History repeats itself. Last year at our annual Writer’s Conference I spoke on SPEAKING. Today on CWD/ACW, I am blogging on BLOGGING.
What would you say is next? Should I read a book on READING?
The helpful aspect about speaking on speaking was that the material I used to prepare my talk helped me perform my workshop better. So perhaps my research into blogging will help me write a readable blog? My little offering today is for those who are considering the pros and cons of blogging on your writing journey and would like a whiff of its perfume in order to be convinced of its lasting fragrance.
4 ½ years ago, I began my belated blessed blogging journey with a few bumbling baby steps forward. I have now written 220 blogs to date. I must confess though that I came kicking and screaming into it. You see, I couldn’t see the point of adding my mite to the surplus of blogs out there. Who would read them? Google tells me that in 2013 there were 152 million blogs in the world. Not a small number. A publisher friend finally convinced me that I should dive in. Surprisingly enough, once I jumped in (with a mighty splash), you couldn’t get me out of the blogging pool. The lake was cool and refreshing, and I am still being invigorated by its healing waters.
So what is a Blog? A Blog is short for "Web Log" later turned into ‘Weblog’ and finally the simple four letter word: ‘Blog’. As recently as 1999, there were supposedly only 23 blogs on the Internet. The reason for there being so few was that 17 years ago, bloggers needed to be web designers who created everything from scratch. Thankfully, times have changed and we have easy access to free blogging hosts in the 21st century world. So what’s your excuse to not blogging? None!
But let me add that as a Christian writer, you will of course need to ascertain if it’s right for you at this point of your writing journey. “The first thing you need to decide when you build your blog is what you want to accomplish with it, and what it can do if successful.” Ron Dawson.
How does a blog help an Author/Writer/Would be Writer?
1. It helps build your platform
2. It gives credibility to your writing
3. It helps develop publicity for your writing
4. It can promote your work
5. It helps you develop a fan base
6. It helps you keep in touch with your readers
7. It helps agents and publishers take you seriously
8. It keeps you writing regularly
9. It lets your readership enjoy bite-sized flavourful chunks of your writing
10. It connects you to the world—writing can often be a lonely occupation
Some Important aspects to work out before you begin:
1. Name of your website/blog site—think hard. Think well. Let it stand out.
2. A page about yourself—allow your readers get to know you
3. Frequency of blog – daily/3 times a week/weekly/fortnightly/monthly/other
4. Subject matter – what would you like to focus on?
5. Make it readable – not only in content but also in presentation
Are pictures necessary? I’d say they are not essential but having at least one picture in your blog would add to it. I've done a little research and uncovered some sites with free pictures with no copyright issues attached, but please ensure you read the ‘terms of use’ before you download them.
Dreamstime
Gratisography
New Old Stock
Free Nature Stock
Function
What hosts are available? There are plenty of free hosting blog builders that will help you create your blog or website from scratch and with ease. I used Webnode.com and have been more than satisfied with their services—it hasn’t cost me a cent. Other sites like Blogger.com, Wordpress.com, SimpleSite.com, Tumblr.com, and Wix.com are used widely as you may know. If you would like to use your own domain name, you will need to pay for it. Here’s a useful site which shares information on blog hosts: Web Hosting Free Reviews
What kinds of Writer Blogs are out there? There are blogs that teach the writer’s craft, those that talk of the writer’s life, others that write about current issues, some which share their experiences, others that write how-to articles, some which focus on book reviews and more. Fiction writers may share snippets of their stories to hook their readers or even serialise their work through a regular blog. When I started blogging, what a blessing it was to discover that God made it part of my ministry. It was a gift from Him, and has grown me and shaped me as a writer. But we are unique beings—called by God to different tasks. So follow His heart for yourself, not for anyone else. Your blog and mine will be vastly different. And that’s exactly how it should be.
A few Good Blogging Practices:
1. Determine the length of your blog. 300 – 600 words is a good number.
2. Images will add to the blog—use them.
3. Ask a question at the end or lead them to take action
4. Make it easy for others to share—make it public on Facebook
5. Link up with other writers’ blogs
6. Create a free email newsletter
7. Invite other writers to write guest blogs on your site—a good way of joining hands (and words) with other writers!
I hope I've whet your writerly appetite to discover if blogging is something beneficial to you as a writer. Everything we do as Christian writers must be in response to a call from God. Is He calling you to start one? There are many of us bloggers on CWD and ACW who would be very glad to pitch in if you need a hand. So if you believe God is calling you to it, do jump right in. And may your expedition be God breathed, exhilarating and worthwhile.
If you have other things in your life—family, friends, good productive day work—these can interact with your writing and the sum will be all the richer.”
David Brin
“Writing is its own reward.” – Henry Miller
“Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.”
Barbara Kingsolver
Thanks for a comprehensive post Anusha. You're such a wonderful example of a good and faithful servant. You've kept up with your blog even when you've been ill or other difficult life experiences have come your way. And I know your words have blessed so many people, including me. May God bless you 100-fold for your faithfulness to him. You're an inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteBless you Nola. You warm my heart. Thanks so much for your kind words. I have to admit that God's used blogging to bless me too and to teach me more than a few things in my own walk with Him. Was feeling a bit discouraged this morning, so your words were balm to my spirit. Thanks so much. :)And thank you too for your wonderful instructive blogs for us writers which have taught me lots.
ReplyDeleteHi Anusha, blogging is its own reward, for certain. It's great when something which fulfills all the functions you've mentioned also leaves a nice record we can delve back into. Also, check out Pixabay to add to your sources for free images. They have a really comprehensive and excellent selection too.
ReplyDeleteHi Paula. You are a great and faithful blogger too I know. Bless you for all the book reviews you have been doing of late on your special blog which would have helped the authors as well as their readers. Thanks for the tip on Pixabay. I shall have a look. Bless you. :)
DeleteThanks for an informative and inspiring post, Anusha. Your faithfulness in blogging is an inspiration & wonderful that it blesses you as well as many others. You are so right to, there are so many great resources available today that anyone can blog and as writers,there are many great reasons for doing so :)
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Jenny. Yes, we are indeed blessed aren't we to live in this 21st century world where plenty of useful information is just one click away. My grandmother would not believe it if she were alive today! :) Thank you so much for your generous words Jenny. Bless you.
DeleteWise words, dear Anusha,with some special added insights. Much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear Rita for reading and responding. Bless you. :)
DeleteAnusha, excellent post! Thanks for sharing your helpful tips and love for blogging with us :)
ReplyDeleteHi Narelle. Good to hear from you. So glad you liked it. Blessings on your writing journey. :)
DeleteSorry I am so late in commenting, Anusha. Loved your post and looked up a couple of the free image sites I hadn't been aware of - very helpful. Thank you! Looking forward to hopefully meeting you in person at the Sydney writer's conference :)
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret. I am a firm believer in 'better late than never' so thank you for reading and responding. :) Very glad to hear you liked my post and I'm happt to hear you looked up the sites of those free images. Great to know you are coming for the conference in October Margaret. Looking forward to finally meeting in person. :) Blessings on your writing journey and see you soon.
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