I began to notice last week that a post I wrote in 2007 was getting a lot of traffic. I don't know why, really, but of course I clicked over and reread it. And I think there's still some wisdom in there.
June 11, 2007: 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 And I can’t forget the unpublished writers who are dedicated and professional and who will also sell books and have careers because they won’t give up on their dreams.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.)
Obviously I got the website revamped! And some of those unpublished authors in that room are now published — and a couple of them blog. Blogging takes time. And I have cut down on the amount of it I do. I used to blog every day. But, really, I don't have something to say every day anymore (I am the first to admit it).
So, I try to blog when I have something to say, want to ask you all a question, or have an observation I want to share. And of course now that I'm published I get to blog and giveaway books! That part is quite fun. 🙂
Have you noticed that blogs aren't as prevalent as they once were? Do you spend more time on Facebook and Twitter? I sure do. It's easier to stay connected with soundbites, I think, than to write an entire post every day (especially when the post should be interesting!). Do you have any favorite blogs you visit regularly? How many people are blogging there? One person, or several?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
I blog every day (or try to) because I use it to clarify my writing voice and to share what it is like to write in the vacuum of being unpublished. Also, I do follow writing blogs that are helpful to me in the honing of my craft.
As a writer, I believe it is important to keep the blog on point: the unpublished writer’s life and how to keep focused when not being paid. Occasionally personal references come into the blog, but only in context of the writing life. I will share humorous stories as a way of honing the comedic elements in my writing voice.
I have played with the idea of going online with a website, but haven’t got time to manage one. I figure I’ll follow the advice of an agent at the Nationals who said he preferred his writers to write. Period.
It is a tool. When it becomes an escape, it is not helpful. Then it is a crutch of creative avoidance to getting the task completed.
Now, back to work I go 😉
Pretty much everything you said, Christine, was why I started to blog back in 2005. It was a daily habit, and it kept me writing. Sometimes, I used it as an excuse not to write my stories, but I find in retrospect that I often needed the time to reflect. 🙂
Worry about the website later. It’s not that important now. Only if you’re a techie curious person like me — which is how I started playing around with a site years ago. But now I have a professional designer. For me, that’s the only way to go.
Thanks Lynn–I am not techie at all so I will need help. I am toying with switching to a different blog machine, WORD PRESS, because it has weblike capabilities. I can post blurbs there and have more than one page. But no transferring until I finish my second GH entry.
Another thing–blogging and checking other website/blogs is social for me–it’s lonely staring at the screen all day. So it’s nice to check in and have little “chats” online.
My reward for parking my derriere on the chair.
Christine, make the switch to WP! You won’t regret it. This site is built on WP platform. I love it! Easy to use, and you can make pages and pages.
Lynn, the more I think about it and the more frustrated I get with BLOGSPOT (what happened to the spell check???:O), I realize I must make the switch.
It’s a nice baby step toward having a web page.
Hey there Lynn
Hope the writing is going well.
I don’t blog of course – not much to say. But when I have the time, I love reading what authors & aspiring authors have to say.
I try hard to focus on writing and revising. As you know, I’m a newbie – having started in 2008 – so I’ve been trying to absorb as much as I can. I’ve recently joined FB and although I like seeing old friends find it another time suck.
When I’m trying to work on something the internet and it’s “research” is sooo tempting. I wish I could make it harder to go online so I can stay focused.
Hi, Gibb! I did the same thing — always visited the sites of people who I found inspiring in some way, whether they were published or unpublished. That’s what often kept me going when I wanted to give up.
I’ve found that one way to make it hard to get online is to go to Starbucks. I refuse to pay for wifi. 🙂
I come here. 😆
LOL!
I like blogs better than twitter or facebook. I find they have more depth, and are far more interesting. They reflect a writer’s personality and often give me something to think about or provide writing advise. Like your invaluable info about entering the Presents Contest. Twitter just seems to be about promo – or everyday stuff that isn’t terribly interesting or relevant.
Anne, I totally agree esp –
I really enjoy reading writers’ blogs however, as an unpublished writer I just can’t see myself having a blog because I seriously don’t have enough time. Any spare time is spent writing or reading.
Lynn – thanks for an intresting post, it’s really good to read the replies here 🙂
Cheers, Joanne
I blogged before I was published simply to get in the habit, and to try and find what worked. If you search back through the archives, you can see my growing pains. 🙂 For the longest time, I was simply a Hawaii travelogue. I did post some fab pictures, though!