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Announcing the Beauty of a Woman BlogFest IV! #BOAW2015

“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.” — Sam Levinson, The Beauty of a Woman 

Three years ago, when I was a blogging newbie, I decided to share a story from my experience with an eating disorder I was diagnosed with while modeling in Paris. I have no idea why it struck me that particular day, but it did, so I went with it.

The post, Does Dirt Have Calories? My Story, was longer than many pros suggest, but I believe all of our writing should be as long as it needs to be. And heck, I was sharing it because my gut said to, for cathartic reasons, I suppose, and because I figured a few people struggling with similar issues might read it and find a new glimmer of hope.

sunrise-eiffel

I was blown away when far more happened. For days, I received a steady stream of comments, emails and shout outs on social media. More importantly, I was connecting with writers, many of whom I consider friends today, and realized for the first time the power of this-thing-called-blogging.

Whether we pour our hearts out, let our goofy selves play or share wisdom, writing what we’re compelled to brings mega rewards.

We grow as writers, learn more about ourselves and befriend kick-ass, like-minded readers. The artistry that once brought fulfillment in solace evolves into connectedness as we build a community of mutual support. And we’re inspired to pay that all forward. I know many of you know what I mean! Successful blogging isn’t about “the numbers,” IMO, but authentically sharing and connecting, whether that’s with a few people, a few thousand or more.

As a thanks to folks who supported my story shortly after, I decided to host a blog fest celebrating real beauty. I wasn’t even sure how to host one (“Blog fests are a thing, right?”), but figured my best try couldn’t hurt. Again, I hoped a handful of bloggers would participate, yet many more did—poignantly, hilariously, masterfully. Thanks to hundreds of incredible writers and thousands of readers, BOAW has turned into an uplifting event I look forward to each year.

I suppose if there’s a moral to the story it’s this: Follow your enthusiasm, whether you feel skilled enough, confident enough, fill-in-the-blank enough or not. Gusto will not fail you, particularly when there are awesome people out there who likely share your interest. Why not let that spark evolve into a luminous flame? Uniting has that power, but only if we act on our inclinations. You veteran festers have taught me that. I’m so grateful for another chance to collaborate with you all next month!

I’m honored and excited to announce the 4th annual Beauty of a Woman BlogFest. WOO HOO!

Here’s how it works:

♥ Like last year, we’ll have two categories: Original, centering on beauty, however you define it, and Girl Boner, for exploring the beauty of female sexuality. While all posts will appear on the same day, they’ll be separated by category on the fest page.

♥ To participate as a blogger, register by posting a comment below indicating your desired category. Then write your post sometime before 2/23.

♥ Publish your post on your blog on Monday, 2/23 between 12am and 6am PST.  If you’d like to schedule your post to publish in advance and aren’t sure how, find instructions via Wordpress here and Google/Blogger here.

♥ Make sure your post includes the logo for your category, and a link to the fest page: https://augustmclaughlin.com/boaw15/, inviting readers to stop by to participate!

♥ On 2/23, your name and post link will appear on the fest page at 8am PST. Anyone who stops by between then and 8pm March 1 will have chances to win awesome prizes by reading participants’ contributions, posting comments, sharing the fest and more. (It’s so fun!)

♥ Prize winners will be selected through a digital raffle on the fest page, and announced on my blog in early March. All prizes are valued at $50 or more, and include artwork, gift cards, a style consult, intimacy products and more!

A fun new twist!

This year, I’ve decided to celebrate women entrepreneurs—because, well, you’re spectacular! Toward that end, I’ve commissioned artwork from two gifted artists to offer as prizes, and for use in this year’s logos. (I almost hated adding text to their masterpieces. Fear not! If you win one, yours will be text-free.)

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE….

Thanks to Renée A. Schuls-Jacobson, here is our logo for the original category:

Renee Jacobson art

And here is our Girl Boner category logo, featuring the artistry of A’driane Nieves:

Addey B Nieves

*SWOON* Aren’t they gorgeous? I hope you find them as inspiring as I do!

More on prizes:

In addition to these masterpieces, I’ll be giving away prizes from generous sponsors. Good Clean Love is contributing organic intimacy products, and Style by Rayne, has offered up a fab style consultation. I’ll also feature two participants on Girl Boner Radio, who will have the option of chatting with me on the air or having me read and discuss their post on their behalf.

If you’d like to sponsor a prize with a value of $50 or more, contact me by February 14. To donate a smaller prize, such as a book or smaller gift card, feel free to join up with others to create a goodie box!

