If you're reading this, you're on the Internet. Probably have a blog, a Twitter account, a Facebook page and whatever tools you have chosen to utilize. It's not so much about selling as it is about building your online presence-- using social media to get out there and learn the publishing trends, meet writers, readers, editors, agents-- whatever it is you need to move your writing career forward.
These days, it takes more than just sitting at home with the laptop writing the books. A writer must understand the industry, the market, the options for publishing and distributing your book.
A few years ago, I was seeing this on publisher blogs: "If you don't have a way to get your book into the bookstores, then you won't ever sell more than a few copies to friends and family." I saw that over and over. In today's publishing climate, it's just a stupid thing to say. Anyone who makes that statement now shows their ignorance of the current book market.
It's great to get your book into bookstores but doesn't guarantee sales anymore than publishing your work as an ebook will. There are no easy roads to success. Getting a top agent or fat publishing contract doesn't guarantee success. Setting up a blog or tweeting your head off with links to your new release won't either.
The most successful authors will tell you that it isn't just one path that leads to sales but many.
Try whatever you can. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify. Experiment. Do spend a LOT of time on the Internet. Because when it comes to the selling of books and the making of money, the Internet is where it's all happening, baby. Plus, the best thing about the Internet is that it is free as well as effective.
Sure, it takes time to build a web presence and stay active online but everything has a cost. Don't get discouraged if there aren't instant results. Keep at it. Keep trying stuff. There's a lot to learn and to try, even for those who have been at it for years. New sites, new opportunities, new people keep popping up. Like I said, the Internet is where it's happening for writers and books. Time you spend on the Internet now can mean income later.
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
Evaluating social media time
Pretty sure I'm being Officer Obvious when I say it's a struggle to get one's mind around social media efforts, to create the ideal balance between online activities and the actual writing of books.
Where do I hang out online and how effective is it really? I'll share my list and would love to get feedback about yours, too.
Twitter: It used to be fun but no more. It's become a mass of non-stop promotion and links. As a result, I'm spending much less time there and enjoying it even less. With nearly 2100 followers, I certainly don't want to abandon my Twitter account, but still....What's the point of it? I ask myself. Twitter time: Less.
Blogs: Coming Down the Mountain is where I connect with writers and readers. It's an important social outlet for me, kind of a combination book club, writer's group, and chat room (including the blogs I visit, not just hanging out here expecting everyone to come to me). My other blog, the Celery Tree blog, is for information and promotion of Celery Tree. Anyone interested can follow it for up to date info about Celerytree.com.
Blog time: About the same-- posting once a week or as needed on the Celery Tree blog and posting 2 or 3 times a week here, as the mood strikes.
Facebook: FB friends include writers, neighbors, family members, slight acquaintances, people I knew decades ago-- you know how it is on Facebook. Lately, FB has made changes that annoy me and make the site messy, cluttered and sometimes awkward to navigate.
Facebook time: About the same-- check it a couple times a week. It's not an important part of my life.
Website: I set it up last year as the place to find out about my books and me as an author. My url is karenjonesgowen.com, yay!.
Website time: I love it but don't hang out. It's for company only.
Google +: I do very little over there as it has nothing new to offer.
Google Plus time: Next to nothing.
Goodreads: I don't accept friend requests from people with hundreds of friends and no books listed. The purpose is to list books read and reviewed, not to amass friends to email and harass to buy your book. I tried joining some groups but couldn't see the point. Like the Kindle Forums and Twitter, it becomes desperate authors hawking their own work. I post reviews, keep track of books read and those I want to read.
And btw, does anyone know why my Goodreads icon has all but disappeared? Has this happened to anyone else? I'm about ready to kick its sorry butt to the curb if it doesn't show up and do its job on my sidebar.
Goodreads: Post reviews, ignore direct messages and group spam. Delete Goodreads book review icon if it doesn't show up soon for work.
Celerytree.com: Brand new and as it grows, I want to do more with the Forum and especially with reviewing member books.
Celerytree.com: Hoping for growth so I can hang out there more.
That's my list. What's yours?
Where do I hang out online and how effective is it really? I'll share my list and would love to get feedback about yours, too.
Twitter: It used to be fun but no more. It's become a mass of non-stop promotion and links. As a result, I'm spending much less time there and enjoying it even less. With nearly 2100 followers, I certainly don't want to abandon my Twitter account, but still....What's the point of it? I ask myself. Twitter time: Less.
Blogs: Coming Down the Mountain is where I connect with writers and readers. It's an important social outlet for me, kind of a combination book club, writer's group, and chat room (including the blogs I visit, not just hanging out here expecting everyone to come to me). My other blog, the Celery Tree blog, is for information and promotion of Celery Tree. Anyone interested can follow it for up to date info about Celerytree.com.
Blog time: About the same-- posting once a week or as needed on the Celery Tree blog and posting 2 or 3 times a week here, as the mood strikes.
Facebook: FB friends include writers, neighbors, family members, slight acquaintances, people I knew decades ago-- you know how it is on Facebook. Lately, FB has made changes that annoy me and make the site messy, cluttered and sometimes awkward to navigate.
Facebook time: About the same-- check it a couple times a week. It's not an important part of my life.
Website: I set it up last year as the place to find out about my books and me as an author. My url is karenjonesgowen.com, yay!.
Website time: I love it but don't hang out. It's for company only.
Google +: I do very little over there as it has nothing new to offer.
Google Plus time: Next to nothing.
Goodreads: I don't accept friend requests from people with hundreds of friends and no books listed. The purpose is to list books read and reviewed, not to amass friends to email and harass to buy your book. I tried joining some groups but couldn't see the point. Like the Kindle Forums and Twitter, it becomes desperate authors hawking their own work. I post reviews, keep track of books read and those I want to read.
And btw, does anyone know why my Goodreads icon has all but disappeared? Has this happened to anyone else? I'm about ready to kick its sorry butt to the curb if it doesn't show up and do its job on my sidebar.
Goodreads: Post reviews, ignore direct messages and group spam. Delete Goodreads book review icon if it doesn't show up soon for work.
Celerytree.com: Brand new and as it grows, I want to do more with the Forum and especially with reviewing member books.
Celerytree.com: Hoping for growth so I can hang out there more.
That's my list. What's yours?
Monday, November 21, 2011
What's Hot and Not so Hot about House of Diamonds
Something I love about blogging is meeting people from all over the world. Wendy of Fabulosity Reads originally hails from South Africa (so of course she would attract my attention, it's where my two giraffes are from). She currently lives in Nigeria.
Not sure how Wendy will like House of Diamonds as it's not the usual genre she reviews. For those of you looking for book blog reviewers, Wendy is a good one. She is fair and honest, telling what she does and does not like about a particular book.
Yikes, I'm just a bit nervous! Go here to see the verdict.
Not sure how Wendy will like House of Diamonds as it's not the usual genre she reviews. For those of you looking for book blog reviewers, Wendy is a good one. She is fair and honest, telling what she does and does not like about a particular book.
