Amazing writers,
What a year this has already been, hey? Amid the ongoing uncertainty, there’s one thing I know for sure: our voices matter. And if there were ever a time to express ourselves about matters close to our hearts, it’s now.
With that in mind, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating real beauty for the sixth year running! I couldn’t think of a more appropriate time than the week of International Women’s Day: March 6 – 11, 2017.
#BOAW2017
A bit of background, for newbies (hey, welcome!):
I first launched the fest six years ago, as a thanks to the many people who offered support after I wrote about my experience with an eating disorder. The fest has since taken on a life of its own, reaching thousands of people each year, bringing a hefty dose of inspiration, education, humor and, usually, a few tears.
The title derives from a poem written by Sam Levinson, which was significant to me during my recovery. And yes, all genders are welcome!
The categories are Original (real beauty, however you define it) and Girl Boner (the beauty of sexuality).
How to participate as a blogger:
1 – Register.
To do so, simply post a comment below, mentioning your desired category — Original or Girl Boner.
In the designated fields below comment, make sure you include your website/blog link and an email you check regularly. (If you’re signed in through WordPress, this should happen automatically.) This will help ensure that your post is included, and that you’ll receive an email reminder with the fest link about a week beforehand.
You can register as late as March 1st, but sooner is better!
2 – Write your post!
Between now and March 5th, compose a blog post related to the theme of your category. As long as it’s thematic and respectful, it will be included!
Your post must include:
- this year’s logo (the image above!)
- text inviting readers to the fest, such as:
This post is part of the Beauty of a Woman BlogFest VI! To read more entries, and potentially win a fun prize, visit the fest page on August’s McLaughlin’s site between today and 11pm PST March 11th.
For inspiration, check out the last few years’ fests: 2016 2015 2014 (GB) 2014 (orig.)
For helpful hints and writing prompts, click here: BOAW2017 Rad Post Tips
3 – On March 6th, publish your post between 7 and 8am PST (or at 9am***).
Your post link and title will be copied/pasted from your site onto the fest page, in the order of sign ups.
***If you’d prefer to schedule your post to publish at 9am PST, precisely when the fest goes live, please send me the title and hyperlink in advance. (You can reply to my reminder email or PM me via Facebook.)
4 – Enjoy the fest!
The more you engage in the fest, the more fun you’ll have — and, the more likely you’ll be to win a prize! You’ll receive raffle points for contributing a post and for for commenting on all posts in either or both categories. (Specifics will appear on the fest page.)
What are the prizes, you ask???
So far, I can tell you this: they’re super special, one-of-a-kind and chock full of femme-power. Folks on my email list will get a sneak peek first! Feel free to sign up here, if you haven’t.
Ready…set….sign up! I can’t wait to share in the fest with you.
Hi!
We’d love to participate! Our wonderful contributor, Lapka Sherpa, is planning to write an Original post. Thank you!
– MM
Fantastic. Welcome!
Me! I could write for both, but I have to choose…Original
Hooray! So happy to have you.
My lovely friend Susan referred me to this and it sounds amazing. I will be participating by providing an Original post. Looking forward to all the magic that will come forth from this endeavor. Thank you!
Wonderful, Rose. Welcome! Looking forward to your post.
*raising hand* Me! Me! No idea yet what I will write about but put me down for the original group.
Woo hoo, Kassandra! So glad to have you back.
Can’t wait! And it’s during Women’s History Month too! I will sign up for the Original! Looking forward to it! Thank you August!
Ah, even better!! So thrilled you’re back, Jess!
“…one thing I know for sure: our voices matter.” I couldn’t agree more. Count me in again. This has been a wonderful inspiration–thanks for continuing it.
It wouldn’t be the same without you, Audrey. So glad to have you back!
This is a picky detail, but since I use my WordPress account for my web site, there’s an extra bit to the URL to lead people directly to my blog:
https://audreykalman.com/the-blog/
Not a big deal if it’s already set up but if you’re still working on the fest announcement, you could include it instead of the general URL. I just scheduled my post to publish at 7:01 a.m. on Monday!
Thanks, Audrey! I’ll be adding links and titles early tomorrow and will be sure to click over to the proper post. Excited to read it!
I’m in….for the original category.
Woo hoo, Jenny!
I think I’ll be an original, too!
Super – welcome back, Jennifer!
August, this is such a wonderful event, and I am honored and thrilled to participate! I’d like to post in the Original category.
Thank you so much for inspiring and empowering us all!
Hooray! So thrilled you’re joining us, Heidi!
How did six years go by so quickly? It’s always a pleasure to participate in BOAW and hang out with a group of dear friends, as well as making new ones. As usual, it’s Original for me. Thanks, August!
Super, Patricia! So glad to have you back.
Looking forward to it as always, August. Original, again.
Karen
Superb! Can’t wait to celebrate with you, Karen.
