Should an author blog?

You may have noticed that for the past few months I’ve seldom blogged. I could make excuses like I was too busy or life got in the way, but the reality is that I just��didn’t feel inclined to��blog. I believe my��writing time should be spent on penning my next novel rather than writing posts��that do nothing to advance that project.

I do recognize, however, that��technology and social media has changed the relationship of writers to readers. I remember when a��novel stood on its own, irregardless of who wrote it, because the story, the characters, and the language��was all that mattered. One of my favourite quotes, and one I agree with, is from Daphne du Maurier: ���Writers should be read, but neither seen nor heard.��� However, today’s authors must��create an online presence as well as write good books. They must interact with their readers through all kinds of social media; people��want to “friend” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Writers��must interact online, post blogs, do blog tours. In essence, today’s authors have to��do all kinds of writing that does not further their writing.

I acknowledge that since I am a little-known author, it is in my best interest��(and that of my books) to cultivate my online presence. So I have a website, I post on my Facebook Author Page�� (sometimes), I set up a Twitter account (although I seldom tweet), and I have this blog. Yet, despite my commitment to my author career, and despite common sense telling me to get on with what needs to be done in support of it, I still participate very little in the social media game. Is my lack of posting a form of rebellion? Perhaps.

I’m curious: Do you think authors should blog regularly? Is it important to you to be able to interact online with an author?