How soon is too soon for a blog?

[David]

Okay, I've been diligently working on my book, and am just about to start the endgame in the book, albeit in the first draft.

So the thought occurred to me that it might be a good time to set up a blog to start sort of "pre-marketing" my book... posts going into things like challenges that I've encountered writing it, etc.

Or is it better to wait till the book is closer to completion so people don't get impatient?

[Francis]

May as well start, if you have something to say. It's good to build up a following in advance.

[Rebecca]

Right. You don't have to talk about your book all the time. In fact, I recommend not talking about it all the time. If your book is the only thing you have to write about, you won't get a lot of followers.

[Sherri]

Go ahead and start it, but I'd caution against having it be all about your writing. If people feel you're trying to "sell" to them, they won't stick around. Talk about how your life inspires your writing, or books you've read encouraged you to become a writer yourself. Show readers how your life contributes to the inspiration for your writing. Let them get to know YOU and they'll buy YOUR WRITING once it's available.

[David]

Okay, so you've pretty much convinced me.

Now, I need a catchy title for the blog. (sigh) Decisions, decisions.