If you're looking for the Guess That Character blogfest reveal, click here!This Sunday, author Nicola Morgan will be dropping by my blog as part of her talk on social networking at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. I thought it only fitting to post why I love blogging!
I've been asked by many writers if I think blogging is worthwhile. And my answer is always, without doubt, a giant yes. Why? Not only does it let you write without worrying about plots and structure, but it provides you with a great medium to interact with other writers and, depending on your platform, future readers.
Writers are invaluable to provide support and lend a hand when it comes to promotion by blurbing your book, running giveaways, doing interviews and posting reviews. I have never met a friendlier nor more generous community than online writers. Writing is solitary and it's so good to know there are people out there with the same doubts, fears and challenges.
And you never know who else might be reading your blog. I've had blog buddies who've been contacted by agents and asked to submit, solely on the strength of their blog posts.
Writers are invaluable to provide support and lend a hand when it comes to promotion by blurbing your book, running giveaways, doing interviews and posting reviews. I have never met a friendlier nor more generous community than online writers. Writing is solitary and it's so good to know there are people out there with the same doubts, fears and challenges.
And you never know who else might be reading your blog. I've had blog buddies who've been contacted by agents and asked to submit, solely on the strength of their blog posts.
Above all these things, it's fun! The more you interact and the more time you put in, the more you'll get out of it. I feel like I have friends all over the world. It doesn't matter that I haven't actually met them!
Why do you blog? What do you hope to get out of it? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
I love all of the information I have been able to find. Most of all --the support and friendships I've made. When I'm down, I get brought up by many supportive comments. When I succeed, I'm cheered on. Love that. I also get a lot of inspiration from my blogger buddies. I hope that made sense. I'm still waking up.
ReplyDeleteI want to introduce my words to ladies. And I want free stuff. These are the two reasons I blog. (And to meet darling people such as yourself, Talli).
ReplyDeleteI write to meet others. I don't have many friends (due to life circumstances...people get married, have kids and move on, drift away) so blogging is away for me to connect with others, especially since I lost my job over a year ago. It also allows me to be creative and even though my writing skills suck, I enjoy writing posts :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't agree more!
ReplyDeleteTalli, I agree with you,
ReplyDeleteAs a mum of one child with special needs, I am a lot more home bound than I ever used to be.
I am a socialable person by nature, so blogging is a great interactive medium.
I also find it really useful to interact with other writers as 'civilians' tend to think it's just a hobby like flower arranging.
It is a pleasure to 'meet' new people and have a watercooler gossip moment every day. I have only been blogging for a while but have met in person a few bloggie buddies and it is a great experience.
I also thing it would be a great plot line for a novel, take 4 bloggers in different locations, and add some intrigue.
I was told to get my butt online as I needed a presence here. I really didn't know what to expect. But the support has been amazing and I've learned so much. I feel like a child in the woods sometimes, but my blogging friends keep encouraging and pushing me forward.
ReplyDeleteBlogging has taught me so much about writing. Like you said, it allows a person to produce without worrying about any big end results. We're able to write and edit, and then respond: Instant Karma!
ReplyDeleteThe blogger community is a network of great minds and beautiful hearts. It's like the tree of life in Avatar, which, I guess . . . makes us all . . . freaky blue people. Oh well, you get the point!
I blog cos it's better than facebook - it's a diary of sorts and a fun way to while away the inbetween times when life just gets too much!
ReplyDelete:-)
Take care
x
it's fun, like someone already stated in comments. plus, it helps me get stuff out of my head and, trust me, my mind is just filled with creepiness. I suppose blogging can be both fan, writing-practice and sort of auto-therapy (although I'm not the biggest fan of overanalyzing myself too much in a blog. nor anywhere else)
ReplyDeleteExcellent choice for what Jem looked like!!! I loved it!!! Thanks again for your entry! I had a ton to visit yesterday and a ton more to visit today!!!
ReplyDeleteI blog for me. To keep the inspiration flowing. I don't want my muse to lose interest in me so reading others snippets, posts, and reviews allows me time to experience others and new ideas!
I started blogging to vent about subbing and to write about trying to get published. But I've found a supportive community and good advice, which has been why I'll continue to blog.
ReplyDeleteBlogging is a way of communicating with other writers without leaving the house, its free, fun and can be very encouraging. Other bloggers are very supportive, I've never had a negative comment. I also enjoy doing writing prompts so i also get some creative writing done through my blog!
ReplyDeleteI agree - this community of online writers are incredibly supportive and generous. They make writing much more fun, and offer tons of great advice, too!
ReplyDeleteIt's great interacting with people from all over the world and all walks of life. Its good to see others ideas, and it's also a kind of diary for me. At times I have nothing to say, but that's ok, I still like to read and comment.