Tips for bloggers:

  • To ensure more reads, use a creative or otherwise interesting title.
  • For more visibility on social media, include the hashtag #BOAW15 with your title.
  • If you’re wondering if you’re eligible for the fest, the answer is YES. The fest is open to everyone, including guys, poets, visual artists and blogging newbies. The fest is a great way to expand your network of readers, no matter where you are on your journey—all while having a fab, inspiring time.
  • Not sure what to write about? Consider these prompts:

What makes you feel beautiful? What’s helped you embrace your body/appearance as it is? What area are you still working on—or should you? What makes you feel sexy? What helped you embrace, rather than shame, your sexuality? What’s stopping you? How do you define real beauty or sex appeal? Who epitomizes beauty and sexiness, IYO? What advice would you give your younger self or a girl in your life about beauty and/or sexuality? 

Participants’ names and posts will appear in the order you sign up on fest day. The sooner you sign up, the better!

Ready? Set? Sign…up! Simply post a comment below, letting me know which category you’d like to enter: Original or Girl Boner. And feel free to invite your friends! The more celebrants, the better, I say.

**For updates and tips along the way, RSVP via the Facebook event page—optional, but recommended!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  9. Love this! I kinda, sorta write about stuff like this, but this gives me a much clearer direction–at least for the blog fest. Count me in for the original. But, if I’m moved to write something more in the Girl Boner category, can I move between the two?

    Reply

  15. Absolutely sign me up. My first thought was the original but I’m thinking sexuality from the point of view of a slightly older (ahem) woman might be fun. Let me think on it thanks!!

    Reply

  20. I’m definitely in and will kick off my first entry in the Girlboner edition!

    Can I do both? Is that allowed? And I might have an idea for a small prize, but it might be silly. I will let you know.

    Reply

    • Yay! So happy to have you in GB-land, Jess.

      I’ve allowed folks to enter twice if they use different blogs for each. In other words, feel free to enter twice by guest posting on another blog for one category. Doing so would bring them lots of views, exposure and your FAB writing, so it’d be a triple win.

      Reply

  23. I’m with Jess – I wanna do both (and that I’m brave enough to try is in no small part do to that amazing in-person infusion of you I got last September!).

    I’m already plotting the posts in my head. The Burton Bunch will be in Oregon, visiting family on the 23rd (the kids’ first time on a plane; I need to get a handle on my nerves, because, well, I’m the Mom….), so I’ll make sure I’m all scheduled in advance. I’ll try to stop by here and there on the day, but internet might be unavailable.

    So happy to know #BOAW is back! I have been waiting!

    Reply

    • So stoked to have you, Shan! And seeing you in NYC was a HUGE highlight of for me.

      As I mentioned to Jess, if possible, dual posts should be posted on different blog sites. (One could be a guest post on another blog, for example.) Hope you have a happy, safe blast in Oregon! The posts will be around for your to pursue after—and the actual fest goes until March 1. So woo hoo, you can mix/mingle and prizes until then.

      Reply

  24. What an awesome idea. I’m totally in! I’ll do the original and plan to post a letter from my adult me to my teen me on my blog on the 23rd. I’ve donated a book to be part of a prize pack from the Addictive Reads authors, but I’ll also offer something on my site for passersby. Thanks for including me.

    Reply

  28. I would like to participate in the GirlBoner category with a book blog post – probably books that celebrate female sensuality or talking about Dr. Christiane Northrup’s new book releasing in mid-February. Thank you for organizing and promoting this. I will probably do a giveaway with the post.
    I am surprised you aren’t using a linked list like simply linked.
    My blog post will be here: http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/2015/02/beauty.html

    Reply

  32. Wouldn’t miss it, August … the original please. I signed with you on FB days ago but just in case … doing it again! I’ll donate copies of The Bridge Club and The Promise of Provence … both tell women’s stories!

    Reply

  33. How gorgeous! I’d love to do this, August, over at the Go Deeper Press blog. Girl Boner category would be great at my end, and we can throw in some e-books as prizes for commenters. Love, love!

    Reply

    • Perfect! You’re in.

      You can give ebooks away on your post. If you throw in gift cards or other goodies worth $50 or more, contact me directly and I’ll add it to the prize page. Thanks for the support!

      Reply

  36. Is it too late to get a spot? My safety net says go for Original, but my Triple-Dog-Dare voice is telling me to go for sexuality. I can never resist my Triple-Dog-Dare voice.

    Reply

  42. The team at Color Him Father Foundation is in! We will do an Original post. Thanks August for this cool opportunity!!

    Reply

  44. Well, here goes nothing…or something, I hope. I am going to try my typing fingers out in the Original category. Thanks for all you do, August.

    Reply

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