Yikes, I'm just a bit nervous! Go here to see the verdict.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
A Writer's Journey
I started this blog 2 1/2 years ago very insecure, newly published with a brand new small press, my first novel out, doubting that I'd ever find an audience for it. My blog connected with other insecure writers, some published, others on their way, many feeling as insecure about publication as I felt about book sales.
Discovering this community helped me feel like a part of something.
Along the way, I've seen blogging friends get contracts with agents and/or publishers. Some chose to self-publish. Some are sticking with the original plan to get the dream agent, to get the big publisher. It's all cool.
Go wherever your heart takes you, there's no right or wrong way. It's not marriage or parenthood, it's book publishing--a career choice, not a life choice with eternal consequences. Your spouse won't leave you, your children won't die or end up in prison because you chose to self-publish or wait for just the right publishing contract.
After two years of sharing writerly journeys, things change. I see a lot happening. Even the publishing industry has changed in amazing ways! And we writers blog about it and make decisions and share our joys and frustrations with each other. Online is where I found my writing community.
Where am I after two years? More active on social media, for one. (In varying degrees--Twitter, Facebook, Google+) A second novel published and the third heading to the editor. Less frustrated about sales. (I'll write the books, the sales will come or not.) Somewhat less awkward about promoting my books.(Still insecure about that part of it.)
I spend less time blogging and more time writing. (It used to be the opposite.)
Sometimes I wonder what the next two years will hold. Truthfully? I have no clue. I'd like to have more books out but other than that....not sure where I see myself in two years. How about you? Do you think you'll still be blogging? Published? Bestselling author? Tired of the whole scene?
Discovering this community helped me feel like a part of something.
Along the way, I've seen blogging friends get contracts with agents and/or publishers. Some chose to self-publish. Some are sticking with the original plan to get the dream agent, to get the big publisher. It's all cool.
Go wherever your heart takes you, there's no right or wrong way. It's not marriage or parenthood, it's book publishing--a career choice, not a life choice with eternal consequences. Your spouse won't leave you, your children won't die or end up in prison because you chose to self-publish or wait for just the right publishing contract.
After two years of sharing writerly journeys, things change. I see a lot happening. Even the publishing industry has changed in amazing ways! And we writers blog about it and make decisions and share our joys and frustrations with each other. Online is where I found my writing community.
Where am I after two years? More active on social media, for one. (In varying degrees--Twitter, Facebook, Google+) A second novel published and the third heading to the editor. Less frustrated about sales. (I'll write the books, the sales will come or not.) Somewhat less awkward about promoting my books.(Still insecure about that part of it.)
I spend less time blogging and more time writing. (It used to be the opposite.)
Sometimes I wonder what the next two years will hold. Truthfully? I have no clue. I'd like to have more books out but other than that....not sure where I see myself in two years. How about you? Do you think you'll still be blogging? Published? Bestselling author? Tired of the whole scene?
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Six ways to Put the Blog to Work When You're Not There
A good blog is like a major home appliance that keeps working for you while you're busy elsewhere. We know how a dishwasher does this, but how can we be sure our blog is working well for us behind the scenes?
1. Comments. Your comments are like little signposts leading people back to you. So visit other blogs and leave comments. One who takes the time to leave thoughtful, clever, original comments will get followers and comments back.
2. Declutter. Make sure things are tidy and attractive for visitors. Sidebars can get really crowded! And viewing the blog daily, we get used to the mess. Declutter once a month and determine what needs to stay and what can go. Imagine how a new person viewing your site for the first time might see it.
3. Platform. Every blogger whether a career writer or not should have a platform, regardless of how informal it might be. Why are you here? What's your focus? What kinds of people do you want to attract? Once that's settled, make sure everything in your blog reflects you and the platform you've chosen, from your profile photo and bio to your design and even the arrangement of gadgets on the sidebar. That doesn't mean you can't branch out now and then and fly your freak flag, because a blog should reflect the personality of the owner. But someone stopping by should be able to tell fairly quickly who you are and what you're all about.
4. Posts. Once a post is written it stays in place until deleted. Long after the blogger has forgotten they even wrote it, someone can find it and decide if your blog is worth their time just by that one post. So take care with what you write, and if you have nothing to say, don't say it. Why stick to some arbitrary schedule if you have nothing? Or if you're on a roll, go ahead and publish daily. A good post will continue working for you as long as your blog exists, so the more excellent posts you have in your file, the harder they'll be working for you and your blog! But let me repeat: That doesn't mean you can't branch out now and then and fly your freak flag, because a blog should reflect the personality of the owner. So don't get paranoid and think everything you write has to be perfect and meaningful. Let loose now and then, nothing wrong with that!
5. Label and Index. When I first started blogging, I discovered a few publishing blogs that were full of such great information that I went in and read everything. On Blogger, there's a place for labels at the bottom of each post. You can then choose which labels you want displayed in the Index on your sidebar. Ideally, each post should carry labels according to subject matter. My labels are chosen with emphasis placed on the key words that relate to my platform. Like: bad reviews, blog tour, booksellers, editing, editors, selling books, rejection..... You get the idea. My labels reflect my platform. So that just in case someone wants to thoroughly research my blog and go through my old posts to get information, I organized it for them!
6. Selling Your Book. Your blog can help sell your book, but make sure it's easy for visitors to click on the links where they can buy it in various formats. I like these Kindle and Nook buttons. Suddenly one day I realized they needed to be near the top of my blog instead of buried down below somewhere, so I changed to a two-column format that makes more sense for me.
These are a few of the ways that a blog can keep working for you while you're off enjoying your vacation, or writing your book, or eating dinner, or down with the flu. There's no need to hover and be constantly present online. Set up your site carefully and thoughtfully and then let it hum along doing its job! Because the internet never sleeps.
1. Comments. Your comments are like little signposts leading people back to you. So visit other blogs and leave comments. One who takes the time to leave thoughtful, clever, original comments will get followers and comments back.
2. Declutter. Make sure things are tidy and attractive for visitors. Sidebars can get really crowded! And viewing the blog daily, we get used to the mess. Declutter once a month and determine what needs to stay and what can go. Imagine how a new person viewing your site for the first time might see it.
3. Platform. Every blogger whether a career writer or not should have a platform, regardless of how informal it might be. Why are you here? What's your focus? What kinds of people do you want to attract? Once that's settled, make sure everything in your blog reflects you and the platform you've chosen, from your profile photo and bio to your design and even the arrangement of gadgets on the sidebar. That doesn't mean you can't branch out now and then and fly your freak flag, because a blog should reflect the personality of the owner. But someone stopping by should be able to tell fairly quickly who you are and what you're all about.
4. Posts. Once a post is written it stays in place until deleted. Long after the blogger has forgotten they even wrote it, someone can find it and decide if your blog is worth their time just by that one post. So take care with what you write, and if you have nothing to say, don't say it. Why stick to some arbitrary schedule if you have nothing? Or if you're on a roll, go ahead and publish daily. A good post will continue working for you as long as your blog exists, so the more excellent posts you have in your file, the harder they'll be working for you and your blog! But let me repeat: That doesn't mean you can't branch out now and then and fly your freak flag, because a blog should reflect the personality of the owner. So don't get paranoid and think everything you write has to be perfect and meaningful. Let loose now and then, nothing wrong with that!
