Saturday was the Heart of Dixie RWA meeting. Have I said how much I love HOD? This is a committed, enthusiastic, sharing group of women (and one man). The group boasts more than one NYT bestselling writer as well as some fabulous authors who will get onto that list someday I am certain. And I can't forget the unpublished writers who are dedicated and professional and who will also sell books and have careers because they won't give up on their dreams. A talented, inspiring group to say the least.
Saturday, our guest speaker, a computer professional, talked about websites for writers. Very informative! I learned a lot. (My website, for instance, is in serious need of revamping. I'll have to work on that.)
But you know what he said that had me thinking? He said that blogs are a timesink and not usually worth the trouble (I've talked about this before, but hearing it from a pro made me think about it even more). They can be, when the author has a clear purpose and a goal (such as promoting upcoming releases, holding contests, etc). As daily diaries, not so much. They take away from the writing.
And then I started looking around that room at those NYT bestselling writers. Not one of them has a blog. So I thought about the other published authors in the room. Only one that I know of blogs. The rest do not.
Other NYTBSWs do blog, so that's not necessarily a definitive example. But it's something to think about. Writing comes first. (And I've already spent at least half an hour editing this post. Things that make you go hmmm.)
What blogging gives is an immediate reward. I actually have readers… 🙂
Since a novel takes one-two years to write and edit, you don’t have that immediate sensaton that someone likes what you write.
Cyn
Hey, Cyn. You are right that blogging can give an immediate reward, but my ultimate goal is to get paid and have a career. Blog readers may say nice things, but they don’t pay to read work.
Ultimately, it’s what an acquiring editor or agent thinks about our writing that matters. If we are working for publication. If not, then it doesn’t matter at all.
But, your comment demostrates that you do have a clear goal in regards to blogging. You are getting out of it precisely what you want to get out of it and that’s great. I’m still trying to decide what my blogging goal should be. It’s certainly to get my name out there somewhat, but until I have releases to promote, it doesn’t do me a lot of good.
Lynn,
True… But, as you blogging also helped me back into the writing frame of mind. And, I am using it to lose a little steam because of the highly technical plan that I am writing now.
And, it has also helped me put steam under my other writings.
Thanks for convincing me to do it.
🙂 Cyn
as you=as you know… I still lose words in my head and hands. LOL
I’ve noticed that too but I’ve gotta say I really have enjoyed your blog. Hopefully you’ll keep on doing it. I also read the goddess blogs where a group of authors do it incl. NYT authors so I guess it works for them. I’ve noticed lots of starting out writers do it and I completely admire their commitment. Between kids and hubbie and work, I’m doing good to get stuff written on my WIP. Awesome job.
Hi, Gibb! This is an older post, but I still think about it from time to time. 🙂 I basically blog when I have something to say, which isn’t all the time. I used to try and blog every day, but that got to be a bit much.
Hey there Lynn.
I’ve been going through your older entries and have learned quite a bit. I especially like the contest bit – receiving feedback for your writing, anxiety on reading scores, etc. I entered in my first contest last month and rec’d good feedback. Just sent my presents competition entry – yeehaw! I sent my first submission last yr and rec’d an encouraging rejection so I’m not giving up. Gotta get better at plotting and avoiding cliches.
Blogging seems like alot of work. I understand how it got to be too much, so it’s good you’re concentrating on your books. Just wanted to drop you a note saying thanks for writing it. I’m learning from your experience. Good luck.
Gibb
PS Tell Linda Howard she doesn’t need to blog but she needs a website at least. She’d have masses of people on her forum – like SEP.
Glad you’re enjoying the entries! I can’t remember what I said half the time, LOL. Congrats on entering the Presents contest, too!
As for Linda, I seriously doubt she will ever have a website. I can’t say for sure, of course, but that’s my impression at this moment. 🙂