Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start a Blog
It seems every aspiring author has a blog these days, and why not? They’re free, a fantastic way to promote your writing, and relatively simple to set-up. If you’re considering starting your own blog, here are five things to think about.
1. Why do I want a blog?
Many writers start a blog out of peer pressure or as a shortcut. They see other writers blogging and they feel left behind, or they think it’s a fast track to get noticed by agents and editors.
There are several valid reasons to blog, but jumping on the blog bandwagon because everyone is doing it or counting on agents and editors to find yours will only disappoint you.
Here are a few reasons to start a blog:
It seems every aspiring author has a blog these days, and why not? They’re free, a fantastic way to promote your writing, and relatively simple to set-up. If you’re considering starting your own blog, here are five things to think about.
1. Why do I want a blog?
Many writers start a blog out of peer pressure or as a shortcut. They see other writers blogging and they feel left behind, or they think it’s a fast track to get noticed by agents and editors.
There are several valid reasons to blog, but jumping on the blog bandwagon because everyone is doing it or counting on agents and editors to find yours will only disappoint you.
Here are a few reasons to start a blog:
- It promotes you as a writer.
- It’s a platform tool to reach potential readers.
- It will build your writing skills.
- It shows agents and editors you’re able to promote your work.
- It can be a social network to interact with other writers and readers.
For a blog to enhance your reputation, you will have to put effort into it. It needs to look professional, be updated often, and provide readers with interesting content. A blog is an interactive tool that needs care. It’s not a website that can be left alone.
2. What will I write about?
Maybe a better question to ask: who is my audience? It can be tempting to share every detail of your life on a blog, but your mother, your pastor, and a teenager over in Scotland all have access to the Internet and all can read your blog. What information do you want the entire world to know? You’re basically sharing a bit of yourself, your values and ideals on your blog, but it can be as personal or impersonal as you'd like.
Every blog should have a theme. My theme is Motivation and Encouragement from One Writer to Another. Spend time thinking about what your message is. It should reflect your personality and the writing you intend to publish. A blog about plant identification will not help you sell your Regency romance novel.
It may take time to discover your theme. If you aren't certain what your blog should be about, that's okay. Post regularly and your voice will become clear. You’ll realize your writing conveys your wit, sarcasm, or encouragement, and your style will loosen up. Your theme will jump out at you when you've blogged for a few months.
As far as content, write down a list of topics you could post about. Take it a step further and jot ideas for each month of the year. Some bloggers share their music lists, favorite movies, or cherished recipes. Some write informative articles or they review books. Others write personal journals chronicling their writing journey. One word of caution on the personal journal: keep it interesting. If you can’t make your daily chores sound entertaining, don’t write about them. You don’t want to bore your readers.
Play to your strengths and nourish your voice—that’s what will bring readers back for more.
As far as content, write down a list of topics you could post about. Take it a step further and jot ideas for each month of the year. Some bloggers share their music lists, favorite movies, or cherished recipes. Some write informative articles or they review books. Others write personal journals chronicling their writing journey. One word of caution on the personal journal: keep it interesting. If you can’t make your daily chores sound entertaining, don’t write about them. You don’t want to bore your readers.
Play to your strengths and nourish your voice—that’s what will bring readers back for more.
Current bloggers: In the comment section, please share any advice for writers who are thinking about starting a blog. I know you'll have some great tips!
Join me on Wednesday when we'll look at the next two questions.
And...
Get Motivated! It's Monday!