5. Label and Index. When I first started blogging, I discovered a few publishing blogs that were full of such great information that I went in and read everything. On Blogger, there's a place for labels at the bottom of each post. You can then choose which labels you want displayed in the Index on your sidebar. Ideally, each post should carry labels according to subject matter. My labels are chosen with emphasis placed on the key words that relate to my platform. Like: bad reviews, blog tour, booksellers, editing, editors, selling books, rejection..... You get the idea. My labels reflect my platform. So that just in case someone wants to thoroughly research my blog and go through my old posts to get information, I organized it for them!
6. Selling Your Book. Your blog can help sell your book, but make sure it's easy for visitors to click on the links where they can buy it in various formats. I like these Kindle and Nook buttons. Suddenly one day I realized they needed to be near the top of my blog instead of buried down below somewhere, so I changed to a two-column format that makes more sense for me.
These are a few of the ways that a blog can keep working for you while you're off enjoying your vacation, or writing your book, or eating dinner, or down with the flu. There's no need to hover and be constantly present online. Set up your site carefully and thoughtfully and then let it hum along doing its job! Because the internet never sleeps.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Ten Tips for a Better Blog
So after a major move, no internet (except my Blackberry), and a forced hiatus from visiting and commenting on blogs, I have been on a blogger binge this week.
Which brings me to reflect on ten tips for a better blog-- from someone who has a lot of blogs to choose from and limited time to read them (which is probably all of us who have been here longer than 3 weeks)--
1. Don't start your post with "Sorry I've been too busy to post here lately." That's boring. Also, hearing about your cold or your kids' or your coworkers' colds is boring. Descriptions of common colds and flu symptoms always send me running to the next blog down the line.
2. If you are involved in a blogfest that I'm involved in, I'll click to see what you're doing. If not, I'll move on. No offense, it's just about connecting with common interests.
3. I know the general advice is "keep posts short" but sometimes longer is better. Sometimes short is too short. Like, What? That's it? I wrote a post about homeschooling on my other blog that was one paragraph-- total cop out, I still feel bad about that one. I totally checked it in. Some topics need more treatment. My homeschooling experience was definitely one that did.
4. Edit posts and take out the wordy phrases and boring bits. A writer's blog should be well put together. I'm all for relaxing the strict rules of grammar and punctuation when blogging, but edit out those unnecessary words that make a post a hard- to- read time suck.
5.Then there's the captcha phrases, word verif, and comment verification. We all have our reasons for doing what we do, and there's a couple blogs I will always follow even with comment verif (Hello Old Kitty, I heart you), but it creates a distance. And captcha slows everyone down and also eats comments that may be lost forever. Want more comments? Then get rid of anything that slows down your potential commenters! Blogger catches spam really well now, so why worry?
6. I don't want to hear music. Not on a blog. Not at all. Unless it's Robert Smith and the Cure singing Piggy in the Mirror.
7. Too busy is bad for business. Too many gimmicks on the sidebar take time to load, are distracting and look cluttered. They direct attention away from the important part, which is your post, your writing, who you are. Do those swimming fish say anything about you personally, or are they there just to hypnotize me and make me sleepy? And Google ads are just plain annoying.
8. Wallpaper. Really? Wallpaper is outdated everywhere people, even in houses. Especially the flowery, busy stuff that looks like it was taken from a class on scrapbooking. No, your blog is NOT the cutest blog on the block.
9. Anyone who wants more traffic should search Copyblogger or Problogger for tips. Or find a blog you like that fits your audience and do what that person does. Only still be you.
10. Be yourself. Have fun and enjoy the experience without stressing over numbers (stats, followers, comments, views). Work on content, visit other blogs, put yourself out there and like-minded people will find you.
So those are my Ten Tips, anything you want to add? And while we're on the topic, what is your biggest pet peeve with blogs? Go on, I'm listening.
Which brings me to reflect on ten tips for a better blog-- from someone who has a lot of blogs to choose from and limited time to read them (which is probably all of us who have been here longer than 3 weeks)--
1. Don't start your post with "Sorry I've been too busy to post here lately." That's boring. Also, hearing about your cold or your kids' or your coworkers' colds is boring. Descriptions of common colds and flu symptoms always send me running to the next blog down the line.
2. If you are involved in a blogfest that I'm involved in, I'll click to see what you're doing. If not, I'll move on. No offense, it's just about connecting with common interests.
3. I know the general advice is "keep posts short" but sometimes longer is better. Sometimes short is too short. Like, What? That's it? I wrote a post about homeschooling on my other blog that was one paragraph-- total cop out, I still feel bad about that one. I totally checked it in. Some topics need more treatment. My homeschooling experience was definitely one that did.
4. Edit posts and take out the wordy phrases and boring bits. A writer's blog should be well put together. I'm all for relaxing the strict rules of grammar and punctuation when blogging, but edit out those unnecessary words that make a post a hard- to- read time suck.
5.Then there's the captcha phrases, word verif, and comment verification. We all have our reasons for doing what we do, and there's a couple blogs I will always follow even with comment verif (Hello Old Kitty, I heart you), but it creates a distance. And captcha slows everyone down and also eats comments that may be lost forever. Want more comments? Then get rid of anything that slows down your potential commenters! Blogger catches spam really well now, so why worry?
6. I don't want to hear music. Not on a blog. Not at all. Unless it's Robert Smith and the Cure singing Piggy in the Mirror.
7. Too busy is bad for business. Too many gimmicks on the sidebar take time to load, are distracting and look cluttered. They direct attention away from the important part, which is your post, your writing, who you are. Do those swimming fish say anything about you personally, or are they there just to hypnotize me and make me sleepy? And Google ads are just plain annoying.
8. Wallpaper. Really? Wallpaper is outdated everywhere people, even in houses. Especially the flowery, busy stuff that looks like it was taken from a class on scrapbooking. No, your blog is NOT the cutest blog on the block.
9. Anyone who wants more traffic should search Copyblogger or Problogger for tips. Or find a blog you like that fits your audience and do what that person does. Only still be you.
10. Be yourself. Have fun and enjoy the experience without stressing over numbers (stats, followers, comments, views). Work on content, visit other blogs, put yourself out there and like-minded people will find you.
So those are my Ten Tips, anything you want to add? And while we're on the topic, what is your biggest pet peeve with blogs? Go on, I'm listening.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Blogging: On its way out? Or just hitting its stride?
Before April I was hearing rumors of the death of blogging. I noticed obvious signs of blogger fatigue here and there. Nathan Bransford wrote a post Have Blogs Peaked? with nearly 150 comments saying yay or nay. Most expressed the feeling of "Yes, it's slowing down."
As a host of the A to Z Challenge, I went through the over 1200 participants and followed as many as I could, visiting and commenting along the way. Many of them are new, with under 50 followers. If you ask them if blogging is on its way out, I imagine the response would be, "I hope not! I'm just getting started here!"
