Blogging is America’s newest pastime and residents of Buckhead and Sandy Springs have jumped on the bandwagon.

“I went to a conference and they said you have to learn [blogging] by doing it,” said Buckhead resident Sue Rodman.

A freelance marketing and public relations professional, Rodman wanted to start a blog about two years ago when she realized it was the future of the business.

“I thought about doing a business blog, but it didn’t get far,” she said. “So I decided to just do something that was important to me. I like going places with my kids. So, it went from there.”

Rodman named her blog Field Trips with Sue, which launched in November 2008, and began by writing about local excursions around Atlanta with her sons Nicholas, 13, Sam, 11, and Jake, 6.

Rodman uses blogger.com to compose up to four posts a week and used Facebook to connect with her more than 1,100 followers.

As her fans grew, she branched out to write about family vacations to Little St. Simons Island, Sandestin, Fla., and more.

“It’s more of a guide book than a deals site,” she said. “It’s not just what to do or where to go, but tips for places as well.”

Sandy Springs couple Marianna and Alan Magee were similarly inspired to begin a blog through their outings in the community.

“We’ve always enjoyed exploring new places in Sandy Springs and there are a lot of hidden gems that people don’t know about,” said Alan Magee. “We wanted to share our knowledge with the rest of our neighbors in and around Sandy Springs.”

The Magees launched their duo blog, Turtle Tracks, in May 2010 and have more than 120 followers.

The couple said the most fun part of blogging is the excitement of sharing.

“After we post we always wonder, ‘Who is reading this? Are they going to check this place out?’” said Marianna Magee.

Rodman echoed this sentiment.

“People ask me questions and give suggestions. It’s fun to have the community of people,” she said. “You get caught up in it.”

Many people want to start blogs, but struggle with how to get them going. Alan Magee said blogging should not feel like it is work, but enjoyable.

“Find a topic that you are passionate about first then decide what your personal angle will be,” he said.

Rodman said the best way to get started it to just begin and do it regularly.

“I don’t consider myself a writer or journalist,” she said. “It’s hard because you look at everybody who’s doing it and think you can never get there, but you can. You just have to do it.”

A closer look

Visit www.fieldtripswithsue.com or www.ssturtletracks.com.