Thursday

Is Blogging Worth the Effort?

I recently had someone ask me if I found the blogging community beneficial in my writing process. Has it helped me sell any books? My answer to that is it has helped me get the word out and that is how you sell books. Most of my followers are fellow writers and let’s face it, we can’t buy every book from every writer. But what we can do is help each other by making our audiences aware.

Having my blog has given me a platform to announce what’s going with me writing wise. It has also been essential in hooking me up with other writers as well as some great friends. I’ve learned patience and discipline by having a blog. I’ve also received a lot of great tips from other writers along the way by some of my own posts as well as when I visit other peoples blogs. There is nothing more enjoyable to me then to discuss literature with fellow writers who are just as passionate as myself.

I admit, I was very leery about starting a blog in the beginning. I wasn’t sure I’d ever have anything to say and I still struggle with that. It’s hard for me to believe I have anything interesting to say that other writers would be interested in. However, it is getting easier and easier as the weeks/months pass and receiving comments back on my posts is like receiving a nice Christmas present! Yay… someone read my post and felt compelled to take time from their busy day to comment! That feels great to me.

My fellow bloggers have become a great source of information for me as well as a great support system. So to all those writers who are contemplating starting a blog or wondering if it’s all worth it, I believe it is. After all, it does give me another reason to write every week! And that alone is worth the effort.

A shout out of thanks to all my followers for their support! But what about you? Has having a blog been worth it to you?

19 comments:

  1. What a funny pic! LOL I enjoy blogging, too, even though I don't have a writing blog. It's theraputic for me :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I was hesitant for a long time, as well, about starting a blog. But I am loving it now. Connecting with so many other writer friends is so encouraging.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ruth,

      You are right. Blogging and connecting with fellow writers really helps keep us going!

      Delete
  3. I just started my blog 2 months ago, and I am so glad I did. It's been a great way to meet people and learn more about writing, as well as get some awesome books recommendations! It's a lot of work, but I think it's been well worth the effort.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nickie,

      Yep, blogging is alot of work but it definitely pays off in the long run.

      Delete
  4. I love blogging because it connects me to writers and readers. Even if it doesn't help sell books (though inevitably it will result in some sales), it becomes a support system, and that support system is worth so much. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I think blogging has been beneficial to me in many ways: giving me a sense of discipline that has been lacking in my writing..mainly because I'm retired and can write any old time I want to! On the other hand..I'm retired, so hubby and I can take off with our Porky Corgi any old time I want to, also...which tends to interfere with writing time LOL

    But blogging has also connected me to other writers and that's a great help, both personally and professionally. Hopefully, before too many more weeks ( or months), I'll have good news from my publisher, and I can start to talk about my historical novel!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mikki,
      Ooh, I hope you get good news too from your publisher. I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya.

      I totally understand what your saying about being retired and being able to do whatever you want and sometimes that takes you away from your writing. I'm having the same problem but admit... blogging is helping me stay on track!

      Delete
  6. I think blogging is good, just because you're at least writing, and sharing tips that might help someone else. And you do meet some nice people. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I was hesitant, too, because I hadn't had the experience of 'exposing' part of my inner self to strangers and I was also concerned if people might actually want to read what I thought. But blogging and interacting with fellow writers & readers have been utmost gratifying. I've loved sharing good books and receiving and giving support through the low times (for we all have quite a bit of those seasons) with my blogger friends. This warm community has surprised me in the very good way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Claudine,

      You are so right. I still can't believe anyone wants to read what I have to say but I want to read what they have to say... so I guess it's all relative!

      Delete
  8. Patience? Ahem...

    I agree with you completely in that I dont know that my blog has helped me actually sell books, but it has helped me get word out there that I have books to sell. It gets people interested, it gets being thinking and that, helps me sell books. That's not the only reason I blog though. Somedays it is very theraputic to just vent out some of the things that are on my mind. I love getting feedback and that helps a great deals.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Courtney,

      To me the best part of blogging is the feedback I get. Sometimes someone will say exactly what I needed to hear and then my day is made!

      Delete
  9. Thanks, Nickie. I'd love to participate but it will have to be on my next posting on Thursday.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love your title -- Freedom is blogging in your underwear. It is so true for blogging and writing. I retired 3 years ago to dedicate myself to my writing. I've been blessed with 3 more books since retirement...the third to be released SOON. When it comes to blogging, I started out once a week. It was pretty cool. Alot was going on in my life. I even received an email from a teacher in New York who was reading my blog to her class and they asked for a signed picture of myself. Talk about make me feel special. I did. And I know we all are special. God has a plan for each of us and mine is writing fiction in romance and mystery or suspense. I'm blessed with Oak Tara as my publisher. Their faith in God is as strong as mine and I know He connected us. -back to blogging- anyway I started out strong, but after 4 months of doing okay, I've slowed to once a month. I'm about to go do it. I hope the my writing tips I add in most of my blogs are helpful. As a writer for over 30 years, published for the last 5, I've heard and grown a lot in my writing and hope to be able to share with others. Blogging is fun too. I finally came to realize I have to write like everyone is interested. If they are, they'll read it, if not they won't. I don't show a lot of followers, but I get emails from people who don't list them self as a follower. The main thing is because of people like Allyn Stotz, I won't give up. All of her followers comments make me want to say -- keep on following her, keep on writing for those who do, and keep on blogging for therapy. Whatever the reason, it's a good thing. I'm going to pitch out my website www.author-deborahlynne.com which has my blogs listed as journal. If you care to read any of mine...feel free. I'd also love some comments.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awe, Deb, you are so nice! Goodluck with your new book release! I'll be right there doing the happy dance with ya.

      Delete