From participating in the Challenge, I not only discovered some great new blogs, but I discovered the answer to the question "Has Blogging Peaked?" No, I'm not going to tell you my complete opinion, because it would add another three paragraphs to this post. But when you see 1283 bloggers sign up for a month-long blogfest that requires you to post for 26 days in April, using each letter of the alphabet-- well, what do you think?
As a host of the A to Z Challenge, I went through the over 1200 participants and followed as many as I could, visiting and commenting along the way. Many of them are new, with under 50 followers. If you ask them if blogging is on its way out, I imagine the response would be, "I hope not! I'm just getting started here!"
From participating in the Challenge, I not only discovered some great new blogs, but I discovered the answer to the question "Has Blogging Peaked?" No, I'm not going to tell you my complete opinion, because it would add another three paragraphs to this post. But when you see 1283 bloggers sign up for a month-long blogfest that requires you to post for 26 days in April, using each letter of the alphabet-- well, what do you think?
Saturday, November 27, 2010
If you're a Writer or a Reader then I Want to Follow Your Blog!
It's official people, I just realized it. I don't follow enough blogs. It's the holiday season, stress is rampant and guess what I do when stressed? I read and comment on blogs! I just went through my Dashboard today and yesterday and have run out of blogs to read and comment on. That just won't do. Yes, it would be nice if I cleaned out closets or mopped the floors or went to the gym when stressed out, but that's just not me. My stress relief is reading and commenting on blog posts.
So help me out writers! If you are somewhere along the writing journey, and I don't follow you, or show up on your blog, then please leave a comment so I can find your blog, visit and follow. Because I've set a goal to find 50 new blogs to follow before Christmas. I'm getting desperate. The stress is building, and while many of you are cutting back on your posting, I'm needing more and more. And not getting it!
So if you want a new follower, leave a comment and I'll be there. Although here's the thing-- I'm not doing blogfests so if your title says blogfest and I haven't showed up, that's why. I can't take the added pressure of a blogfest right now, maybe later. Freewheelin' no pressure blog following, that's what I'm after. And if you already follow my blog & I don't follow back, please leave a comment to that effect, and I'll be sure to do so.
So help me out writers! If you are somewhere along the writing journey, and I don't follow you, or show up on your blog, then please leave a comment so I can find your blog, visit and follow. Because I've set a goal to find 50 new blogs to follow before Christmas. I'm getting desperate. The stress is building, and while many of you are cutting back on your posting, I'm needing more and more. And not getting it!
So if you want a new follower, leave a comment and I'll be there. Although here's the thing-- I'm not doing blogfests so if your title says blogfest and I haven't showed up, that's why. I can't take the added pressure of a blogfest right now, maybe later. Freewheelin' no pressure blog following, that's what I'm after. And if you already follow my blog & I don't follow back, please leave a comment to that effect, and I'll be sure to do so.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Using Stats to Make Blogging Decisions
I have two blogs. The other one is From the Shadows to the Page, which is something I started to post about writing from life, since my two books are written from life. Memoir-writing, personal and family history collecting-- that sort of thing.
Yet with limited time, and when I view the Stats on both blogs, I question whether my quiet blog is worth my time. Most posts only get a few comments, and I can see by the Stats that some days only get 2 or 3 views.
So I'm faced with questions and decisions: Why am I keeping it up? Is it something I want to continue, considering the limited audience? Using Blogger Stats to make the decision shows that it's not a wise use of my time online. Unless I were to step it up over there, which I prefer not to do. I've got all I can handle here, and I'm not sure I want two blogs anymore.
So then what? How to let a blog die? Gradually post less and less, until finally one day you're done? I can just as easily post about writing from life here. Memoirs, even recording one's personal and family history. These are subjects that would work here. It's all writing after all.
There's a lesson in comparing my two blogs. This one is where I have focused my online energy. I used this blog's URL to follow and comment on others. That other one I dabbled now and then, never following anyone, didn't list other blogs on my sidebar, did nothing to attract people. (In fact, most of the followers probably came from here originally.)
So if you don't want much of a following, or a real active blog life, just don't try.
Don't follow people. Don't comment on their blogs. Don't do anything special to attract visitors. Don't give back.
That's how to have a quiet blog where not much happens. Check your Stats. It will show you how things are going, and if your blog needs a shot of adrenaline.
Yet with limited time, and when I view the Stats on both blogs, I question whether my quiet blog is worth my time. Most posts only get a few comments, and I can see by the Stats that some days only get 2 or 3 views.
So I'm faced with questions and decisions: Why am I keeping it up? Is it something I want to continue, considering the limited audience? Using Blogger Stats to make the decision shows that it's not a wise use of my time online. Unless I were to step it up over there, which I prefer not to do. I've got all I can handle here, and I'm not sure I want two blogs anymore.
So then what? How to let a blog die? Gradually post less and less, until finally one day you're done? I can just as easily post about writing from life here. Memoirs, even recording one's personal and family history. These are subjects that would work here. It's all writing after all.
There's a lesson in comparing my two blogs. This one is where I have focused my online energy. I used this blog's URL to follow and comment on others. That other one I dabbled now and then, never following anyone, didn't list other blogs on my sidebar, did nothing to attract people. (In fact, most of the followers probably came from here originally.)
So if you don't want much of a following, or a real active blog life, just don't try.
Don't follow people. Don't comment on their blogs. Don't do anything special to attract visitors. Don't give back.
That's how to have a quiet blog where not much happens. Check your Stats. It will show you how things are going, and if your blog needs a shot of adrenaline.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Blogging Five Years from Now
I started my first blog five years ago-- a spiritual offering for my children called "The Simple Life--Gospel-Oriented." It was on AOL Journals. You could read it with the link but needed an AOL account to make a comment. I posted once or twice a month for a year. I doubt if anyone outside my family read it but there was really no way to tell. I never visited other blogs or reached out in that way. I've tried finding that blog but it's disappeared into the internet spirit world. AOL Journals no longer exists. AOL hardly exists, and that was the big email back in the day.
Then two years ago when Uncut Diamonds came out, I started another blog. An author blog. La di freakin' da. You know, so all my fans could find me when they read the book LOL. This blog was on Vox, which shut down last month. I took some of those posts off before they evaporated, just to have them. The Vox blogs have also gone to internet heaven, unless the owners transferred them to a new site, or saved them somehow. Goodbye Vox.
Halfway through my Vox experience, I started a second one here, since it seemed like Blogger is where all the serious writers are, and I wanted to network with writers. I've been here ever since. All of 18 months. But it seems like longer. I barely remember my life before Blogger.
Whatever happens with my blogging habits, I sure hope Blogger doesn't die and go to internet heaven like those other two did. That would be a tragic loss for all of us who count on this as our writing network.
Having been on two sites that disappeared I'm wondering-- will Blogger be here five years from now? Will I? Will you? Where do you see yourself in five years related to blogging? Do you think you'll still be at it, or moving in a different direction?
And for all those who might be worried about losing all your hard work posting, here's a link to Susan Kaye Quinn's post today, where she tells us how to save everything.
