“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” — Philip Pullman
Like many writers, the preciousness of words and story led me to become one. They were my escape from difficult times in my youth and helped pave the way to my recovery from anorexia. As many of you know, Sam Levinson’s poem, The Beauty of a Woman, holds a special place in my heart for that reason. It found me at the seemingly precise right time, becoming somewhat of a mantra when my battle with ED (my eating disorder) seemed futile.
When I shared a story of my personal turning point with ED two years ago, I was so blown away by readers’ support, I decided to launch a celebratory fest that had ended up reaching thousands. Each one of you who’s participated is a tremendous gift! Not just to me, but to countless readers. We never know who our stories might reach, becoming the friend/inspiration/sunshine/cheerleader another so desperately needs.
Without further ado, I’m beyond thrilled to announce the third annual Beauty of a Woman BlogFest. Woo hoo!!! I hope you’ll consider joining us. 🙂
An exciting change!
Because we’ve had such awesome participation in the past, the fest will take place over a full week, participants’ posts appearing on my blog on two separate days. As a blogger, you can opt to participate in the original Beauty of a Woman BlogFest or the Beauty of a Woman, Girl Boner Edition. What’s the difference? While the original fest will address beauty in general, the Girl Boner segment will address beauty and sexuality, however you so choose.
Of course, everyone will be welcome to read and celebrate both!
How to participate as a writer:
1. Go to the signup page (using the link below or the tab above) and post a comment to reserve your spot, letting me know if you’d like to join the original or Girl Boner edition.
2. You’ll then write a post related to the fest theme to publish on your blog the day before the fest you’ve selected or by 7am PST the day of. Include the appropriate fest logo and a link to my blog (https://augustmclaughlin.wordpress.com) in your post, inviting readers to check out the fest for fun, inspiration and chances to win groovy prizes!
3. This year, you must email me a link to your post the day before the fest day—Sunday, February 23rd for Girl Boner posts (for the fest on the 24th) and Wednesday, February 26th for original theme posts (for the fest on the 27th). If you schedule your post to appear by 7am PST on fest-day, please still email me the link in advance! Write BOAW in the subject line so I’ll be sure to spot it.
4. Throughout fest week, visit my blog to read and share others’ posts and potentially win prizes! Readers and writers who participate will have chances to win gift cards (up to $50 in value) and more. Seriously, it’s a lot of fun!
A special prize: To celebrate our very first Girl Boner BOAW edition, I’ll choose two posts from that fest to read on Girl Boner Radio on February 24th!
If you have any questions, please post it below or send me a Tweet (@AugstMcLaughlin), email or Facebook message. To read Levinson’s poem, check out BOAW writing prompts, sign up and nab the logo, visit the BOAW III Registration page. I can’t wait to celebrate beauty with you! Remember, this fest is open to ALL—women and men of all ages. Feel free to invite your pals!
Lots and lots of love,
August ♥
Any thoughts or questions about the fest? Post them below! I love hearing from you.
Girl Boner 
Kathryn Chastain Treat
/ January 23, 2014Excited to participate again this year.
August McLaughlin
/ January 23, 2014We’re so thrilled to have you, Kathryn!
Sherman P Bastarache
/ January 23, 2014Men are welcome to enter too, right? 😉 xoxo
August McLaughlin
/ January 23, 2014Absolutely, Sherman! Please join us. 🙂
Patricia Sands
/ January 23, 2014Yay! I’m in again, August. Thanks!
August McLaughlin
/ January 23, 2014It wouldn’t be the same without you, Patricia!
Mike Sirota
/ January 23, 2014Wow, great-looking new banner!
August McLaughlin
/ January 23, 2014Thanks! Steve at Novel Needs did a fabulous job—very affordable, too. 🙂
dancethenight85
/ January 23, 2014Just wanted some more tips help me be coming a good beauty guru blogger.
susielindau
/ January 23, 2014Count me in! I don’t know which category I’ll participate in since I could write about my sexy nipple-less boobs…
August McLaughlin
/ January 23, 2014I love that! And am eager to have you regardless. 🙂 Feel free sign up on the registration page before you’ve decided: https://augustmclaughlin.wordpress.com/boaw-iii-registration/
susielindau
/ January 23, 2014I’ll have to think about it!
Ginger
/ January 23, 2014Reblogged this on Poly Nirvana and commented:
Passing this on to my gentle readers. This looks like a fun project to participate in if anyone wants to join me! ~Ginger
August McLaughlin
/ January 23, 2014Yay! Thanks for the super support. 🙂
Audrey Kalman
/ January 23, 2014I can’t believe it’s the third one already. I am looking forward to participating again. Thanks for continuing the tradition!
August McLaughlin
/ January 24, 2014You and me both! 🙂 I’m so happy to hear you’ll be joining us again, Audrey.
Satin Sheet Diva
/ January 23, 2014Reblogged this on Satin Sheet Diva's Blog and commented:
For my female writing friends – might I suggest you participate in the Beauty of a Woman BlogFest III? :-). From the wonderful mind of August McLaughlin, writer of the Girl Boner Blog.
August McLaughlin
/ January 24, 2014Thanks for the support! ❤
LisforMe
/ January 23, 2014Ooo I want to do a post! I want to do one! This looks like so much fun and kinda what I’m thinking about these days anyways.
Raani York
/ January 23, 2014Oh, I REALLY hope it will work for me to participate this year!! I’ll try my best, I promise!
August McLaughlin
/ January 23, 2014We’d love to have you if it works out! 🙂
trish
/ January 23, 2014You KNOW I want in on the sexuality bit! 🙂
August McLaughlin
/ January 24, 2014SO STOKED to have you! 😀
Kitt Crescendo
/ January 23, 2014This is going to be so much fun! Whew–even my fingers are excited. They actually typed muff v. much! — How very Freudian of me. 😉
August McLaughlin
/ January 23, 2014LOL I love it, Kitt! Cheers to aroused digits. 😉
Kassandra Lamb
/ January 24, 2014Just wrote my post!! How’s that for eager? 🙂
August McLaughlin
/ January 24, 2014You rock so much, Kassandra! Woo hoo! Huge points for enthusiasm. 🙂
Inion N. Mathair
/ January 26, 2014So excited, August. We participated last year and we were so hoping that you’d do another. Mathair and I are definitely going for the GirlBoner edition. Can’t wait to get started and see what the other bloggers are writing about.
Kourtney Heintz
/ February 9, 2014So excited to participate again. Already working on my post! Thanks for sponsoring this awesome blogfest again–I love that you have two versions too. 😉