tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post2905930244526176082..comments2024-03-29T03:42:04.742-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Can Blogging Help Unpublished Writers Develop a Readership?Jody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-87740009323363504282019-12-23T13:31:58.946-05:002019-12-23T13:31:58.946-05:00Wow! What a beautiful list of information. Too muc...Wow! What a beautiful list of information. Too much. A good thing is how much I’ve learned from this. It’s that good!. Could you share your review on!<a href="penzu.com/public/ca96e3f1%E2%80%9D" rel="nofollow"> What Are the benefits of bloging for business</a><br />Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02813842414590102138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-84015439134849498592013-06-10T14:54:47.436-04:002013-06-10T14:54:47.436-04:00i agree....i agree....Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01661604334073619548noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-84511192802688810582012-07-03T16:52:24.766-04:002012-07-03T16:52:24.766-04:00Hi Kara! Thanks for stopping by. So glad that post...Hi Kara! Thanks for stopping by. So glad that post was inspiring! If we're not having fun at blogging and remaining true to ourselves, then I think our readers are going to sense that eventually.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-89818186892730190032012-07-02T14:04:25.055-04:002012-07-02T14:04:25.055-04:00I love one of the final paragraphs ("But unti...I love one of the final paragraphs ("But until that point...") and find it very calming. I am presently a journalist/photographer and teacher but also an aspiring children's author. I've been blogging for 2 years and recently reading more about how to improve, build readership, etc. but the truth is my blog--like my life--is not narrowly focused enough to fit into the advice of many other bloggers. I'd been feeling like it's unlikely to ever have a larger following, but your post reminded me to keep my blog true to me and there are still rewards to be had from doing it (and loving it)!Karahttp://rogueanthropologist.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-41357820055453491562010-03-15T05:40:11.787-04:002010-03-15T05:40:11.787-04:00It's true. That when I started blogging, I was...It's true. That when I started blogging, I was trying to develop a platform. (Even though I had no idea what that was then.) <br /> <a href="http://www.workathomeforum.in" rel="nofollow"> work at home in india </a>Nishanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12461392896444120934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-71792324927671424572010-03-12T06:58:08.657-05:002010-03-12T06:58:08.657-05:00Writing is a solitary activity and blogging helps ...Writing is a solitary activity and blogging helps me connect with others. I also use it as a warm up exercise before I start writing on my WIP. Anything that gets words flowing from my fingers is a win!EmilyBryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03542349086762747179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-67923338257399379662010-03-11T15:17:53.531-05:002010-03-11T15:17:53.531-05:00Agreed. When I began, wasn't much talk about ...Agreed. When I began, wasn't much talk about platforms and marketing. So it was more about finding and being part of a community of booklovers, readers and writers. Through my blog, I've had the opportunity to connect with lots of folks in publishing that I otherwise might not have. I also been able to garner advice and encouragement from both writers and non-writers on this writing journey. I love it.<br /><br />I think that's why a website is important for the published (or soon-to-be) author, not the aspirantrade. That, to me, is more about marketing oneself and selling one's books (although of course a blog is good for this too).PatriciaWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-14353942194022290232010-03-10T20:08:49.875-05:002010-03-10T20:08:49.875-05:00Jody -- Great post, and great conversation here in...Jody -- Great post, and great conversation here in the comments. (I love reading through and finding new blogs to follow!)<br /><br />I do think most of blogging is about connecting with others who are on the same journey. But I also feel like I'm building my readership for when my book is published. Who said we can't do both? :)<br /><br />I actually just changed my blog from Aspiring Writer, which attracted almost all writers, to The Traveling Writer, which I'm hoping will attract both writers AND travelers. Since I'm writing a travel memoir, travelers are more of my audience. And I enjoy building relationships with both of those groups of people!Alexis Granthttp://www.alexisgrant.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-43160541205645341212010-03-09T15:18:33.270-05:002010-03-09T15:18:33.270-05:00I don't blog to create a platform, either. I ...I don't blog to create a platform, either. I knew going in that without a published book behind it, my chances of attracting any followers to a writing blog were slim. But I started one anyway because I enjoyed the authosphere community. And I realized, after a certain period of leaving serious comments on other people's blogs, that if I really wanted to have my own say, having a blog was the best way to get it. Whether or not people would listen was another story.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-47610580916924040492010-03-09T13:20:24.101-05:002010-03-09T13:20:24.101-05:00I absolutely agree with this post! Excellent!!!
