Posts
Today I've been thinking a lot about the art of blogging. At least, I think it's an art. Do you 'follow' many blogs? I have some of my favorites listed on this blog, but then I go to a lot of others just to see what is going on with them. Most of the ones that interest me the most are professional blogs...professional in terms of the writing community: other writers both published and not, editors and agents.
But have you ever thought about the differences in the blogs that you read? Differences in appearance, in what they blog about, in the kind of professionalism ( or not) they display. No two ever seem to be similar. One I go to has lots of personal photos, contests...most that are made up by the blogger...personal thoughts, etc. Another one is almost nothing but interviews and book reports, all about the writing world. A third is just...umm, well, silly. Nothing professional at all, yet she is a professional.
What does all that mean? Or does it mean anything? I keep hearing about how we are supposed to build a "platform" in blogging, if we are or are trying to be professional writers. I don't know about you, but the only "platforms" I know about ( that aren't the kind you walk on) are political, so I'm not real sure what a "platform" is supposed to be in writing.
So I blog about the things that are important to me, as a writer. Oh, and I guess I can't forget the 'teacher' part, because being a teacher is something that never leaves me. I blog about things all writers need to learn, and hope...very sincerely hope...that the writer who reads about them will "learn something new." Or, if it's not new, perhaps it is just explained in a way that will be easier to comprehend.
I blog about plots, dialogue, characters, setting, research...the things we all need to know and perfect. ( Not that I have perfected ANY of those things !). A friend told me that I was "predictable"...hmmm...okay, maybe I am predictable, but maybe that's also my "platform?" Is that good or bad? I have no idea. I don't think there is a right or wrong way to blog if you are a professional. I think you have to write...blog...about what's important to you, and what you'd like for others to take away from your blog.
At least, that's how I feel about my blog. What about you? Do you have a "platform?"
Think about it. Let me know.
I don't know if it will help, but I guest blogged about creating a breakout blog over at Guide to Literary Agents: http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/Creating+The+Breakout+Blog+A+Platform+Guide+For+The+PrePublished+Writer.aspx
ReplyDeleteA platform is basically making a name for youself and creating a strong network/follower/fan base that you can utilize to help promote your book when the time comes. Making yourself well known either online or in real life as a writing professional makes it more attractive to publishers to take your book on. They see that you have already done some of the promoting work for them by creating this platform network that will help launch your product and boost sales by 'word of mouth', hosting events (blog tours, visits, etc) and hopefully spread the word about you as an author in ways that translate into better sales.