ReplyDeleteIt is fun meeting new people from all over the world.
ReplyDeleteYou won my Guess That Character yesterday! Great guess:)
I was terrified to start blogging, but now that I have dove in and met so many wonderful people, I can't believe I waited so long. The support system is priceless! And the information available? So many talented writers are willing to help each other and I just love to see that!
ReplyDeleteI love blogging too. And my blog friends. Its great to toss out ideas, fears and things you've learned along the journey, and so great to get comments!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, Talli!
Thanks for chiming in, everyone! It's fantastic to read why we all blog, because it is an investment of time no matter what the reason.
ReplyDeleteI do it to connect, and release my weirdo thoughts before they take over my mind!
ReplyDeleteI have met such wonderful l friend from such wonderful places. Like you, Talli! I have friends in India, London, Canada (I say it like it's far away... and it is!) and all over the US. My blog posts are researched so I learn so many new things by writing them. And I read so many well researched blogs that I learn from reading them. Why wouldn't we blog!?
ReplyDeleteCD
Talli, your post wrapped blogging in a nice blanket that warmed the writer's soul. I don't think the whys of blogging could be articulated better than you did.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree with you more:you've taken the words right out of my mouth!
Sharing the highs and lows of writing with fellow writers in a honest medium suchas blogging tops secret get-to-gethers any day.
So blogging is public, but I'm a great believer in "if it can't be said in public don't open your mouth in the first place".
best
F
I would have never dreamed that I would enjoy blogging as much as I do. In fact, on days like this when I only get to visit a few blogs (because of work) I feel lost and disconnected. I enjoy the interaction between the bloggers.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
I love blogging, although until I actually tried it (about 2 years ago) I thought it was a little wierd that people did this.
ReplyDeleteNow, I can't imagine not carrying on and I've met both so many fun and lovely people along the way.
I love the people, too! The writing community is so generous, encouraging, and inspiring. Only one of my real friends also writes (All my other friends are math and numbers people. Yeesh!) so it's fantastic having hundreds of "virtual" writer friends!!!
ReplyDeleteI love all the helpful information everyone is willing to share. My zigzagging writing journey feels a littler steadier and straighter since I started blogging!
Interesting post Talli.
ReplyDeleteI've been a bit slow off the mark with blogging but find it becoming increasingly addictive.
My latest blog is more geared to my writing and a great way to keep in touch with other writers and what's happening in the writing industry. Oh yes, and it's also good discipline!
But more than this, blogging makes me happy. It allows me to sound off; get rid of some of what's in my head(both writing related and kids/life)and it's reassuring when you learn from fellow bloggers that often what you're thinking is perfectly normal!
And like many of the others - friendship. It's quite a solitary life being a writer (and I happen to live in a pretty remote location) but I never feel lonely. Indeed I've met some of my fellow bloggers and made some really good friends for life.
I blog for the community. I wanted to find a place where I could share my thoughts on writing and have others relate. But I also have learned so much about the craft of writing through both fellow writers' and industry professionals' blogs, so it's really been valuable!
ReplyDeleteI started blogging as away of letting our friends and family know how we were doing when we moved to Thailand but it's become so much more than just a diary over the years. The friendship and support from the people I have 'met' via my blog is incredible. I love blogging and can't see a time when I don't do it!!
ReplyDeleteC x
Totally agree. Even if I'm struggling with my novel I can always squeeze a blog post out, there's much less pressure involved. Plus it's another way of making some great friends in the writing community. Blogging rocks :0)
ReplyDeleteI like blogging in order to both document my thoughts on writing and connect with others like myself. Blogging motivates me and keeps me positive in the face of so many negative statistics with publishing. It gives me the "if she/he can do it..then I can" mentality.
ReplyDeleteI can't agree more! I've only been blogging over a month and now I'm hooked!
ReplyDeleteOnly problem is tearing myself away from blogs long enough to actually get some of my WIP done! ;)
I blog for the joy of writing and meeting new writers or people who think a little like me atleast. Stop by my blog I have an award for you. :)
ReplyDeleteIt makes me write.
ReplyDeleteSame here, Talli. I couldn't have said it better.
ReplyDeleteOh that is awesome! I think its wonderful that you`re so open to your readers Talli, thats the right way. Great writers like Patrick Rothfuss also do that so I think u r definetly on the right path!
ReplyDeleteWhy do I blog? Because of what you said: I can talk to people who understand what I`m going through. Its trully a blessing!
It's usually through other bloggers that I discover writing tips or publishing industry information and links to conferences and critiques. I love blogging for all of these reasons!
ReplyDeleteI blog for the community.