Then two years ago when Uncut Diamonds came out, I started another blog. An author blog. La di freakin' da. You know, so all my fans could find me when they read the book LOL. This blog was on Vox, which shut down last month. I took some of those posts off before they evaporated, just to have them. The Vox blogs have also gone to internet heaven, unless the owners transferred them to a new site, or saved them somehow. Goodbye Vox.
Halfway through my Vox experience, I started a second one here, since it seemed like Blogger is where all the serious writers are, and I wanted to network with writers. I've been here ever since. All of 18 months. But it seems like longer. I barely remember my life before Blogger.
Whatever happens with my blogging habits, I sure hope Blogger doesn't die and go to internet heaven like those other two did. That would be a tragic loss for all of us who count on this as our writing network.
Having been on two sites that disappeared I'm wondering-- will Blogger be here five years from now? Will I? Will you? Where do you see yourself in five years related to blogging? Do you think you'll still be at it, or moving in a different direction?
And for all those who might be worried about losing all your hard work posting, here's a link to Susan Kaye Quinn's post today, where she tells us how to save everything.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Blogging vs. Journaling
I've been an avid journal-writer since childhood. (Back then I began each entry with "Dear Diary,") Lately when I open my journal, I write just a bit, then turn on the laptop and check blogs. Maybe I'll write a new post, maybe just read, maybe comment or reply to my commenters. You know how it is. Two hours later, you simply must get on with your day. I used to slam shut the journal and start my day. Now I slam shut the laptop. Well, not really, I don't want to break it after all.
But is blogging better than journaling? Worse? Clearly I can't spend 2 hours journaling like I used to, then another 2 hours blogging for heaven's sake. Something has to go. And it seems to be the journal. At least at this point. I'm still not sure if that's a good thing, an improvement, or a step backward. Any ideas on the matter? I'd love to hear from others who may be facing a similar dilemma. Has the journal given way to the blog?
But is blogging better than journaling? Worse? Clearly I can't spend 2 hours journaling like I used to, then another 2 hours blogging for heaven's sake. Something has to go. And it seems to be the journal. At least at this point. I'm still not sure if that's a good thing, an improvement, or a step backward. Any ideas on the matter? I'd love to hear from others who may be facing a similar dilemma. Has the journal given way to the blog?
Friday, September 3, 2010
Are You Ready to Find a Bunch of Awesome New Followers?
It's time for the Blog Party BBQ to begin!
I've jazzed up my blog with some new color, how about you? Are you ready for a bunch of new visitors and followers? The original party invitation is here, but to recap here's how it works:
* Follow my blog and I'll follow yours cuz that's how it works yo
* Comment on this post telling what food you'll bring to the BBQ, and telling us something about yourself and your blog
* Find at least three new party-goers to visit, comment on their blogs and follow if you like
* Click on the twitter and/or facebook icons at the bottom of this post to invite more people to the party. That means more followers for everyone!
Quite a few left comments with their food *yum yum slurp* on the last post, so you can all go back and click to their blogs plus hopping to whoever comments on this post. And if you commented before, please feel free to do so again here. You might use another blog url if you have more than one, tell us more about yourself, or just check back in to make sure you don't miss any of the fun, food and drinks galore! Oh, and make sure that your profile page gives the link to your blog so people can find you.
This post will be up the entire 4-day Labor Day weekend, giving everyone plenty of time to find new friends and followers. And I plan on making a virtual pig of myself with tons of virtual food! Mmm, a dream come true-- calorie-free deliciousness. And I'm bringing 6 dozen of my famous chocolate chip cookies!
PARTY ON!
I've jazzed up my blog with some new color, how about you? Are you ready for a bunch of new visitors and followers? The original party invitation is here, but to recap here's how it works:
* Follow my blog and I'll follow yours cuz that's how it works yo
* Comment on this post telling what food you'll bring to the BBQ, and telling us something about yourself and your blog
* Find at least three new party-goers to visit, comment on their blogs and follow if you like
* Click on the twitter and/or facebook icons at the bottom of this post to invite more people to the party. That means more followers for everyone!
Quite a few left comments with their food *yum yum slurp* on the last post, so you can all go back and click to their blogs plus hopping to whoever comments on this post. And if you commented before, please feel free to do so again here. You might use another blog url if you have more than one, tell us more about yourself, or just check back in to make sure you don't miss any of the fun, food and drinks galore! Oh, and make sure that your profile page gives the link to your blog so people can find you.
This post will be up the entire 4-day Labor Day weekend, giving everyone plenty of time to find new friends and followers. And I plan on making a virtual pig of myself with tons of virtual food! Mmm, a dream come true-- calorie-free deliciousness. And I'm bringing 6 dozen of my famous chocolate chip cookies!
PARTY ON!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Writer Brain and the Blogger Brain
When I left for the weekend, I thought a retreat from the internet would be a nice break. It was a lovely weekend, but what do I do as soon as I get back home? Catch up on blogs, and write posts. I tried commenting on a few blogs and then stopped when I noticed how lame and weak my comments came across.
I think there's a blogging part of the brain and a writing part, and never the two shall mix. This weekend, in the quaint environment where we stayed, transported me to another world, (I write about it here if you're curious)--my writer brain came alive and my blogging brain went to sleep.
The blogger brain still feels groggy. I'll get back to my regularly scheduled programming soon enough, but meanwhile, I'm going to steep myself in the reading of some great fiction and go to bed early.
Writer's block is when a writer's brain isn't functioning properly. Is it blogger block when your blogger's brain falls asleep? Is this even a problem? Or maybe it's an opportunity?
I think there's a blogging part of the brain and a writing part, and never the two shall mix. This weekend, in the quaint environment where we stayed, transported me to another world, (I write about it here if you're curious)--my writer brain came alive and my blogging brain went to sleep.
The blogger brain still feels groggy. I'll get back to my regularly scheduled programming soon enough, but meanwhile, I'm going to steep myself in the reading of some great fiction and go to bed early.
Writer's block is when a writer's brain isn't functioning properly. Is it blogger block when your blogger's brain falls asleep? Is this even a problem? Or maybe it's an opportunity?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The wrong demographic
I love this blogging thing but I'm pretty sure I'm not reaching my demographic here. Many of the blogs I follow are YA or romance authors, many are under 30, seeking an agent, deep into the process of writing & revising fiction.
This provides a wonderful writing support group and community, but as my marketing director said to me today: "What are you doing to reach your demographic?"
Me: Uhh, nothing? Presentations? I've done a few of those.
Her: Do you even know who your demographic is?
Me: Uhh, yeah, I think so.
Her: How old are you again?
Me: Do you like my hair this color? (No, just kidding, I really did stop and think about what she was saying.)
Her: You are my toughest case. You aren't even trying, are you?
Me: I blog a lot. I have 157 followers. I'm exploring the opportunities on social media.
Her: But what good does it do if it's not your demographic? Is your demographic 20-something YA authors working on their first novel, who like to blog about nothing, regardless of how interesting or funny it is?
Me: (In defense of all you awesomesauce writer/bloggers who are of a certain age and write a certain genre) But it's fun!
