Well, the results of the 4th Annual Top 10 Blogs for Writers contest are now out, and Confident Writing has made it on to the top 10 list for the second year running 
Thanks once again for your nominations and support – and thanks for all your help making this, I hope, a rich and vibrant community blog not just for writers but for anyone who wants to write with confidence.
To those of you who are new to Confident Writing: a very warm welcome.
Confident Writing is about:
Finding your voice: writing that is authentic, that expresses your values, and comes from the heart
Taking responsiblity for your words: looking for ways to stretch and improve, learning from feedback, and creating work that you can be proud of
Trusting yourself: having confidence in your skill as a writer, in your right to express yourself, and in the power of your own words
Writing with positive intention: writing to make a difference, whether that’s to tell a story, communicate a big idea, or express something important to you
Writing to be read: writing that is clear, simple, and easy to read, and looking for ways to connect and engage with your reader
And here’s a bit more on how that takes shape on the blog from those who really count: the people who read, visit, comment, contribute and support.
What Confident Writing Means To You
The Top 10 Blogs for Writers
Here’s the list of winners in full, with commentary from Michael Stelzner (who ran the contest)
1. Copyblogger: This site is the heavyweight champion of the world four years running (and one of the top blogs on the planet)! The brain-child of Brian Clark, his blog keeps winning because of its insightful articles.
2. Men With Pens: James Chartrand and Harry McLeod maintain the number two slot with their inspiring content and rich community discussion.
3. Write to Done: This blog nearly always delivers a home run with its excellent articles for all writers and is the product of top blogger Leo Babauta.
4. Editor Unleashed: Inspired by the former Editor-in-Chief of Writer’s Digest, Maria Schneider explores writing, social media and community on her excellent blog.
5. Freelance Writing Jobs: This site is the first stop for freelance writers seeking new work and great articles (and it remains a top winner since this contest began). Congrats Deb Ng!
6. Confident Writing: Joanna Young delivers rich and useful articles that will help you take your writing to the next level.
7. Urban Muse: Susan Johnston covers a wide range of excellent topics that all writers will enjoy.
8. WordCount: Journalist Michelle Vranizan Rafter explores the challenges freelance writers face on her excellent blog.
9. Quips & Tips for Successful Writers: A true cornucopia of ideas for writers, Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen provides endless content and freelancing tips.
10. Fuel Your Writing: This site will certainly fuel you! Michelle Krasniak Oxman and her huge team of contributors provide great content for writers.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Congratulations, Joanna. This blog is deserving of all the accolades and praise.
.-= Deb Ng´s last blog ..What is Community and Why is it Important? =-.
Congratulations!
.-= Iain Broome | Write for Your Life´s last blog ..Scrap that last post – we won! =-.
Congratulations, Joanna. Your well-deserved success is, I feel, validating for your community too. I’ve certainly got a little glow of pleasure now that a blog where I hang out has been acknowledged in such a way. Nice one! x
.-= Jan Scott´s last blog ..when your best friend’s a biscuit =-.
Yay! Congratulations! Well deserved too, this is one of my favourite writing blogs, for many good reasons
.-= Emma Newman´s last blog ..Only the beginning… =-.
Joanna, Congratulations. You are #1 on my list & deserve all the attention you are getting!
.-= Brad Shorr´s last blog ..Must-Have Web Tools for Small Businesses =-.
Congrats on the honor. You certainly deserve it! I love what you do here, and while I don’t often comment, you’re one of my favorite writing-related reads!
Congratulation, Joanna. I’m very happy that Confident Writing is chosen as one of the top 10 blogs for writers. You’re well-deserved it!
I had all the confidence in the world that you’d make it to the top ten.
Congrats Joanna!
.-= Catherine´s last blog ..Interviewing Successful Thai Language Learners: Larry Daks =-.
Congratulations Joanna!
If you were in marketing you’d call that a Top 6 finish
.-= Paul´s last blog ..Oh, The Places You’ll Go! =-.
Congratulations Joanna!
Congrats!! YAY! You definitely deserve a top spot, indeed.
.-= Barbara Ling, Virtual coach´s last blog ..Take a spin in my TIME machine! =-.
Many many hearty congratulations to you. One reason that marks your blog as an absolute favorite is your openness to share the love and praise
I see some new blogs name here, so this makes it a more interesting contest.
.-= Write a Writing´s last blog ..How to Write Creatively =-.
[...] Confident Writing is one of the Top 10 Blogs for Writers | Confident Writing [...]
Many congratulations! I’m new to your blog but have been so impressed with the dialogue, debate and ideas that are generated by it. A hearty thank you and well done.
.-= Rachel Connor´s last blog ..Gift =-.
It’s official, YOU ROCK!
.-= Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..Distractions help movie heroes and self defense =-.
Huge big smiles for you. Rightly deserved, Joanna. You teach us all to be better. Better. To pay attention, to carefully consider what words can mean, what they can bring, and how to make them our own. And as you explore all the gifts you are given, we get to come along. It’s a lovely view Joanna. A lovely view.
Congratulations.
Thank you so much everyone for your encouragement and good wishes, not to mention your nominations and support that helped me get there.
Jan I agree absolutely taht this is a validation of the community here, and all those who contribute to it. Thank you
Paul clearly I have much still to learn about marketing
Rachel hello and welcome
I love the way the community has evolved here – and the conversation and interaction is what keeps me motivated, connected, and blogging. I’m glad you’ve joined in – hope to see you again soon
Janice seems like it was my day to take big out of the box too
Thanks for your words… the feedback means a lot
smiling here. A ‘big” day indeed.
Congratulations Joanna! Very well deserved! And thanks again for all your encouragement and inspiration
Congratulations! I look forward to checking some of the other blogs as well.
.-= Carla´s last blog ..Green and Chic Reader Survey =-.
Congratulations, Joanna!
Your blog’s one of the first for me to read, and I enjoy it everytime I do so.
.-= Ulla Hennig´s last blog ..Dahlia =-.
Whoo hoo! Congratulations Joanna! This is an honor truly deserved!
.-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..Are You Working Your Life or Is Your Life Work? =-.
Congratulations, Joanna. Well-deserved indeed.
.-= Lillie Ammann´s last blog ..Deadline Nears for New Voices =-.
I love the “Top Six” approach!
Big congrats – you are my favorite writing blog hang out.
.-= Bo Mackison´s last blog ..A Perfect Throw =-.
Congratuations! To you and to all the winners!
.-= Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s last blog ..Finding Encouragement Where You Can: The Lab Rats & Support Networks =-.
I found this blog because of the 4th Annual Top 10 Blogs for Writers, and I’m looking forward to becoming a regular reader.
.-= Crystal Posey´s last blog ..Toddler Dancing to Beyonce – Put A Ring On It =-.
Congratulations, Joanna!
P.S. Thanks for the kind words.
.-= Debbie Yost´s last blog ..Tried and True =-.
Thanks everyone for your good wishes and support – and a warm welcome to those of you who are new readers. I hope you enjoy what you find here, not least interacting with all the amazing people you’ll find in the comment box!