I’ve seen a lot of advice in the self-publishing circles about blogs. Most of it’s contradictory. Start a blog, don’t start a blog. Market the shit out of your work, don’t market until you have at least three books for sale, don’t market at all because that’s lame, etc. Twitter promote your books like crazy, or not.
This is where I make a (not so) teary-eyed confession: I started this blog solely for promotion’s sake. Yep. To build that ever-elusive “author platform”, or whatever it’s supposed to be. But quite frankly, and this could be young adult rebellion kicking in, screw that.
Want to know what I found out whilst blogging? You guys are really awesome. You’re nice, you’re honest, and you’re supportive (or blunt in all the right ways). You’re not my author platform, you’re the people I diligently post for — not because I’m amazing and wonderful but because I just love hearing from (and about) you. I really appreciate how many of y’all crossed over from my old blog to this one, and I respect all the kind words y’all give when I post short stories.
As a writer, and a wanna-be geologist (since I’m leaning towards that field more and more), and a wanna-be music enthusiast, and a movie freak, and a book absorber, it’s nice to know others share my quirks, or at least like the often random stuff I put up here. You’re not necessarily a writer, though a good number of you are, but you’re also readers, music lovers, movie freaks (yay), and admirers of lulz and pointless information about stuff. Oh, and cute puppy pictures.
How can you not love that guy anyway?
So I need to thank y’all. Because I never did back when I figured this out for the first time (it takes a few realizations to really sink into my skull). Seriously, thanks. You made me leave the mold of what others say works and helped me figure out what works for me. I’m quirky, moody, random, and lulzy. Perfect fit.
Why do you blog?
I started my blog about eight months ago to jot down memories and cute day to day events of my children’s childhood but it has turned into way more. It is a great creative outlet, it was a wonderful support network when my dad passed away, it has allowed me to make friendships I never would have made otherwise, and it gives me a chance to see the world through the eyes of others – people from all around the world. I love to write but do not strive to be a professional writer so my blog gives me a platform on which to display my words.
You are right that bloggers are amazing, wonderful, nice people.
I’m sorry to hear about your dad, but I’m happy blogging has been such a supportive and helpful thing for you. It’s very true, that blogging can be really creative. I mean, my blog is a platform, yes, but I’m not blogging solely to create a platform, if that makes sense. I certainly hope you realize your writing aspirations!
i love Haiku – etc, and enjoy following and followers – beautiful creative posts will amaze you and inspire you…
David in Maine USA
I know what you mean, I think I started blogging because I thought I probably should, but it has turned into a hobby, and I have met some amazing people through it. The whole experience turned out to be quite different to what I expected, but in a good way!
It’s awesome to hear you enjoy it and get so much out of it, as well!
Yeah, same to you, that you’re getting so much out of blogging as well. It certainly can be fun.
Meeting some new folks has been an unexpected plus, but I mostly created this thing to keep me writing consistently on something other than fiction. Also, I’m kind of an attention whore when it comes to getting feedback on this thing so I’m consistently trying to think of interesting topics which keeps my brain juices flowing.
Haha. Well if you want any feedback on a WIP let me know. Meeting new people has always been one of the best parts about blogging, for me. I find myself a little dull and a lot of others seem to be far more interesting.
I blog because I love writing. I need to put my thoughts into words, and I’ve been blogging since 2007, more or less. Now, I’ve got a personal blog, with thoughts and life experiences, and a ‘literature’ blog, where I write about my stories and what I’m writing right now
Hugs from Spain!!
That’s really cool. Is it hard to run two blogs? I hear it can be a little stressful.
For me, it isn’t really stressful. I write sometimes personal thoughts about my life, and when I’m writing a story, I upload a blog entry in my ‘literature’ blog. I explain what I’m writing in that moment.
Hugs from Spain!
I blog to develope my ideas about writing.
I think that you learn better by sharing, and blogs let you share your thoughts and feelings with people from around the world, so… That’s basically the reason I blog for.
That makes sense. I like the sharing aspect of blogging, definitely. I try to blog about more than just my writing, mostly because I feel that no one really wants to hear about my writing adventures. They’re pretty average, haha.
For me? Partly to help build a platform as an author – the blog adds to the book reviews adds to the features adds to the books adds to the blog, etc etc. But also because I wanted to share some of the things I like to talk about with other people, and they’re probably not publishable otherwise. And to hear what they have to say about those same thoughts.
Matthew Wright
http://mjwrightnz.wordpress.com
http://www.matthewwright.net
I do have my blog as a platform builder, but it;s not solely because of that anymore. Blogging became a bit more than that, kind of like in your case. When it stops being enjoyable, I’ll stop doing it. Simple.
elisa, i loved ur writing. i am also twenty plus something but less than 25…. u are a fantasist and i am a campaigner for humanity and anti terrorism. do visit my blog too, an invitation from an Indian boy..
loved u and ur articles.
take care . bye.