tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post485869517438573782..comments2024-03-28T03:02:16.508-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: 5 Qualities Successful Blogs Have in CommonJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13235293149426506752022-08-29T02:23:52.842-04:002022-08-29T02:23:52.842-04:00I think nowadays, the community has advanced in a ...I think nowadays, the community has advanced in a manner that they will buy what they see. In the old days, people were in their learning stage and they enjoyed reading more. The current Era is soo advanced that they prefer to utilize their time for more productivity <br />I am not saying that blogs shouldn't be there, I am suggesting that instead of reading long blogs, we should stick our blogs straight to the point. So that we don't have to work for the long length of the blog, and the reader should understand the main purpose of the blog. Chris Greenwaltyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03962200241851522811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-1396867390877810302016-07-22T10:03:57.466-04:002016-07-22T10:03:57.466-04:00This post has given me some very helpful tips on h...This post has given me some very helpful tips on how to maintain my blog. Thank you for your commissions over the years to keep us updated on very important matters. It is indeed a profitable creation having your blog. <a href="https://www.customwritingbay.com/9-cheap-writing-services/440-assignment-writing-assistance" rel="nofollow">Assignments Writing Assistance</a> Curtishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03576662660413223531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-38494810818800990482014-04-05T01:05:03.240-04:002014-04-05T01:05:03.240-04:00Thanks for posting the article...its really a good...Thanks for posting the article...its really a good tip....http://www.manjugroups.com....villas in chennai,plots in chennai,Great post..its usefulEmmiliy123http://www.manjugroups.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-82662578962200339932014-03-23T07:45:33.759-04:002014-03-23T07:45:33.759-04:00I used to post three times a week, but now down to...I used to post three times a week, but now down to one-two times. I won't post when I can't interact with commenters and visit other blogs, so the new schedule gives me more free time.<br />I do post for writers with the Insecure Writer's Support Group, but otherwise I post fun stuff, with regular segments about books and movies. You're right that consistency is key.<br />Blogging is still effective though. Last month my publisher did a sale on one of my titles and advertised it several places. I announced the first day of the sale on my blog, which was before any of the ads, and all three of my books shot up in rankings because my followers spread the news. Big time. Of course, none of that happens unless one is supportive and reciprocating.Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-55749049559324824882014-03-20T20:00:16.785-04:002014-03-20T20:00:16.785-04:00So glad I stumbled upon this particular post. Jod...So glad I stumbled upon this particular post. Jody, I've had your website bookmarked for quite a while, but have tended to focus on the blogs whose authors have posted on mine ... that reciprocity you mentioned above. I remember when Kristin announced that if we bloggers posted three times a week, our numbers would go up. I tried -- actually, I only thought about it -- but it just did not fit with my life. My commitment for this year is to post faithfully each Wednesday. Sometimes it takes a full week for the conversation to run its course. Sometimes I get only a very few comments. I believe building a following takes time and I'm willing to give it the time, another few years probably, posting once a week and checking in daily to read any comments and reply. I have introduced guest bloggers this year, one a month. My biggest challenge is that my topic -- cultural differences -- is often an uncomfortable one and not everyone's cup of tea. Still, I persevere. Thanks for a timely post. Janet Givenshttp://www.janetgivens.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-35356797755238496652014-03-13T06:58:43.491-04:002014-03-13T06:58:43.491-04:00Ha - Saw a retweet of this post and favorited it b...Ha - Saw a retweet of this post and favorited it by a slip of the finger on my iPad. Read the post and was I glad I did.<br /><br />I followed a similar path to yours - starting with a post a day, winding down to one a week. For the last few years I don't even post once a month.<br /><br />I started at Open Salon and was lucky to have Salon itself pick up three of my posts - which led to some good things. Unfortunately, Open Salon has fallen into ruin, with no link to the magazine. It's a shame. <br /><br />I read a lot of blogs on writing and it's obvious that most of their audience is other writers. So I don't imagine blogging sells a lot of books. That said. blogging consistently did improve my writing, at least in the first few years. John Manchesterhttp://johnkmanchester.