Rachael Eyre's Blog - Posts Tagged "blogging"
Keeping a Blog
Time to go a bit meta: a blog about blogging. Fledgling writers are told it's the most invaluable tool for online marketing; old hands are persuaded to add it to their repertoire. But why is it considered so important?
1) It allows you to engage with your readers
This is the biggie. In today's world, readers don't want to think of writers as faceless machines who crank out a book every few years. They want to know more about you, what makes you tick. Be more than a dustjacket pic: start discussions, talk about your hobbies, share. This way they'll come to know and like you the person as well as you the author. Though be careful to set boundaries; some things should really remain private.
2) You can road test ideas
Some authors use their blogs to air new stories and share lesser known pieces. This is great for getting your readers involved - they can watch as this new project takes shape, ask questions and make suggestions. The benefits are twofold: not only will you know you're giving readers what they want, they'll be in a unique position to assist you. Who knows, their insight may help revive a flagging story. Though be sure to give credit where it's due!
3) It keeps your writing fresh
Many writers are monogamous; they'll only focus on one project at a time. While such commitment is admirable, your writing may grow stale if you don't mix it up. If you find it difficult to switch from one task to the next - from a novel to a short story collection, say - keeping a blog might be the no strings fling you're looking for. It'll allow you to juggle different genres and forms without dragging your attention from your current story. Better still, it sharpens your non fiction skills, making you a more versatile author.
4) It reminds people you're out there
In an ideal world, all writers would be producing new books as regularly as clockwork and making feted appearances on chat shows. Unfortunately this is reality; not only do books take far longer than planned, most of us have full time jobs and can't dedicate every waking moment to promotion. In these circumstances, it's easy for a reader to lose sight of an author, thinking that because a new book hasn't been announced yet, they've vanished off the face of the earth.
Blogs not only prove that you're vigorously alive, but serve to fill in any gaps. They reassure readers all is well and, the fates permitting, a fabulous new book should hit the shelves any day now.
5) It's fun
Granted, keeping a blog is an acquired taste. You may find you run out of topics or feel under pressure to make frequent posts. You might believe it's taking time away from your serious writing. If this is you, it's best to quit while you're ahead.
The primary reason you should keep a blog is because it's FUN. Whether letting off steam about something outrageous in the news, sharing a profound experience or asking your readers' opinion of your latest flash fiction, it's always rewarding and therefore never dull.
1) It allows you to engage with your readers
This is the biggie. In today's world, readers don't want to think of writers as faceless machines who crank out a book every few years. They want to know more about you, what makes you tick. Be more than a dustjacket pic: start discussions, talk about your hobbies, share. This way they'll come to know and like you the person as well as you the author. Though be careful to set boundaries; some things should really remain private.
2) You can road test ideas
Some authors use their blogs to air new stories and share lesser known pieces. This is great for getting your readers involved - they can watch as this new project takes shape, ask questions and make suggestions. The benefits are twofold: not only will you know you're giving readers what they want, they'll be in a unique position to assist you. Who knows, their insight may help revive a flagging story. Though be sure to give credit where it's due!
3) It keeps your writing fresh
Many writers are monogamous; they'll only focus on one project at a time. While such commitment is admirable, your writing may grow stale if you don't mix it up. If you find it difficult to switch from one task to the next - from a novel to a short story collection, say - keeping a blog might be the no strings fling you're looking for. It'll allow you to juggle different genres and forms without dragging your attention from your current story. Better still, it sharpens your non fiction skills, making you a more versatile author.
4) It reminds people you're out there
In an ideal world, all writers would be producing new books as regularly as clockwork and making feted appearances on chat shows. Unfortunately this is reality; not only do books take far longer than planned, most of us have full time jobs and can't dedicate every waking moment to promotion. In these circumstances, it's easy for a reader to lose sight of an author, thinking that because a new book hasn't been announced yet, they've vanished off the face of the earth.
Blogs not only prove that you're vigorously alive, but serve to fill in any gaps. They reassure readers all is well and, the fates permitting, a fabulous new book should hit the shelves any day now.
5) It's fun
Granted, keeping a blog is an acquired taste. You may find you run out of topics or feel under pressure to make frequent posts. You might believe it's taking time away from your serious writing. If this is you, it's best to quit while you're ahead.
The primary reason you should keep a blog is because it's FUN. Whether letting off steam about something outrageous in the news, sharing a profound experience or asking your readers' opinion of your latest flash fiction, it's always rewarding and therefore never dull.