Her: Well, fun schmun. You won't be selling any of your books this way.
And then she proceeded to tell me about the book Crush It, and how hard someone has to work to realize their dreams. That it's not just fun, but you have to stay focused and energized in the right direction.
So I ordered the book with the Amazon coupon I won from Christine Danek's contest. Soon it will arrive in my mailbox, then I'll read it and learn how to crush it! Crush what? I'm not sure. But it sounds interesting.
This provides a wonderful writing support group and community, but as my marketing director said to me today: "What are you doing to reach your demographic?"
Me: Uhh, nothing? Presentations? I've done a few of those.
Her: Do you even know who your demographic is?
Me: Uhh, yeah, I think so.
Her: How old are you again?
Me: Do you like my hair this color? (No, just kidding, I really did stop and think about what she was saying.)
Her: You are my toughest case. You aren't even trying, are you?
Me: I blog a lot. I have 157 followers. I'm exploring the opportunities on social media.
Her: But what good does it do if it's not your demographic? Is your demographic 20-something YA authors working on their first novel, who like to blog about nothing, regardless of how interesting or funny it is?
Me: (In defense of all you awesomesauce writer/bloggers who are of a certain age and write a certain genre) But it's fun!
Her: Well, fun schmun. You won't be selling any of your books this way.
And then she proceeded to tell me about the book Crush It, and how hard someone has to work to realize their dreams. That it's not just fun, but you have to stay focused and energized in the right direction.
So I ordered the book with the Amazon coupon I won from Christine Danek's contest. Soon it will arrive in my mailbox, then I'll read it and learn how to crush it! Crush what? I'm not sure. But it sounds interesting.
Monday, April 5, 2010
It Takes a Village to Sell a Book
Writing the book may be a solitary activity, but selling it is a different story. Let's quickly move past the agent, editor, marketing team, publisher, distributor, bookstore-- all those involved in selling a book in its various stages of production-- and cut straight to the author. Yes, you. Even if you haven't finished your manuscript yet. Even if you haven't found an agent, editor, marketing team, publisher. YOU are the most important element in selling your book.
I see writers like Talli Roland and Susan Fields (who btw are holding 100 follower contests on their blogs today-- yay I just earned extra points!) who personify exactly what I'm talking about. They're building that village who will help them sell their books. In fact, Talli is doing it so well, that she'll hit 100 followers within a month of starting her blog! And Susan hits 100 in less than six months from when she started hers. These gals know what they're doing! Along the way to that happy day when Talli and Susan hold that book in their eager arms, the village will be rejoicing with them:
"You got an agent? Cool! Hooray for you. You deserve it, you've worked so hard!"
"Omigosh, you're getting published! I am so excited for you. I'll be the first one to buy your book when it comes out!"
"Can't wait to read it! Will it be available in the UK?"
"I live in Germany. Can you send me a copy? It's easier to buy direct from you."
You get the idea. There's your village-- supporting you, following your journey, waiting eagerly for the book's release.
Don't wait until you have a contract before starting your writing blog. Don't wait until you have a book cover. (I waited until I had two books published and in stores before I started blogging-- dumb me--I had no village waiting eagerly for my book's release, just a few friends & family, most of whom I gave copies to anyway. No sales there lol!)
Don't think you need a woo hoo la di da "professionally- designed writer website." That stuff is all so passe, unless you're a celebrity author. In that case, you need it to get some space from your zillions of fans. For those of us toiling in relative obscurity, it's all about social media--blogging and all that other stuff you guys do so well as you interact with your village. Who cares about a dull, static professionally-designed website? That is so five years ago. Bor-ing! Do like Talli and Susan and get into the fray with a blog that is fun, that is you, that shares your writing journey with all your new and wonderful friends who are doing the same thing over on their blogs.
You've heard the words, "building a platform" (very important, btw), and "attracting followers" (so exciting to see that number grow!), but basically it all boils down to one thing-- You are creating your own village and as it grows and grows, they will encourage, share, cry and rejoice with you along the way. And ultimately they'll not only buy your book, they'll help sell it. (For an example, check out Krista Jensen's blog, where she interviewed David J. West whose debut novel is soon to be released.) Your village will interview you, post reviews on Goodreads, tell everyone they know, and generally do more good for your sales than the bookstore owner who's struggling to stay in business and focusing largely on whatever is the bestseller of the day.
This is how it works people. We are building something here, populating the blog world with all of our fun and original little cities, full of fun and interesting inhabitants. We call them followers, but in reality they're our village. They help us, we help them, and we all need each other.
I see writers like Talli Roland and Susan Fields (who btw are holding 100 follower contests on their blogs today-- yay I just earned extra points!) who personify exactly what I'm talking about. They're building that village who will help them sell their books. In fact, Talli is doing it so well, that she'll hit 100 followers within a month of starting her blog! And Susan hits 100 in less than six months from when she started hers. These gals know what they're doing! Along the way to that happy day when Talli and Susan hold that book in their eager arms, the village will be rejoicing with them:
"You got an agent? Cool! Hooray for you. You deserve it, you've worked so hard!"
"Omigosh, you're getting published! I am so excited for you. I'll be the first one to buy your book when it comes out!"
"Can't wait to read it! Will it be available in the UK?"
"I live in Germany. Can you send me a copy? It's easier to buy direct from you."
You get the idea. There's your village-- supporting you, following your journey, waiting eagerly for the book's release.
Don't wait until you have a contract before starting your writing blog. Don't wait until you have a book cover. (I waited until I had two books published and in stores before I started blogging-- dumb me--I had no village waiting eagerly for my book's release, just a few friends & family, most of whom I gave copies to anyway. No sales there lol!)
Don't think you need a woo hoo la di da "professionally- designed writer website." That stuff is all so passe, unless you're a celebrity author. In that case, you need it to get some space from your zillions of fans. For those of us toiling in relative obscurity, it's all about social media--blogging and all that other stuff you guys do so well as you interact with your village. Who cares about a dull, static professionally-designed website? That is so five years ago. Bor-ing! Do like Talli and Susan and get into the fray with a blog that is fun, that is you, that shares your writing journey with all your new and wonderful friends who are doing the same thing over on their blogs.
You've heard the words, "building a platform" (very important, btw), and "attracting followers" (so exciting to see that number grow!), but basically it all boils down to one thing-- You are creating your own village and as it grows and grows, they will encourage, share, cry and rejoice with you along the way. And ultimately they'll not only buy your book, they'll help sell it. (For an example, check out Krista Jensen's blog, where she interviewed David J. West whose debut novel is soon to be released.) Your village will interview you, post reviews on Goodreads, tell everyone they know, and generally do more good for your sales than the bookstore owner who's struggling to stay in business and focusing largely on whatever is the bestseller of the day.
This is how it works people. We are building something here, populating the blog world with all of our fun and original little cities, full of fun and interesting inhabitants. We call them followers, but in reality they're our village. They help us, we help them, and we all need each other.
Friday, March 26, 2010
What's Your Online Presence?
