Why I still blog #WriterWednesday #AmWriting #Blogging
The question of whether writers should blog has once again become a hot topic. When I started down this indie author path, all the so-called experts were clear: Every writer should have a blog. Now, however, opinions disagree. Yes, every author should have a website. That remains clear. But a blog? *Shrugs* Who knows? It doesn’t sell books, so why should I bother, many authors argue. I thought I’d toss my two cents into the discussion. And – because I have a blog – I can.
So, why do I still blog? To start off, I’ll be perfectly honest. Blogging – at least in my case – does not sell books. There are still valuable reasons to blog, however. Here are a few:
Book reviews. Although I’ve cut down – substantially! – on how many reviews I agree to do, I still think it’s a valuable service an indie author can offer to other indie authors. It’s also a good way to understand how difficult it is to write a review. Writing reviews has led me to being more understanding of the reviews I receive.
Pay it forward. I get a lot of out reading about other indie author’s experiences. A ton, actually. I hope I’m able to pay that back a bit with my own blogging. I blog each Wednesday about my writing experiences. I’m painfully honest about what has worked and what hasn’t worked for me. I hope it helps other authors.
Find your voice. Ah, that elusive ‘voice’. Blogging – especially my Friday blogs which are just funny tidbits about my life – has helped me work on my voice. It’s a great writing exercise. Pick a topic and just go for it!
Express Your Opinion. I don’t do this much, but a blog can be a great way to express your opinion on a topic. Upset about the new policies of Mailchimp? Lost reviews on Amazon? What better way to get rid of your anger than to write about it?
Connect with readers. In my dreams, my blog is also a way for readers of my novels to find me and connect with me. What can I say? I’m a dreamer.
What about you? Do you blog? Or have you given it up? Let me know in the comments.
Loved your article. You have raised an interesting topic. Is it worth blogging?
In my case, the blog is young and not literary. Women’s blog about beauty and health. Why start writing?
1. Self-help. Yourself, knowledge, ability to express your thoughts.
2. Communication and exchange of views.
3. Curiosity.
This is in brief.
And sorry for the language. My English is not very good.
Your English is fine! Thanks for stopping by. Self-help, exchange of views and curiosity are great reasons to blog in your field.
Thank! You have a very interesting blog. Good luck to you!
Thanks. You too
You make great points! I’m going to keep on blogging and I’ve found I’ve sold a few books. I like to share sneak peeks of works-in-progress and works-abandoned. I think it’s a good way for writers to showcase themselves. Even if I don’t sell books–I consider myself a storyteller most of all and this way I’m sharing my stories.
Loved your post!
Thanks! Glad you are selling some books with your blog 🙂 Without affiliate links (Amazon refuses me for reasons I have no understanding of), it’s hard to tell where the sales come from for me. I’ll just keep trucking along.
I don’t sell a ton but one is better than none. I usually see a click on an amazon link in my post then I have a sale show up on KDP.
I’m not that together to keep track 😬
Maybe that’s a good thing. My blog doesn’t get much action😂😂
You didn’t mention how addictive blogging is, most of us couldn’t stop even if we wanted to… (And most of us don’t)
Ha! Ha! Didn’t think of that
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
Thanks!
Contrary to popular opinion, most of my book sales (and all of the dog’s!) come via the blogs…
That’s great!
The dog does better than I do, though 😉
How about this basic idea? It’s fun.
I like it! I don’t necessarily agree, though. Not always at least.
This is an interesting point of view. I share your thoughts on blogging, having one on my own. However, even though I have reviewed a ton of books in the past on previous blogs, I don’t allow myself to do so on this one because I’d like for people to read my book. So if I critique/review other books, I’m scared that people will be like “Who’s she to say these things, her book isn’t even good” ^^’ What are your thoughts on the matter?
I wrestled with those thoughts myself – especially when I read an acclaimed novel. I try to be fair in my reviews and make it clear it’s my humble opinion. It’s a tight rope to walk!
Great post! I use my blog the same way you do and find it the perfect place to share my thoughts with the world at large, fans, or potential readers. It’s become an outlet for the “real” me, which is something readers say they want and appreciate. In some ways, it is an expanded and ongoing version of my biography – just not in third person! I only post once per week, as I haven’t any more time to spare. Currently, I am using my blog to introduce a series of fantasy novelettes in serial fashion. It’s been an interesting learning experience for me and a way to draw in new readers.
By the way – I wish there was an author to author service which allowed us to review and beta read for each other. Could be a great source of encouragement and help for all the indies out there.
I have 2 blogs. I find it fun, good therapy and also do it for my voice as well as the animal’s voice.