppers that pop up all over the place.

      Delete
  9. I love the thoughts behind it and the sharing! I dunno how much I'll link though, these days I rarely join linkies (no time) but will definitely keep it in mind, and wish you all the best xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just join on the weeks you're feeling free and ready to spend a bit of time helping others Janet - there's nothing worse than feeling obligated to do something - it sucks the fun right out of it.

      Delete
  10. Congratulations to you both on your initiaitive. I hope that there will be lots of people who will find a place here and that is good. I will see how things go for me week by week but I like the idea of perhaps posting within a niche like this. Let me ponder it!! Thanks for the idea and sharing. Denyse

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Denyse, we'd love you to join us - most of your posts are about your life and your journey with your health and how positively you are approaching things. These would all be a perfect fit for our party - hope to see you there x

      Delete
  11. Grrr. Initiative. I cannot have a spelling error!! Sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm grateful for this - I ONLY blog about my life and my thoughts, and have been doing so for about 9 years. I call it my therapy. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Then I hope you'll pop over each Wednesday and share those thoughts with us Barbara - it's going to be a great opportunity to connect with other like minded Midlifers x

      Delete
  13. I love this idea..I always thought I just didn't fit in...so I tend to stay away from these blogging parties or whatever they are called...see I don't even know what they are called... :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the WOM thread is almost a blog party in itself Renee, but our new party might be a great way to get your feet wet and meet some new Midlifers and connect in (there'll be lots of Aussies!)

      Delete
  14. Sounds like fun. I've been trying to find ways to incorporate myself more into my blogging. Great idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rena I'd LOVE you to join us - you have such an interesting life and I'm sure you'd be a great fit with this type of party xx

      Delete
  15. Wednesday's for me are Wellness Wednesdays (which are Quick Tips this year). It's all about aging positively. I'll stop by for sure #teamlovinlife

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A wellness post would be a great addition Leanne - you are so good at writing about how different things incorporate into your life so healthiness would be something worthwhile for all of us and fits well with Sue's posts.

      Delete
  16. Congratulations, sounds like what I like to read! I do blog about my musings but I have never done a blog link party before. Do I dare??? I will certainly read and look forward to it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haralee your musings always make me smile and it would be lovely to have you join in - see what you think when we launch next week x

      Delete
  17. Sounds like an excellent plan. I'm currently grappling with working out where I fit in... (Long story!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good grief Deb - everything you write about fits in with our party! All the stuff about your new job and your plans for the year etc would be perfect.

      Delete
  18. I love this idea! My favorite blogs are from other midlifers. I am tired of all the recipes in most link parties because I don't cook much. I look forward to this kind of a party! My time zone will be way off from you Aussies, but I will make myself a note to join in!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We'd love to have you Michele - I don't think we'll be so swamped with posts that there won't be time for you to squeeze one in. We have lovely bloggers in Canada who are going to be juggling time zones too - it's all part of the fun isn't it?

      Delete
  19. We are going to rock, Leanne and can't wait to work together. We make a great team!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we're pretty fabulous as a team too Sue - it's going to be a great linky and I can't wait to get started!

      Delete
  20. I’m really looking forward to getting involved in this! It’s a great idea, well done to you both. .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so pleased you're joining us Deb - it's going to be such fun x

      Delete
  21. Hey, would you want a 49-year-old male to get involved. I would love to.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are more than welcome to share the love :) Just add a post about you and your life or your thoughts next Wed and comment and share to your heart's content.

      A little testosterone won't hurt at all!

      Delete
  22. You know I want to join in! See you next week. Thanks for linking at OVER THE MOON Link Party.
    :) gwingal

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay Nikki! So glad you're onboard with us - it'll be great :)

      Delete
  23. What a lovely idea and I'm delighted to be a part of a midlife linky party where we talk about our thoughts and lives. I'm in :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We love having you Kalpanaa any time you feel like joining in x

      Delete
  24. Love this! I'm definitely a mid-lifer and have a lot to say. Now, I'll have to think about it a bit before I dip my toes into this water. Thank you for being YOU!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dive right in any time you feel like it Susan - we all paddling around together and enjoying getting to know each other and building connection - because that's what it's all about for us in Midlife.

      Delete
  25. What a wonderful idea. I love the fact that it caters to my age group and like me, aims to build a blogger community. I am not sure that I always blog about lifestyle, sometimes it is philosophical meanderings, sometimes a travel write up, other time health and happiness. Would that fit?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it would all fit Amanda - it just needs to have a personal flavour to it - something that we can relate to - everyone has a different slant to it, but we just want to avoid sponsored stuff and fashion and recipes etc because they're everywhere and we want to be more personal. Link up on Wednesday with us and come and share the love x

      Delete
  26. You and Sue are doing a wonderful job with this link up Leanne! I just re-read the guidelines. I'm so impressed with the quality of posts the Midlife bloggers are sharing. Thank you to both of you for your commitment to making this a great experience!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your lovely words Mary Lou - and we really appreciate you linking up with us each week - I love the variety and readability of all that get shared x

      Delete
  27. What a great idea, congratulations to both of you! I hardly ever posted to midlifers but reading yes. I'm not sure if I would fit in, probably not, trying to get my blog online about interior decor/French and English and vintage furniture, but I will follow the party and wishing you all the very best! Bring out the champagne and fireworks!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you have anything that reflects something personal - your home or yourself Yvon then we'd love to have you link up with us x

      Delete
  28. This sounds fun! I would love to give it a try, but not sure if my posts match what you are looking for? I love to read and comment on others blogs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you have a post that you think matches then we'd love you to join the party - it's a wonderful community of Midlifers who are invested in building engagement and supporting each other and we always welcome new comers :)

      Delete
  29. Hi there! Found you at 1010 (Brenda’s). This is a lovely idea. I was part of a midlife lifestyle bloggers group (US-based) several years back. It all too quickly devolved — mired in commercialism and self-promotion (on steroids), which, to me, was contrary of the very ideals of forming a vibrant midlife community.

    That aside, I think it’s glorious to approach one’s middle years with positivity and energy! These years can be filled with new opportunities and adventures. Still, I believe it’s also important to be honest about the challenges and share these too — in part, to IMpart some lessons that others might take benefit from. And, so we don’t feel so alone as we face inevitable bumps, able to encourage and support each other in real ways.

    If any of this feels compatible with your goals for your linking, I would enjoy participating.

    Cheers, from my “daily plate of crazy.”

    D.A.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi DA - we're a group of Midlifers who were tired of people who drop a link and don't contribute, or who share stuff that is seen everywhere. Sue and I wanted to create a space where like-minded Midlifers could share posts that were interesting to read and to engage with and to share - bonus is that we've made some great friendships too. If you have a post that fits the guidelines, we'd be happy to have you link up with us at any time x

    ReplyDelete
  31. Is this party still in operation?
    www.forestwoodfolkart.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes every Wednesday - although we will be taking a break over Christmas. You can subscribe to my blog for post reminders (including #MLSTL) or just pop over on Wednesdays.

      You're welcome to join in but your linked post needs to meet the guidelines and you also need to comment on and share a few if the other linked posts.

      Delete

Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.