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-86192225431307970562014-03-12T17:52:35.233-04:002014-03-12T17:52:35.233-04:00Thanks for the great advice! I recently began acti...Thanks for the great advice! I recently began actively blogging my book reviews (including Rebellious Heart!) and I'm always looking for things I can improve.<br /><br />http://heidi-reads.blogspot.comHeidi Reads...https://www.blogger.com/profile/02572805983285715116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-42594757016165717252014-03-12T13:53:59.864-04:002014-03-12T13:53:59.864-04:00I'm still new to blogging (and writing for any...I'm still new to blogging (and writing for anyone other than myself), but I've found my blog to be a huge help to my writing in general. Making the transition from journaling alone in my room to writing for an audience has created some much-needed intentionality in my writing. Rather than writing down whatever comes to mind, I'm developing the ability to sit and craft my content into something that would actually benefit readers.<br /><br />The first few posts on my blog (ok, maybe more than a few) are very much written for myself. Now, I'm able to stop and think about whether my words are of any use to my audience. More than that, my blog has helped me define exactly who my audience is and what my voice is when writing to this audience.Meganhttp://survivingtherealworld.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-62821980391133570762014-03-11T22:54:27.260-04:002014-03-11T22:54:27.260-04:00I may be in the minority, but I purchased two of y...I may be in the minority, but I purchased two of your ebooks based solely on the exposure I received from your blog.<br /><br />I imagine it's hard for fiction writers to gain a platform via social media in general.Andrew Gilmorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04537644983592180976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-52032941516589212262014-03-11T22:02:23.887-04:002014-03-11T22:02:23.887-04:00Thanks for sharing your blogging story, Stina! How...Thanks for sharing your blogging story, Stina! How has focusing on your genre worked for drawing readers? Have you gleaned any interest from non-writing readers?Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-35999792733318368602014-03-11T22:01:00.298-04:002014-03-11T22:01:00.298-04:00Hi Barbara,
Yes, I definitely think there's ...Hi Barbara, <br /><br />Yes, I definitely think there's a difference for blogging for non-fiction versus fiction. Non-fiction can draw in readers who have specific needs, and the blogger can become the "expert" of sorts regarding those needs. Sounds like you're on track with your focus! Wishing you all the best!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7396044621843044002014-03-11T21:31:17.847-04:002014-03-11T21:31:17.847-04:00Hi Joanne,
Yes, I truly don't think that most...Hi Joanne,<br /><br />Yes, I truly don't think that most average readers really care a whole lot about an author's blog! I think some of my non-writing readers stop by from time to time. But it's a very minute percentage. And most of my sales come through other venues. Blogging has a limited scope (as does all social media, really).<br /><br />Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for your very sweet words!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-3513144432691069432014-03-11T21:28:21.435-04:002014-03-11T21:28:21.435-04:00Hi Melissa,
Sorry the blog is giving you a hassle...Hi Melissa,<br /><br />Sorry the blog is giving you a hassle! It seems to do that selectively from time to time.<br /><br />I haven't read Kristen's Rise of the Machines. But I really love Kristen. We've been friends through this whole blogging/social media journey. And I appreciate all her wisdom and advice.<br /><br />But I'm not sure that I would necessarily agree that blogging has made ME a better and faster writer. For me, blogging is an entirely different beast than my novels. I workout different muscles for each. And I honestly have to say that the way that I've grown the most in my ability to write faster and better novels is simply by writing one novel after the next. <br />Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-49399495831157411702014-03-11T18:48:21.015-04:002014-03-11T18:48:21.015-04:00I'm blogging story is the same. My followers w...I'm blogging story is the same. My followers were favored all kinds off genres, but kept visiting because I wrote for writers (not readers), and because I commented back. But then I lost my domain and had to start all over again. I stopped blogging about writing (except on the Querytracker blog) and focused on my genre. I loved blogging, but with my old blog, I was spending 12 + hours a week at it. Now that I have deadlines, that's 12 hours I can't spend on just blogging anymore.Stinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11415189347501942340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-22352617985407857372014-03-11T17:03:22.721-04:002014-03-11T17:03:22.721-04:00I enjoyed