Simple blog post today folks- why do we do it? I’m talking about published writers and pre-published writers blogging. And I’m not talking about the “I like to cook” blogs, or the summer vacation blogs. I’m talking about blogs about writing and reading. Whether they are for fans or for fellow writers, tons of writers spend massive amount of hours on blogs and websites.
Why?
Well one reason may be an attempt to control some aspect of a very tricky and subjective business. We can control our output; but we can’t control agent, editor, or even reader response (beyond being as prepared as possible). However with a blog or website we control it. If I want to have a blog appear each week, I do it and its there (unless blogger is having another issue- AGAIN).
Also, our business is changing radically. Authors have to be willing to go out into the big scary world- both cyber and real- and promote themselves and their work. More and more agents and editors are mentioning that they Google prospective clients. Now having a bad blog, or lack of one probably won’t shoot you down. Obviously a kick-ass book hitting at the exactly right time will trump just about anything.
But having an online presence can help nudge interest if maybe that perfect timing isn't in place.
We need to get used to being out there. Published folks have to hit the ground running and promote. Us pre-pubbed (or under pubbed ;)) have to get used to the medium and how to function in it. I don’t have a “fan” blog because my books aren’t out yet. But I wanted to share and interact with folks on my writer journey, so I created this blog (non-writers welcome too ;)).
I’m also on a number of other social and business related media and groups for the same reason- mingle with authors and readers, get the feet wet.
So what do you think? Are you pubbed or pre-pubbed? Do you have a blog? Website? Are we wasting our precious writing time, or actually helping to build out chosen writing life and career?
Hi Marie,
ReplyDeleteI am writing my first blog later this month. I'm not sure how much it will help, but I'm willing to give it a try. Jackie Allen
Good post, Marie! I started blogging with no clue as to what I was doing, but finally settled into a groove. Two reasons: Frequent postings gets my name at the top of a Google search; I'm (I hope) attracting readers who might buy my books when they come out (launch for #1 is next April). Oh, and three, I have nothing new to add to my static website--it's easier to update a blog. They are a LOT of work, though, when I probably should be actually writing.
ReplyDeleteHi Marie -
ReplyDeleteI think the important part of blogging is to know your purpose. There are a LOT of writer's blogs about the craft of writing.
Do readers enjoy those? I'm not sure.
But writers are also readers, right? LOL
So my point is there isn't a right answer here.
I used to blog religiously once a week and post a new short fiction every week. My blog was geared toward readers pure and simple.
Now that I've been so swamped with book editing and promo, my weekly blog has been more like every 10 days-ish! LOL
And sometimes it's just an update on Night Walker, but many of my readers have been with me for 3 years so they're all a part of the Night Walker journey... :)
I still try to keep my blog pointed toward readers and friendship fun and not craft.
But once you know the focus and purpose of your blog, I think they're a great way to connect with people and keep yourself relevant while you're working on getting a book published...
Great blog!
Lisa :)
Great post. I just spent two hours putting together a blog for tomorrow. I have posts up M-W-F at my place.
ReplyDeleteIf you ask is it worth it, well, I'm getting between 100 to 200 hits a day. I'm awed that so many people stop by to check out what I have to say. And yes, it puts pressure on me to keep the output. But, as Lisa mentioned above it's a lot of work when you are also trying to write, handle edits, get things in to your agent or editor.
On the other hand, when my novella Out of the Shadows comes out in August, I hope some of these people will take a chance and read my work. Maybe then I'll be able to give you a definitive answer if it's worth it. ;-)
Thanks for coming by ladies! Blogger and I were fighting again so I couldn't comment until now.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Jackie :) As for Suzanne, Lisa, and Gabriella- I love all of your blogs- and Suzanne, you still freak me out with the amount of stuff you do on yours!