Amazon

I did not start my blog to make money. My writing began as my effort to reach out to other amputees and to other Mommies. I became lonely being a stay-at-home Mommy although I knew that I had more to offer the world than just changing diapers, cooking and doing laundry. My blog began as an attempt both to educate and to entertain.

I was searching for a career that would excite me, and I have found that passion through the writing process. I would like to pursue professional writing in some venue, perhaps through a column or book. This blog is the first step in that journey.

Monetizing my blog in some fashion would serve several purposes. Being a family living off of one salary, the extra income would be appreciated. More important for me, earning money from my blog would validate my efforts as an author. I reason that, if I am earning anything as a result of my writing, I can consider myself a legitimate writer. I suppose it is all about semantics.

I have been searching for a way to monetize my blog. I have tried various ads, banners and conceptual links, but I was unhappy with the selection of ads that were displayed on my blog. I felt that the ads were tacky and I did not feel comfortable endorsing products and services that I have never used. I removed the advertisements when a particularly disturbing ad kept trying to sell "luxury dog caskets."

I have been researching various ways to generate funds. This blog is now available for subscription download on Kindle. I was over the moon excited when somebody actually subscribed, quickly spreading my good news through emails to my family and friends. I am both excited and humbled that somebody feels that my words are worth paying to read!

I am in the process of creating a virtual "store" which will list various products, available through Amazon.com that I have found helpful both as a Mommy and as an amputee. I am hoping that others may find this resource helpful. If you discover a product that has made your life easier and you would like to share it, please send me an email. Funds generated through the amazon.com link are not reliant upon the purchase of the featured products.

When I first started this blog, I made a commitment that I would always be honest with myself and with my readers. I feel awkward addressing the possibility of monetizing. I did want to explain the link on the side of the page, and how it works. My focus remains educating, entertaining and relaying real life experiences.

If you plan on shopping on Amazon.com, please consider clicking through my blog. You will be taken directly to the site and there is no "catch." Scott has voiced opposition to this post. He feels that addressing the link will offend my readers. That is not my intent, and it will be the only post on the topic.