First timer here. I will tackle original. Wish me luck.
Wonderful, Kim. Welcome!!
YAY Kim!
Wow…. I remember last year’s BOAW Blog fest. That year has passed quickly. Count me in again this year, August! I’m really excited.
And because they’re so many participants who signed up for “original” – I’ll do the opposite. List me on the “Girl Boner”-side.
Fantastic, AJ! I’m so thrilled to have you, in the Girl Boner category especially.
Wow… I figure the expectations are high then…? LOL
Girl Boner for me, my friend!
Yeah hoo! Can’t wait.
I’m going to jump on in! Original pool is where I’ll be swimming.
Fabulous, Eunice! So happy to have you.
So excited! My first time joining the Blog Fest and I’ll be in the original category!
Wonderful, Tara! I’m so happy to have you.
Original!
Woo hoo, Kelly!
I’d be happy to take part in either, but Girl Boner is really the best choice for me.
Fantastic, Sienna. Really happy to have you!
I would love to write an original piece.
Wonderful, Oz. So thrilled to have you!
In for Girl Boner! Excited to read all the submissions. Last year’s were amazing!
My link: https://www.downtothere.com/blog/slo-mo-receiving-and-girl-boners
I’m in again for the Original category! I have the beginnings of an idea for what I want to write.
Wonderful, Diana. So jazzed to have you back!
I just posted! Yay!
http://dianabeebe.com/2017/03/the-beauty-of-the-tapestry-of-life/
Yay, excited to share it tomorrow!
YES!!!! me, me, me! I wanna do it! YAY!!! Girl Boner please.
YAY! So thrilled to have you, Laura!
Thanks for doing this, August! I would love to participate again in the Original category!
Love seeing this! So happy to have you, Kimberly.
Would love to contribute an Original.
Such a good idea!
Fabulous! Welcome, Helena.
I missed last year – life went a bit mad, and needed me.
But, if it’s still acceptable, I have ideas for both Original and Girl Boner, and a spiffy new home where I can put one of them….but, if I only can do one, I’ll be a Boner this year! =D
Absolutely, Shan! Two will be just fine. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Honestly, neither can I! I hope we’re both pleasantly surprised! =D
I’m in. I feel like I have a lot to say this year.
Beautiful, Renee! So happy to have you back.
I would love to participate! First time being a part of this and thankful for my friend who sent me your way! I will be writing an Original!
Super, Kyira! I’m thankful your friend sent you, too.
(Running in the door, panting) Is it too late? Did I miss the deadline? Can I still sign up? If I can, I’d like to do Girl Boner this year. If I can’t, I’m happy to read everyone else’s posts.
You’re not too late at all! So happy to have you back – yay for GB.
Sorry I’m so late signing up! Life has been simply crazy. I’d love to be included (Girl Boner category!) via Lanafox.com! xoxo
Spectacular, Lana! So happy to have you back.
Original!
Fabulous, Laura! Thrilled to have you.
Hi August
Would love to be part of this again!
Girl Boner for me ?
Congratulations on year six!
Woo hoo! Welcome back, Tabitha!
I’m in for the Original category! First time! I’m excited!
Happy to have you, Amy!
I am super excited and grateful to Laura Probert for sharing this delicious event with me!
Girl Boner please!!!
Yay, welcome Stacey!
First timer here and looking forward to it . I’ll go for Girl Boner!
Fabulous – welcome, Caitlin!
I will be joining! Sorry for the late notice! Girl Boner of course!
Yay, so stoked to have you, Mona!
Am I too late?? I choose original…
You sure aren’t! So happy to have you, Tiffany.
Hi August! I would love to participate again in the Original category. Thanks
Beautiful! So happy to have you back, Ingrid.
Hi August. Can I get the link for the blogfest page to put in my post? My email account must have eaten the reminder email. I’ll send you the title and link for the post.
Thanks! Kass
Hey Kass! I emailed it as well. https://augustmclaughlin.com/beauty-woman-blogfest-vi/
Hello. Whether it’s too late or not, I would like to do an Original Post. I realize it’s the 5th and I’m probably too late.
Thank you,
Rhiannon
Okay… I think I meant to say,
Whether I am in the contest or not, I would like to be considered for acceptance. I know I’m late registering. (Sorry, I am exhausted)
The post is going to be posted at 7:30 tomorrow, and this is a great idea! Thank you!
Rhiannon
You’re in, Rhiannon! I’ll grab your link and title to share at 9am PST.
https://rhiannonrj.wordpress.com/2017/03/06/5-minute-mirror/ is the link. Thank you thank you thank you! (I’ve gotten sleep!!!)
I’m supposed to provide a link somewhere, and in my morning haze, I can’t figure out where. Here’s the blog link–
http://gaylecarline.blogspot.com/2017/03/let-your-mind-alone.html
Sorry if I put it in the wrong place.