Tomorrow I'm speaking to a group of aspiring authors on the whole online presence thing-- blogging, twittering, Facebook, website. Pretty funny, isn't it, since those of you who have been following me from the beginning-- um--last June, 10 months ago--know what a novice I am online. My blogging which started out as a response from my publisher to "establish your online presence" has now morphed into what you see today, giraffe and all. As for the rest of it....
Twittering-- not interested. Maybe I should be, but I'm not and don't plan to be.
Facebook-- oh please no.
Vox-- yes. It's a smaller, cooler, wannabe Facebook that most people have never heard of. Probably why I like it.
Linkedin-- leaving that one to my husband
Myspace-- that is so 5 years ago
Website-- what you see is what you get, folks. This is it. (Well, this and my Vox blog.)
And I have to speak 30 minutes? HELP! So I turn to my good friends in blog land who probably know way more about this than I do and would no doubt be far more interesting and attractive, with better hair. Yes, I am taking a poll. Your responses on any or all of these would be oh so helpful :)
What is your online presence?
Do you think it's essential to be online as a writer, either published or not?
What have you gained from your online experience?
If you twitter or pursue any of the others (besides blogging)-- why?
Which online experiences would you most recommend?
Are there any of these you've given up for various reasons?
If you've got anything else to add, please feel free. I may even quote you! And if you have a book out, be sure to tell me the title, so I can mention that as well. Thanks for your help!
Twittering-- not interested. Maybe I should be, but I'm not and don't plan to be.
Facebook-- oh please no.
Vox-- yes. It's a smaller, cooler, wannabe Facebook that most people have never heard of. Probably why I like it.
Linkedin-- leaving that one to my husband
Myspace-- that is so 5 years ago
Website-- what you see is what you get, folks. This is it. (Well, this and my Vox blog.)
And I have to speak 30 minutes? HELP! So I turn to my good friends in blog land who probably know way more about this than I do and would no doubt be far more interesting and attractive, with better hair. Yes, I am taking a poll. Your responses on any or all of these would be oh so helpful :)
What is your online presence?
Do you think it's essential to be online as a writer, either published or not?
What have you gained from your online experience?
If you twitter or pursue any of the others (besides blogging)-- why?
Which online experiences would you most recommend?
Are there any of these you've given up for various reasons?
If you've got anything else to add, please feel free. I may even quote you! And if you have a book out, be sure to tell me the title, so I can mention that as well. Thanks for your help!
Friday, March 5, 2010
15 Reasons Why an Author Needs Kick-butt Confidence
A few days ago, David J. West posted about an author needing a thicker skin, and I just read en violet's post about confidence. Both these posts inspired so much thought material on my end, I thought I'd write about it further. Thanks to both these excellent bloggers for their inspiration!
Note the name of my blog-- from reclusive writer to published author. Hmm, wonder why I was so reclusive for so long. And not published. Might it have had something to do with a lack of confidence and a super-thin skin? Well, yes. Still, I've worked out my issues and moved on, knowing I still have a ways to go. I judge my progress as a writer by the *thickness* of my skin.
Why does a writer need kick-butt confidence?:
1. To start writing for an audience in the first place
2. To finish a manuscript
3. To ask for critique
4. To submit to an agent and/or publisher
5. To take rejection, rewrite and resubmit
6. To keep going on this merry go round, which you're never sure will get you anywhere.
7. To put yourself on the internet and start blogging for the first time.
8. To interact with others on the internet, make comments, and be a part of the cyberspace community.
9. To get published at long last, and realize the work of finding your readership is just beginning.
10. To go to that very first book signing and watch people avoid your table. P.S. Don't chase them down or grab at them. No, I've not done this, but I've known authors who have. It doesn't work.
11. To give a presentation on your book and have all these people watching and waiting to be informed, entertained and enchanted by you, a reclusive writer not a public speaker or a performer.
12. To read reviews that are negative, mean-spirited, and critical of your baby, your heart and soul.
13. To make a pitch on yourself and your work.
14. To go back and do it all again and again and again.
15. To respond graciously to those people who ask you when you're going to get a real job.
That's my list. I decided to stop at fifteen. Anything to add? Why do you need confidence?
Note the name of my blog-- from reclusive writer to published author. Hmm, wonder why I was so reclusive for so long. And not published. Might it have had something to do with a lack of confidence and a super-thin skin? Well, yes. Still, I've worked out my issues and moved on, knowing I still have a ways to go. I judge my progress as a writer by the *thickness* of my skin.
Why does a writer need kick-butt confidence?:
1. To start writing for an audience in the first place
2. To finish a manuscript
3. To ask for critique
4. To submit to an agent and/or publisher
5. To take rejection, rewrite and resubmit
6. To keep going on this merry go round, which you're never sure will get you anywhere.
7. To put yourself on the internet and start blogging for the first time.
8. To interact with others on the internet, make comments, and be a part of the cyberspace community.
9. To get published at long last, and realize the work of finding your readership is just beginning.
10. To go to that very first book signing and watch people avoid your table. P.S. Don't chase them down or grab at them. No, I've not done this, but I've known authors who have. It doesn't work.
11. To give a presentation on your book and have all these people watching and waiting to be informed, entertained and enchanted by you, a reclusive writer not a public speaker or a performer.
12. To read reviews that are negative, mean-spirited, and critical of your baby, your heart and soul.
13. To make a pitch on yourself and your work.
14. To go back and do it all again and again and again.
15. To respond graciously to those people who ask you when you're going to get a real job.
That's my list. I decided to stop at fifteen. Anything to add? Why do you need confidence?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Are you here for the writing or the reading?
In my six months of being here in blog land, I've come across quite a few categories of bloggers. Outside of the *experts* with their hundreds and thousands of fans and followers, there's a fairly common pattern that distinguishes blogger-types. Here's what I've noticed, have you any to add?
Some people sign up mainly for the reading. They have their favorite blogs, rush to the new posts and read every word plus all the comments. These reading bloggers write posts, which may be very good but quite short. For them, the reading is more enjoyable than the writing. When they find a new, intriguing blog they like, they're quick to add it to their blogroll, so they don't miss any new posts. They follow more people than follow them.
And there's the non-blogging readers who will never comment or subscribe. Like my mom, husband and son-in-law, who start by reading my posts, then all the comments, then all the blogs in the side bar, and all those posts and comments. My son-in-law came over one day anguished. He had spent 6 hours of his only day off that week reading blogs. Never again, he vowed. Ha, that's what he says.
Then there are the bloggers who are here to write. They post often, sometimes every day, sometimes quite long posts. Because they love to write. They're obsessed about getting new followers/readers, since writers need readers, writers crave readers. What's the point if there are no readers? That's like cooking dinner and no one comes to eat it. These writer bloggers have their favorites too, but they may skim over the reading of posts and still comment. After all, they're here for the writing-- posting, commenting, whatever.
Finally, there's a few blogger/writers who don't read, follow anyone, make any comments or respond to the comments that others make on their posts. A minority, since most bloggers like to interact with others. Some of these types might have followers and commenters, but not as many as they could have if they were more interactive. They're like a rare species of bird that no one ever sees outside its normal habitat.