ReplyDeleteI, too, hope that an agent will breeze by and like what she/he sees and contact me -- I also play the Lotto. Same odds I think. The agent gambit probably has much worse odds to it.
I've made really inspiring friends. Bored too many with long posts. I'm learning as I go along.
I taught creative writing in high school so blogging lets me teach and help again. To be of worth to my fellow strugglers.
I also write way too long comments.
Thanks for making a habit of dropping by and commenting, Talli.
I couldn't agree with you more! This is exactly why I blog too - I didn't think it was going to be fun until I really started :)
ReplyDeleteI blog for the same reasons you do: it's enjoyable, especially knowing I don't have to worry about all those pesky mechanics that I do when writing a novel. And of course, the support system I have on here is more than enough reason to give up a little bit of my day to blogger. The fact that it doubles as a platform only makes it all the more sweeter!
ReplyDeleteThe following paragraph which I have on my blogs basiclly sets out the reasons I blog. I have been living in Italy with David my husband of 38 years since March 2004. We are here because we decided to have an adventure after we became 'empty nesters' Apart from being so far away from family and friends we love it. When we left the UK in 2004 I started writing an irregular Newsletter which I eventually started publishing online via Live Journal in 2007. In March 2009 I moved to this Blogspot account along with archives back to October 2007. Since moving to Blogspot my posts have changed from just a Newsletter to shorter but hopefully more interesting posts about our life here in Italy. 'News From Italy' I also indulge my love of books with my Book Review Blog. LindyLouMac's Book Reviews.
ReplyDeleteI love it as I have made so many virtual friends and have gone on to meet a few already for real :)
I love blogging too. The best thing is the friendships I've made. I love that blogging helped me find my CP's. I appreciate the support of the blogging community, and love to cheer others on too. All the information I've gleened from blogging has made me a better writer too.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you say, Talli. I blog for friendship, to interact with other writers, and to hopefully learn something along the way.
ReplyDeleteThree years ago I started blogging, thinking it would be a way to document my journey with a working dog for the deaf. Turns out I ended up writing about my own experiences as well. Two blogs later, I'm blogging on Shattered prose. I think it keeps me real and accountable to my writing. Of course there is also the wonderful souls I meet along the way, such as yourself. (Hugs)Indigo
ReplyDeleteI feel like I have a whole group of teachers I can go to for advice on all kinds of issues. The deeper the relationships you build with people the more you know where their area of expertice (obviously spelling is not mine) is. It's great to have friends around the world who write all different kinds of things and are all different ages. Everyone brings something to the table. (Even awful spellers like me...)
ReplyDeleteSo so true - I shall definately be one of the "future readers" mind as I shall leave the writing to my sister!!!
ReplyDeleteTotal believer! My Cozy Contract came about through my blog... not so direct as an agent browsing, but it was my blog voice just the same.
ReplyDeleteI think the army of compatriots though, is invaluable for when we actually need a push (the book release) and it can't be forced. We need to have had it develop organically before that.
I blog to let out those thoughts and emotions am not able to express on a daily basis and to meet others writers like you babe xox :)
ReplyDelete'Friends all over the world' is really true. We not only share a common interest but the extreme ups-and-downs that come with this pursuit. We speak our minds and open our hearts. We don't need to meet face-to-face to care about one another. The friendships are real.
ReplyDeleteI like that idea of an agent or editor contacting me because of my blog. Maybe if I visualize that happening...
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of blogging is the amazing number of friends I've made. When I was a kid in grade school, I had a pen pal in France. Now I feel as though I have hundreds of pen pals all over the world, mostly due to my blog. It's incredible.
Patricia
Hi Talli .. I blog because .. I started, then I found friends, supporters, and just as importantly some amazing information - it's a great way to learn .. about subjects that perhaps I would never have got round to - as the approach can be so open and immediately resonate with where I'm at (or would like to be; also there are so many generous people sharing their path along various journeys - learning the techie bits, and the publishing route, ebooks etc etc
ReplyDeleteAn amazing place to be ..
Great to hear more from you and all you share - Hilary
I blog because it is a way of being able to interact with my readers (in the comment section)in a way that I couldn't do otherwise . I read blogs because I am interested in people and by default I found that many of those people had a lot to teach me.
ReplyDeleteOh I completely agree with you!!
ReplyDeleteBlogging has been invaluable in terms of being able to meet so many wonderful people - the support is fantastic! Also I'm trying to hone my voice and my writing skills and learn more about publishing of course. And of course its a great way to express my thoughts on a regular basis even if they are a little haphazard at times! Plus its fun!! I enjoy it. ;))
Talli, just wanted to let you know that I have an award for you at Thoughts in Progress.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
The thought of an agent finding some of the work one posts online and asking them for submissions based on it is always nice, though rarer than not.
