Renée Downs is an avid culinary adventure traveller and creator. Never leaving home without paper and pen, this published author is an accomplished wordsmith. Once upon a time she called herself a reluctant blogger. She has come a long way since her first post back in November 2013. Her WordPress love is strong but there were other platforms before trying it on for size; this non-techie writer could not find her groove until WordPress. Now she is hooked for life. Her blog, Gettin’ Fresh with R.H. Downs, is the place to find everything from what’s hot around Halifax to topics on self-care and mental health. Renée is also one of the founding members and producers for BlogJam Atlantic; a fun, informative, and unique event for the region’s blogging community.

What’s been your best experience with WordPress?

When guest bloggers send me their words and I get to make them look pretty on my WordPress blog.

Tell us a bit about your WordCamp Halifax talk.

My talk is intended to inspire bloggers to embrace all that WordPress has to offer. It is a very user friendly platform but beginners may feel overwhelmed at first. I want to let them know that it is okay to feel that way. However, once they get started they will soon realize just how awesome WordPress really is.

What’s your favourite thing about WordCamps, or if your first one… what are you looking forward to?

It is my first WordCamp. I am looking forward to networking and learning more about WordPress.

Let’s get philosophical… what are you most proud of?

Well, I have to say my kids of course. But I am also proud of myself for following my dream of becoming a published author.

Session Details

Starting a blog can be intimidating. It was for me, especially since I didn’t really want to do it in the first place. I was told I had to! Sound familiar? If so, I hope you will join me. Once I found the right platform blogging soon became an obsession. WordPress made it easy for me to take baby steps and grow on my own terms. It helped me feel pretty, well online at least. Participants joining me For the Love of WordPress will bask in the glow of my love story while learning all about my latest WordPress beauty secrets; staying fresh online does not have to be time consuming. I look forward to showing you my palette.