Be...I absolutely agree with this post! Excellent!!!<br />Before I became a writer I never thought about who wrote the book (possibly because I was young? Maybe older readers think about authors?)<br />Anyway, I like to keep to a schedule with blogging and I've also bought fellow bloggers' books for support, but I honestly don't consider my blogging network to be a readership.<br />You all are so varied and unique in what you write that I know if and when I get pubbed, some of you will like my work and some of you will not. But we'll still be blogging buddies. :-) That's what I love about it.<br />But I do think it's useful for having a web presence.Jessica Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12365768876905444157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-44343840495539340962010-03-09T12:42:49.872-05:002010-03-09T12:42:49.872-05:00I agree. I blog because I like to write and I like...I agree. I blog because I like to write and I like the friendships I find with others. I enjoy making a little money from my blogs as well so I can support my writing habit:)Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03925811510913201292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-77151398805952142952010-03-09T11:17:11.039-05:002010-03-09T11:17:11.039-05:00Totally agree. In fact, in a backwards way, that&#...Totally agree. In fact, in a backwards way, that's what my own blog post is about today...CKHBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17741681893677604323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-80100041215086006622010-03-09T11:09:22.094-05:002010-03-09T11:09:22.094-05:00This is a wonderful post. I started blogging for f...This is a wonderful post. I started blogging for fun. I ended up putting pressure on myself to blog every day or keep to a tight schedule. Sure, the discipline is needed (much needed) but I was beginning to feel bad about not blogging the days I said I would. I'm changing a lot in my life at the moment so there are some days I'm just not able to blog for one reason or another. I'm feeling better about it and realizing that blogging is an outlet, a way to support and meet others, and have fun while doing so. When I do have a reader base, I'm sure I'll change a little of what I write to include them. That's only fair. They want to know about the author and about what they're doing next. I'll let the changes happen as this writing thing grows.<br /><br />JenJenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06683486631901017529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4497011632530619392010-03-09T11:08:14.728-05:002010-03-09T11:08:14.728-05:00I do agree with you. I started blogging mainly for...I do agree with you. I started blogging mainly for the support of other writers and to learn about publication, not with the express intention of building up a readership. I wanted to know first whether I had "it" and whether I could keep up with the other talented authors here, aspiring or not, and to make friends and find a critique group. Someday if I get published, my readers will be most welcome, but until then (and if it never happens) I will have had so much fun writing and networking with people who love and understand what I do.Julie Daohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13814052162359300933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-87085701313796394112010-03-09T10:42:37.067-05:002010-03-09T10:42:37.067-05:00I think there are as many reasons for blogging as ...I think there are as many reasons for blogging as there are bloggers. The least appealing among those reasons, imho, is for the sole purpose of building a platform. If that is what you are doing, it will show in your writing and probably turn people away. Blogging is about creating community, and in so doing, that community might become part of your readership. As with any type of writing, a blog must be authentic, from the heart and genuinely "yours." If it's just a marketing tool, a static website is probably best.<br /><br />That said, I do think it is important for authors to have at least some social media presence, whether that includes a blog or not. Readers are becoming more accustomed to being able to find out more about the "person" behind the author and that desire can only increase over time.<br /><br />One important aspect of blogging for unpublished authors that hasn't been touched on yet is the fact that it is a huge learning curve. It may be simple to set up a blog, but developing a quality blog - customizing themes, adding features, getting up to speed on the etiquette of blogging, linking to other forms of social media, and most importantly, finding your blogging voice, take time and practice. I've only been blogging for 4 months, and I still have tons to learn. It would be beyond overwhelming to try to do all of that learning at the same time your book is coming out. Far better to test the waters and make mistakes with your early blog readers (most likely friends and family) than your customers (people who purchase your book).<br /><br />The focus of my blog may change after I am published, but even if it does, I'll be grateful that I'm not starting from scratch.Juliehttp://www.writeupmylife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-6466134429167718632010-03-09T10:25:00.562-05:002010-03-09T10:25:00.562-05:00You make great points, Jody (as usual). I started...You make great points, Jody (as usual). I started blogging because I thought I was "supposed to" and ended up getting so much more from it. So now, I don't blog because I think it will sell my future books, I blog for all those reasons you listed: support, learning, building friendships, and well, I like it. :)<br /><br />However, I do think that having a good blog definitely can't hurt, especially if you are trying to get with any of the e-publishers. For a publisher to know that you have taken the initiative to market yourself a bit and aren't afraid of the internet can only be seen as a positive. :)Roni Lorenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02719679344024635326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76716954782590082782010-03-09T10:21:23.521-05:002010-03-09T10:21:23.521-05:00I totally agree!
