Blogging 101 – Part 1
Introduction
Hey, you! Blog reader! Don’t look around. You know who I’m talking to.
Actually, today I’m talking to those of you who are either brand new at Blogging or are thinking about diving in and starting a Blog of your own.
Wait a minute, you say–Your little “Uphill Writing” is still pretty new, why should I listen to you?”
And to that I must reply… Fair question.
Here’s why. While I don’t have all the answers (does anyone?), and while I haven’t made a penny with this Blog (yet), I do have one advantage over many of the VERY MANY How-To’s out there. I’m in the middle of it now. The lessons I’ve learned—and am learning—are fresh. Not only that, but what I learn today I will add to this series tomorrow.
Unlike the “How To Build Your Own World” (for Science Fiction and Fantasy writers) where I ran for 6 posts a day for 7 days, this series may run a few full days, and then continue on sporadically as I learn more of the Tips and Tricks needed to make your Blog sing and dance.
It takes a special kind of person to write a successful Blog. Did that make you wince? Do you feel special? Don’t we all?
What this means is that you really need to commit to the process.
Make no mistake, while Blogging can be a once a week or once a month kind of thing, your chances of success * drop off exponentially if you have a sporadic posting habit. Some Bloggers feel they’re successful if they can get three or four regular readers, and at some level they are. However, if you are happy with that level of reader participation you might consider just starting an email list or Yahoo! Group.
Blogging is especially important to writers wishing to capture an audience. Writing to a deadline—albeit self-imposed—is good practice, and many agents consider postings to a Blog the equivalent to published articles… a great addition to your writer’s resume.
* Success in Blogging is measured in Readership, Reader Participation, and the number of other sites that quote you (authority) through links (Trackbacks).
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio... and isn't it time you experienced some of them?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Yay! A new series . . .
And, yes, I do feel SPECIAL ~ and I’m not even IRISH! : )
Of course, whether my blog will be successful enough to become a pot o’ gold ~ only the wee magical leprechaun within knows for sure.
Ricky,
This article reminded me that the Titanic was built and sunk by experts and the Noah’s Ark by amateurs.
I think your blog it is much bigger than what you think and the honesty, authenticity and perseverance of your writing is captivating.
(blush) That is very kind of you
{ 43 trackbacks }