reading this. I appreciate you making a ...I enjoyed reading this. I appreciate you making a distinction between blogging about non -fiction vs fiction. My website is a means to attempt to interest readers in my Non-fiction memoir. I add a historical "tidbit" monthly and then tweet and add FB posts about the new "tidbit." I include a short excerpt from the book so readers can determine if the book would interest them. I also hope it will generate interest in the sequel I am working on. Barbara Anne Waitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00315596391096525442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-71025066890862126562014-03-11T15:47:56.353-04:002014-03-11T15:47:56.353-04:00I used to post three times a week, but have now cu...I used to post three times a week, but have now cut back to the once. I too have read Kristin Lamb's blog and know she has a different slant (as one of the commentators mention,) but in truth, you've hit the mark here perfectly, Jody. Our blogs draw less readers, and more writers to them. Of course, writers are readers, and they too buy books. But I've noticed the exact same things as you have. It's not our blog that sells books. It's our books that sell books. Gotta write.<br /><br />I will continue to blog once a week because I enjoy it, but I no longer put aside important writing time to prepare three blogs a week.<br /><br />By the way, love your blog. Keep up the posts. :) Joanne Wadsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05422228560824891854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-1443296499432962662014-03-11T12:19:22.124-04:002014-03-11T12:19:22.124-04:00PS I don't want to be anonymous, but I can'...PS I don't want to be anonymous, but I can't figure out how to comment in any other "mode." My name is Melissa Lewicki.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-34388368832128970572014-03-11T12:17:45.821-04:002014-03-11T12:17:45.821-04:00Have you read Kristin Lamb's Rise of the Machi...Have you read Kristin Lamb's Rise of the Machines? She has a different slant. She says blogging makes a writer a better writer--faster, leaner. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-68397105515644911582014-03-11T08:38:21.901-04:002014-03-11T08:38:21.901-04:00Hi Traci,
It seems that once a week is very manag...Hi Traci,<br /><br />It seems that once a week is very manageable, at least that's what I've found. I can easily post something and respond to comments, but it doesn't cut into the bulk of my writing work. <br /><br />That's great to hear that you've had an increase in traffic since you've become more focused. The growth of my blog has been very gradual and steady over the years. And even with cutting back to once a week, I've noticed I still continue to grow. Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76269258622807920312014-03-11T08:35:43.001-04:002014-03-11T08:35:43.001-04:00Hi Natalie,
Yes, having book giveaways can draw L...Hi Natalie,<br /><br />Yes, having book giveaways can draw LOTS of readers. Whenever I do giveaways, readers flock to my site. But I've noticed they don't keep coming back. They come for the giveaway and then that's pretty much it! :-)<br /><br />As far as finding a community of bloggers, I think that's key especially in the beginning of blogging. It's a good way to start to building relationships with reciprocal commenting and visiting on blogs. However, for many bloggers, it's difficult to enlarge that circle of friends. Not everyone wants to, and that's okay! They're content with the community they have formed. But for those who want to continue to grow their readership, it takes a bit more work.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-82566315465070049222014-03-11T07:46:58.532-04:002014-03-11T07:46:58.532-04:00I agree. I've dropped down to once a week now....I agree. I've dropped down to once a week now. I find more writers visit my site so I try and give them some useful links for various genres and writing. I have had an increase in traffic since doing this and can use my time for more writing rather than scrambling to figure out a topic to post for that week.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13134207130107912591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-52066931888530133352014-03-11T07:09:32.369-04:002014-03-11T07:09:32.369-04:00Like you, I've cut back to mostly posting once...Like you, I've cut back to mostly posting once or twice a week. While I don't think a blog is the only way to build a platform, I think it is a great way to develop more in-depth friendships. And hopefully these will help you when you do have a book deal. <br /><br />I've been lucky to draw in some readers because I focus so much on books and book giveaways. And we have a lot of writers use Casey's agent spotlights <br /><br />I'd add to your list finding a community of bloggers to follow. Because if you don't follow other bloggers, it's less likely they will stop at your blog.Natalie Aguirrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03756087804171246660noreply@blogger.com