My blog is NOT going make me beco...I totally agree!<br />My blog is NOT going make me become a published writer. But it has given me strength to attempt more writing because I have support when I do from other writers.<br />I don't think I would have ever decided to start to be a contributor to a popular website (Not mine, MMB) If it was NOT for the support I felt about my writing.<br />It is a great feeling!Cluttered Brainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13068569346668780952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-20301509273949535892010-03-09T07:33:13.488-05:002010-03-09T07:33:13.488-05:00Jody, I totally agree. My blog isn't going to ...Jody, I totally agree. My blog isn't going to make me a writer nor increase me as a writer. But, just think how excited my loyal followers will be when I do get published again. woo who.T. Powell Coltrinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02160774009926623671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-37899566029163811982010-03-09T06:26:49.019-05:002010-03-09T06:26:49.019-05:00Thanks for some useful pointers. I blog as part of...Thanks for some useful pointers. I blog as part of a team, some published, some aspiring. That takes away a bit of the pressure and increases the social part.Roderic Vincenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06519267912305907364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-69998483906347397342010-03-08T21:58:08.208-05:002010-03-08T21:58:08.208-05:00Jody! James Scott Bell commented on your post!!! H...Jody! James Scott Bell commented on your post!!! How cool is that? I go through waves of wondering if blogging is worth the time involved. But I love the interaction and encouragement and will continue...for ME! :)Sherrinda Ketchersidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07581676437345249386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-37882440924530851802010-03-08T21:55:28.960-05:002010-03-08T21:55:28.960-05:00My blogging has evolved over the years from stress...My blogging has evolved over the years from stressing about building a readership to not worrying about one at all and blogging whatever I wanted. I think as a writer who some day plans on being published, I need to find a happy medium. And I'm always conscious of attracting non writers, though haven't' figured out the magic formula.Gina Conroyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13647753231391009981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33829945598529701152010-03-08T21:55:19.534-05:002010-03-08T21:55:19.534-05:00All so true, Jody. Thank you! I like to see what&#...All so true, Jody. Thank you! I like to see what's true for me for right now...and then let that be the end of it. I have friends that comment on Facebook and aren't blogging regularly, but want to jump into the conversation. I used to think I should be doing more, but now? I've got to earn my stripes by keeping my 'butt in the chair' and getting it done!gael lynchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08109953416971003657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-52450245284152198822010-03-08T21:38:29.345-05:002010-03-08T21:38:29.345-05:00This is a very good question and one that I have a...This is a very good question and one that I have asked myself frequently. <br />I love what William Zinnser says: Be sure to have a good time. If you're having a good time, the reader will sense it and enjoy what you write. (That's a paraphrase, but a pretty good summary of what he says in Writing About Your Life)Cassandra Frearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16564236561567663914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-24985796802720929612010-03-08T18:37:47.626-05:002010-03-08T18:37:47.626-05:00I love your point here, Jody. It will be very inte...I love your point here, Jody. It will be very interesting to see how readerships change blogs. <br /><br />Blogging is dialogue-based. As long as there is real conversation going on, a blog will flourish. Often that conversation takes place in the comments section, but just as often we are "talking" by exchanging posts on subjects that interest all of us.<br /><br />My question is: will readers want to talk to authors in public forums like blogs, or will they prefer to communicate privately? Nonfiction topics like writing tend to elicit discussion, but a reader's reaction to a novel is often visceral and private.Rosslyn Elliotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11304732306399786236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-14697252693819162872010-03-08T18:37:06.321-05:002010-03-08T18:37:06.321-05:00I was just having this conversation with my husban...I was just having this conversation with my husband! Too funny. You are awesome, Jody. I have an award for you at my blog. :-)Shannon O'Donnellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17299313309059235876noreply@blogger.com