ReplyDeleteWith me, I'd say the main reason I blog is just to put myself out there to others, to get feedback, and to see what others make in turn...a community and an exchange of ideas. That's what I seek. As you say, it's another great medium for interacting with writers...you being one of the amazing ones, of course.
:) Nice post! Best of luck to you--and hope your Sunday chat is nice.
First of all, congratulations on your interview! I read it and thought you did a great job. I'm pretty faithful to my bloggers. I try to visit the people I'm following and leave comments (if the topic of the day appeals me). I blog because my blog is specifically geared to aspiring writers. I offer tips and advice. Due to my dedication to my blog and readers, a journalist from the Montreal Gazette wrote an article about it. Blogging is fun, but I also think I owe it to my readers to do a good job at it.
ReplyDeleteYou make a convincing case, Talli.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it takes a while to find your blogging feet. I started and deleted two blogs before embarking on the one I'm writing now. And even now I feel like I'm still testing the water, figuring out which posts work and which ones don't. Blogging is a great way to experiment with writing in different styles and about different subject matters.
Your blog is always so friendly I'm sure you have made many friends. We all look forward to your posts.
ReplyDeleteI think I echo all your reasons, Talli, especially the part about loving having friends all over the world! Blogging's such a fantastic way to meet new people, it's certainly my favourite part of it!
ReplyDeleteI agre with every single wordx
ReplyDeleteGreat reasons! I think of the many reasons I blog is because of all the wonderful people you meet doing so. I've met so many great people and learned so much from just blogging.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, everyone, for chiming in! Bloggers are such a great community - I always get a warm fuzzy just thinking about all the support I've received!
ReplyDeleteI started blogging at a time when I was largely housebound caring for someone with severe mental health issues and had just completed a distance learning creative writing course. I wanted to blog as an emotional outlet, a way to meet new people and to network with other writers as I took my first steps in that field.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen my current blog as simply a publicity vehicle, it's too personal for that, though obviously I do blog about writing a lot. But at the same time I've learnt that you do have to be careful what you write about.
Hi Talli - well done! We did loo at your blog during the workshop and i tol d them a bit about why yours works so well. I hope lots will go and read it properly now - we only had a tiny bit of time to look at it but I was delighted to see you'd looked ahead and posted something for us.
ReplyDeleteAm now a little exhausted...
The other cool thing about blogging is that there's a a level playing field--in other words, the only thing you know about someone at first is their choice in avatars. After that, it's the strength (or lack thereof) of their comments/posts that either pulls you in or turns you off. Plus you can post in your pajamas. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous, positive post when I have seen too much negativity about bloegging recently. I absolutely love it too. It gives me freedom to write what a want, when and want and play around with styles and ideas. It has offered me some wonderful experiences recently. In October I'll be posting about my recent trip to Africa which would not have happened had I not written a blog. And I love the community spirit. I'd be lost without it. x
ReplyDeleteI blog because I love doing it. I don't have to run it past a hypercritical editor with a limited budget. I can say what I think. I can use whatever writing style I fancy and nobody can send it back to me with a standard rejection letter. Bliss.
ReplyDeleteTalli,
ReplyDeleteI agree w/ that part about having friends all over the world. It's wonderful reading blogs from those in your country, Canada, New Zealand, Australia & all across the USA. I learn a lot, read lots of different styles of writing from dramatic to witty, & also enjoy looking at lots of pictures of cute pets & exotic places.
I actually find it very therapeutic to write, especially what I've encountered over the past few years.
For all those reasons. It is nice to feel connected, and for me, with a corporate job now going so busy, I can hang by my finger-tips to a creative world!
ReplyDeleteI love that through blogging, I have been able to meet so many wonderful, creative people through this amazing blog world (who I otherwise would not have met)! I'm so glad that our daughter showed us her blog and introduced me to what blogging is about :o)
ReplyDeleteBlessings & Aloha!
Thank you so much for stopping by through Kathie's post! It is so great to meet you :o) I hope you get a chance to stop by again...and again...and again :o) My blgo reading time is very limited with working outside the home, but I will be back :o)
I blog for two reasons mainly. The two reasons are 'the carrot' and 'the stick'. yes, I'm a horse! The carrot part is the fun of hanging out with writers and chitchatting away - I try and reserve it for after I'm finished my work therefore it hangs in front of me urging me forward. The stick part is that even though no one gives a hoot or would give me a whack in any way - if I tell my readers that I'm going to do something in my writing life - I will do it! So there you have it. If you ask me anything else I will just say 'nay'! Jan Morrison
ReplyDeleteWhat you said! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, this is a lovely community of writers.
#iLOVEmyWriterFriends!