These are the main categories I've noticed in the blogging world. What kind of blogger are you? Are your here for the writing or the reading? Or are you a nicely balanced blend of both? Or perhaps some entirely new species altogether?
Some people sign up mainly for the reading. They have their favorite blogs, rush to the new posts and read every word plus all the comments. These reading bloggers write posts, which may be very good but quite short. For them, the reading is more enjoyable than the writing. When they find a new, intriguing blog they like, they're quick to add it to their blogroll, so they don't miss any new posts. They follow more people than follow them.
And there's the non-blogging readers who will never comment or subscribe. Like my mom, husband and son-in-law, who start by reading my posts, then all the comments, then all the blogs in the side bar, and all those posts and comments. My son-in-law came over one day anguished. He had spent 6 hours of his only day off that week reading blogs. Never again, he vowed. Ha, that's what he says.
Then there are the bloggers who are here to write. They post often, sometimes every day, sometimes quite long posts. Because they love to write. They're obsessed about getting new followers/readers, since writers need readers, writers crave readers. What's the point if there are no readers? That's like cooking dinner and no one comes to eat it. These writer bloggers have their favorites too, but they may skim over the reading of posts and still comment. After all, they're here for the writing-- posting, commenting, whatever.
Finally, there's a few blogger/writers who don't read, follow anyone, make any comments or respond to the comments that others make on their posts. A minority, since most bloggers like to interact with others. Some of these types might have followers and commenters, but not as many as they could have if they were more interactive. They're like a rare species of bird that no one ever sees outside its normal habitat.
These are the main categories I've noticed in the blogging world. What kind of blogger are you? Are your here for the writing or the reading? Or are you a nicely balanced blend of both? Or perhaps some entirely new species altogether?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Need Agent-- yes or no?
I know nothing about the agenting process since I got published quite by accident through a small, start-up press.
Agents scare me. It's the gatekeeper before an editor will even talk to you. Gatekeepers scare me-- they're meant to keep people away, not welcome them in. (Okay, a lot of stuff scares me, but that's another story.)
However, it is possible to get published without an agent. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Small, regional or niche presses will often accept nonagented submissions. I know, I researched enough of them. Course you have to do your homework. You've got to "meet their needs," "fit their niche," and all that. You have to be able to take rejection....argh!! But that goes without saying. If you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen. (I'm glad blogging wasn't around when I was first trying to get published, or I would've just done this and forgotten about submitting, thus avoiding rejection.)
Remember Marty's dad in Back to the Future? He wrote sci fi stories and when Marty told him they were good enough to get published, he cringed and said, "I don't think I could take that kind of rejection." That's why I always avoided agents-- because I couldn't take that kind of rejection. I used to check publisher guidelines and only submit to those with "nonagented submissions okay." I didn't want to get turned down by an agent before I even made it to the editor-- way too much rejection for my fragile psyche!
Now that I'm older, and published, my skin is a bit tougher. I'm not afraid of publishers anymore, or editors, or bookstore owners. I got the best compliment last week from a bookseller, who said that reading Uncut Diamonds was like talking to someone over the back fence. I like that, because it's how I intended the novel to be, shows she gets it. I wanted it to be like someone dropping in on this family and being part of their lives for a time. ANYHOO, so I'm no longer afraid of any of them because I've gotten to know them and to understand they're just people doing a job. And yes, the compliments do help!
Except for agents. I'm still afraid of them. Who are you most afraid of in the publishing industry? Agents, editors, publishing CEOs, booksellers, readers, reviewers? Or is fear not even part of your vocabulary?
Agents scare me. It's the gatekeeper before an editor will even talk to you. Gatekeepers scare me-- they're meant to keep people away, not welcome them in. (Okay, a lot of stuff scares me, but that's another story.)
However, it is possible to get published without an agent. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Small, regional or niche presses will often accept nonagented submissions. I know, I researched enough of them. Course you have to do your homework. You've got to "meet their needs," "fit their niche," and all that. You have to be able to take rejection....argh!! But that goes without saying. If you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen. (I'm glad blogging wasn't around when I was first trying to get published, or I would've just done this and forgotten about submitting, thus avoiding rejection.)
Remember Marty's dad in Back to the Future? He wrote sci fi stories and when Marty told him they were good enough to get published, he cringed and said, "I don't think I could take that kind of rejection." That's why I always avoided agents-- because I couldn't take that kind of rejection. I used to check publisher guidelines and only submit to those with "nonagented submissions okay." I didn't want to get turned down by an agent before I even made it to the editor-- way too much rejection for my fragile psyche!
Now that I'm older, and published, my skin is a bit tougher. I'm not afraid of publishers anymore, or editors, or bookstore owners. I got the best compliment last week from a bookseller, who said that reading Uncut Diamonds was like talking to someone over the back fence. I like that, because it's how I intended the novel to be, shows she gets it. I wanted it to be like someone dropping in on this family and being part of their lives for a time. ANYHOO, so I'm no longer afraid of any of them because I've gotten to know them and to understand they're just people doing a job. And yes, the compliments do help!
Except for agents. I'm still afraid of them. Who are you most afraid of in the publishing industry? Agents, editors, publishing CEOs, booksellers, readers, reviewers? Or is fear not even part of your vocabulary?
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Blogging vs. Writing
I find blogging addictive. Anyone else have that problem? You get online to check your email, check your favorite blog, respond to comments, maybe write a new post, and before you know it, it's been THREE HOURS!!!
This week I started my new schedule. Turn on computer early, check emails and blogs, then move to my wip. Write two hours. Period. Rest of day, whatever. Who cares as long as I get my two hours of real writing in.
But I've run into a problem with switching gears from writing on blogs to writing creatively. They seem to use different brain cells or something. Especially when the blogging goes on too long, then I switch over to my novel and huh??? I can't focus on the words, I don't remember what it's about, I keep thinking of switching back to the internet and checking blogs. But I can't, I can't.
Blogging doesn't get you a finished novel, I remind myself. Working on your chapters is what gets you a finished novel.
I'm here now, writing this post, because I DID put in my two hours on my chapters. I am feeling GOOD!! So I'm rewarding myself by writing just a simple little blog post. Now, computer off, go do my normal Saturday stuff, and peace, out! See you on Monday!
This week I started my new schedule. Turn on computer early, check emails and blogs, then move to my wip. Write two hours. Period. Rest of day, whatever. Who cares as long as I get my two hours of real writing in.
But I've run into a problem with switching gears from writing on blogs to writing creatively. They seem to use different brain cells or something. Especially when the blogging goes on too long, then I switch over to my novel and huh??? I can't focus on the words, I don't remember what it's about, I keep thinking of switching back to the internet and checking blogs. But I can't, I can't.
Blogging doesn't get you a finished novel, I remind myself. Working on your chapters is what gets you a finished novel.
I'm here now, writing this post, because I DID put in my two hours on my chapters. I am feeling GOOD!! So I'm rewarding myself by writing just a simple little blog post. Now, computer off, go do my normal Saturday stuff, and peace, out! See you on Monday!
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