I've heard both sides of this question very thoroughly debated, and I have come to the conclusion that...well, it depends.
When I first decided I would try this novel thing out, I hadn't the first clue about blogging or websites...or writing anything for that matter. All I knew is I wanted to write. And I did.
As I wrote, I read. And as I read, I began to become more and more interested in the author behind the story, since I wanted to be one myself. I headed to the Internet to learn more, and low and behold, author blogs were born to me.
My eyes were suddenly opened to a whole new world of writing 'dos and don'ts', as well as the camaraderie I so desperately craved from other like-minded people.
So I began a blog of my own.
Did it make me famous? No.
Do I expect agents to come knocking down my door because they love my blog? Umm, no.
Do I expect my massive following of 468 (of which I may be lucky to get 30 or so of them to check out my blog daily) to push my sales through the roof when I finally do get a book deal (I'm an optimist, what can I say:)? That would be a big fat no as well.
BUT
Has it done those things for other authors? Well, sure.
Has it taught me oodles of information on the craft, the writing market, finding a critique group, what a beta is, finding an agent, getting published, not giving up, querying...and the list goes on? Heck yes!
So is blogging important to your writing? I can't answer that for you. But, for me, I would have to say a big resounding, YES! I have learned so much through the outlet it provides, I don't know what I would do without the blogs I browse to teach me. I wasn't lucky enough to get a degree in Creative Writing...or even finish college for that matter (though I hope to one day). So I consider what I learn through blogs, sites and helpful links, my schooling. Of course the occasional writers conference doesn't hurt either. And when I go there and meet people, I go home and check out their blogs if they have one.
I love blogging.
I know it isn't for everyone. And even if it is for you, there is a fine line between blogging to help you write and blogging taking away your time to write. We all have to learn our limits.
What about you? Is blogging important to your writing? And if so, how?
22 comments:
Hell yeah! Blogging has improved my writing soooooo much. I've learnt things I would never have learnt on my own and has given me the chance to test out my query letter and see what was wrong with it. Great stuff!
Blogging is definitely important to me. I began my blog as an extension of my novel, in that the blog's focus explores a theme of the book. The blog has become my main online hub as I connect with such a great community of readers and writers.
I think it's another important aspect of writing today. Like you said, it gets you out of your insular writing world and exposes you to what other writers are doing. You learn and grow as a writer through that exposure. You mentally gear up for another day of writing with the support of your fellow bloggers. You can even enter writing contests on them.
I debate this topic every day. My blog is separate from my novel, a place where I can vent, dream, or shoot the breeze about whatever is on my mind. It forces me to write on a consistent basis.
But then again, it takes valuable time away from my "real" goals, at the moment, editing my novel.
Someday I hope to change my blog into a platform for me as a published writer. Until then, it's just fun.
I love blogging. It's also writing, and any kind of writing is good in my book. You just have to make sure that you are not devoting too much time away from your real project.
Your blog post? You put down in words exactly what I was thinking the last couple weeks.
I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for blogging. I've met the best CP's, had endless advice from reading and connecting with other bloggers, and have read books that I otherwise would have overlooked!
BUT writing is still more important because without that we would have no story to try to sell :)
Just do what you feel comfortable with and have fun!
I suspect you already know my opinion on this, given our history together. That being said, THANK YOU for helping me get my act together. Because of you I joined the blogging world. It has truly changed my life.
I'm still learning my limits. Blogging has taken a lot of time away from my writing, but I'm taking it back now, and the balance is the best of both worlds.
Love you, Deana!
Love your new picture!!
I feel the same way you do. I've learned so much and connected with a ton of people that have great friends.
This exactly!!! Blogging has changed SO much for me, most importantly it's given me the best critique partners I could have hoped for. There is something about meeting like-minded people, and before I started blogging I had NO IDEA this world was out there. LOVE IT! :)
I quit blogging for awhile just becasue it's such a time suck. But I found I missed my friends, and I wanted to read their blogs anyway, so I may as well blog while I'm at it :)
I started blogging so that I could learn more about writing. I felt like I didn't have any idea what I was doing, and blogging has the benifit of learning from other writers experiences.
I agree! Now, I only post once a week, at most, so it's not like I blog a lot. And I get a great deal of comments every time, even if I'm not able to make the rounds. But it's not so much what I have to offer, or the "platform" I might be building (yeah, that's a stretch), but rather it's about the relationships I'm building. I doubt many would buy my book should it ever sell. I don't write in their genre. It's just that I get so much from these people, so much advice and support. You can't put a value on that. It's priceless!
I'm with you--blogging has taught me SO much about writing and the editing process and everything. Yay for all the awesome bloggers out there!
I totally agree. It was a little daunting in the beginning- but mostly, I think it's been exhilarating- just learning how to design the online presence for our book- reflecting back to the world what my co-author and I envisioned. I've learned so much about the literary marketplace, I've met some really great people, and read some awesome posts. Great post! Thanks for sharing! ~ Jess
I agree! I have to neglect blogging sometimes to get writing done on my novels, but I always miss it!
Hi there!
I just wanted to let you know that I left you awards over at my blog!!
Pop on over and get em' :)
Yes, blogging is important to my writing in several ways. First, it prompts me to write in a way just the idea of writing for my craft did not. That means I generate ideas and get regularly scheduled practice, even through 'blocks'. I have also found that blogging introduced me to a whole new world of virtual and real time friends who support what I do, and encourage me, even help me.
This experience has been so valuable to me, and it is growing slowly but surely, in importance to my writing, both indirectly and directly.
I don't know that it's important to my writing so much as the actual process is concerned, but I feel that the networking and community aspect is important in terms of reassurance and feeling that I'm not alone out there in my struggle with the written word. :)
I've met some really interesting people and have gained tons of information through visiting other people's blogs.
Blogging has given me a community of like-minded people who 'get' what I'm aiming at. That's priceless!
~Debbie
I was blogaphobic big time, but once I dove in - nothing but pearls.
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