We highly recommend to all of our authors that they start a blog. This is one of the unique services we extend to our clients because we are convinced that blogs are essential tools for writers. We help our authors to understand what a blog is and how it can develop a presence for them on the Internet. Most of our authors have already written their books so the concept of a blog is a means for them to further establish a relationship with their reading audience and at the same time enable them to market and promote their book.
Occasionally we have authors come in to talk with us who haven't begun the process of writing their book. They've come to us for inspiration and guidance on starting this often overwhelming process. Being the bloggers we are, we can't think of a better way for a writer to start a book then to establish their own blog and begin posting to it. Using a blog to get the creative juices flowing is a perfect way for a writer's ideas to come together.
Nike had a great marketing line when they said to "Just do it." Having a site that is so easy to add content to enables a writer to "just do it." It allows the author to begin a process that they can get feedback on. A blog can help a writer to link to other writers who may be in the same stage of writing as they are. By doing this they can be part of a support unit that comes to them from the comfort of their own home.
Blogs offer a innovative and technological way to express the written word. Whether you've written a book or are in the early stages of conceptualizing one, start a blog and get going. We believe you'll only benefit from the new connections and information it will bring to you. Blog On!
I couldn't agree more and RSS is the proverbial icing on the cake.
Posted by: John Hood | January 13, 2006 at 06:32 AM
Maryanne, I'm so glad you posted this. I cannot tell you how much mileage I've gotten since starting my blog in June!
All of a sudden, my postings are showing up high on search engines; I'm meeting people with whom I'm doing collaborative ventures; I'm meeting all kinds of experts to work with; it's been a great way to make contact with journalists covering my field; etc., etc.
But I'd like you writers out there to note that I set up my blog AFTER writing my book.
Frankly, I think it can be quite overwhelming to finish a book and keep a blog at the same time. There's just NO WAY I ever could have gotten my book finished while launching my blog!
But now that my book is completed, I have more time to build my blog. In fact, I started the blog, based upon advice I received at a conference -- that a blog is a great way to build your platform.
It's truly an amazing way to obtain exposure you wouldn't otherwise get.
It's just so fun to make connections because of your blog. In fact, I "met" Yvonne back in July because of something I posted on my blog about her.
Anyhow, for authors, blogging is absolutely an awesome tool to get the word out about your work and mission, etc.
Good luck to you, fellow authors!
Connie
www.SugarShockBlog.com
Posted by: Connie | January 11, 2006 at 10:59 PM