Monday, October 22, 2012

Should Novelists Blog?

Hey hey! It's Monday! *insert grimace here* Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. It was a damp and drizzly one in London Town, but I didn't move here for the weather.

This morning, I read a post by literary agent Rachelle Gardner called 'Should Authors Blog?'. It got me thinking, because her thoughts echo my own. I'm not going to join the cries of 'blogging is dead', but I know many of you ( like me) have cut down on the amount of time you spend blogging, turning to Facebook and Twitter. We still blog, though, because we enjoy it and we love the people we've met.

And that's pretty much what Rachelle's post boils down to. With the number of blogs increasing, it's become harder and harder to make an impact. And forget selling books through blogs... it's almost impossible.  Authors no longer need to have a blog;  it's a nice to have if they so desire.

And I do! I'll never abandon my blog because I love posting what I'm up do, both writing-wise and with my jaunts around town. But as the years go on, new social media pop up, and my time decreases, I may limit my posting to once a week. We shall see!

How are you feeling about blogging these days?

64 comments:

  1. I definitely feel like it's lost its impact. I find myself keeping up with a lot of my followers through facebook instead of through their blogs because it's just faster and easier to drop a line. A lot of days I just don't have time to read a hundred posts, but facebook allows me to keep up with the important ones at least and still keep the lines open between myself and others in our community. I do miss the old blogging days, however, and am kind of wondering- what's next?

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  2. I'm not giving it up! Nor am I slowing down or seeing a decrease in comments or visits. Besides, my blog is my website. I think it still makes an impact.

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  3. I love how it connects us with other writers and readers. I do notice seasons of blog burnout by authors.

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  4. I added my two cents over at Rachelle's blog but I'd have to say that I, too, blog because I enjoy it and wouldn't want to stop because I love the online connections I've made. But I'm learning more and more that to be an author does not require having a blog.

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  5. I'm like you--I like having the outlet. I only post once a week, and I don't look to it to sell books or anything like that. It's more my writing encouragement resource. It's always been my way of connecting with other writers. Can't lose that! :o) <3

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  6. I don't think you need to have a blog BUT without it, I think it might be harder to make connections. I know for sure I wouldn't be doing half as well as I am if it weren't for the support of other bloggers who are in the same position as me. I can't imagine a time when I'll give it up completely, although I may need to slow down at times lol.

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  7. I think a blog is still important. The content is more meaningful. Facebook can be all about the drama sometimes.

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  8. I've had a blog for 6 years now and I'm lucky if I blog once a fortnight now. When I started blogging there was a wonderful feeling of newness, hope and camaraderie as we all wrote our novels and shared our struggles but so many people have fallen away it feels a bit ghost town like in blogland and now Facebook or Twitter is the place to get your camaraderie fix! I do still blog when I have exciting news that needs more than a tweet or Facebook update to explain and it's nice to have a permanent record of my writing career so I'll probably never delete my blog but may archive it one day,

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  9. Oh, I love my blog!!! It's a chance to write a complete piece upon any subject ( usually me..) every week and get feedback. Novels take AGES!! And it's a chance to write 'non-fic' as opposed to fiction. And It's an opportunity to let other writers loose to talk about their writing. If blogs are good, people read them. I read yours, and I have a list of other writers whose style and content I like. Also, not all of us are writers - some people blog as their writing outlet, because they don't want to produce a whole novel. Love blogs. Love them.Keep blogging.

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  10. Blogging has been a wonderful source of inspiration. But even more so, I've *met* so many people I never would have if I hadn't taken it up.

    However, it IS hard keep up with and to read and comment on everyone's blog. Even so, I'll keep doing it as long as I can.

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  11. I like blogging and reading other people's blogs. I can understand that it's hard to find time to blog every day, and anyway you'd run out of things to say, but it is nice to read about other authors' new books and what they've been up to :)

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  12. I still enjoy going to blogs and reading about people's lives. I like the detail that goes into blogging that seems to be missing with the other media.

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  13. I'm finding blogging can still be impactful if paired with FB and Twitter driving traffic to the deeper content. In fact, I'm sorry I didn't join Twitter sooner. It has been less of a time-suck than I thought, and it's easier to follow a zillion Twitter feeds than a zillion blogs.

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  14. I feel like you. I'm no longer worried about comments anymore either. Any 'interacting' I do is usually on FB. I'm cool with that. But I will keep my blog. I like to think of it as a place where people can get to know me better if they so desire. But I'm not fussed if they don't!

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  15. Awwww - it's so amazing how only a few years ago blogging was so NOW and yet these days it feels as if it's the grand-auntie of these young upstarts! LOL! But I'm always 10 years behind a trend!

    All blogger has to do is reduce content to 140 characters! LOL! But jamais - I do like things short n sweet but am happy to read a whole essay if its written from the heart - something blogger offers the space to do so.

    Glad you're sticking with good Ol Blogger lovely Talli!

    Take care
    x

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  16. I've cut down to once or twice a week, depending on how busy I am. With so many social media outlets, it is getting a little crowded.

    Jai

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  17. I have mixed feelings about blogging lately. I definitely see the traffic on my own, and others, blogs dropping. But i'm not ready to put it aside yet!

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  18. I like the discipline of having to write it. But I have been considering cutting down to twice a week.

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  19. L. Diane echoes what I feel.

    "Enough about me. What do you think of me?" That sums up Facebook and Twitter as I read the tweets and posts. Like cotton candy, they are colorful but essentially without much substance.

    With my blog, I can actually talk about things that matter in depth, hopefully helping the friends I have made. But I am a dinosaur that believes prose should touch the heart or why bother.

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  20. I like blogs - but like everyone, I think that they aren't having the impact they once had, there are so many other ways to connect with people. I'm facebook phobic - just can't get into it, but I love twitter. I think the combo of chat on twitter, and links to blogs for more indepth stuff, such as call stories or research works well. I've been blogging a lot less than I used to though - need to work on writing instead!

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  21. Blogging is how we support and encourage each other. I can't imagine having to go without it!

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  22. I prefer blogging to the other social media. I consider it a creative outlet where I can talk about many things.

    Why would we want to do 'what everyone else is doing'? I don't automatically rush over when the 'leaders of our literary world' say 'this is the way. . ."

    I'll look for the less-traveled path and keep my blog. It keeps me disciplined, somewhat.

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    Replies
    1. I agree with L. Diane, and with Roland's comment, 'prose should touch the heart or why bother.'

      Blogposts can do that too!

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  23. I like blogging, as a social outlet. I find that doing it more than three times a week is overdoing it, and at some point I might cut it down a bit. Most of my blogging tends to be whatever bit of mischief or skewering I have in mind, rather than talking about the writing process.

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  24. I enjoy blogging too - and I've learned so much from other bloggers - both about writing and the publishing industry. It's been an invaluable tool for me. I've never had a schedule - I just post when I feel like it, but about once or twice a week is reasonable for me too :)

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  25. I'm constantly asking myself this question, but I'll never stop because I love to blog. I have had to cut it down a bit due to work and writing, but I still try to blog three times a week.

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  26. I don't blog as often as I used to, or visit other blogs as often either, but I can't see myself stopping altogether. It's still a great way to connect with people, and somehow more intimate than FB or Twitter (in my opinion!)

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  27. I don't have an account with Facebook, Twitter, or other social sites, so blogging is my only internet outlet right now. I haven't really noticed a decrease in activity myself--but a LOT of people do seem to be turning toward other ways of networking.

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  28. The big advantage of a blog/website over social media is that it's YOURS.

    If Facebook and Twitter go the way of MySpace, you'll still have a way of keeping in touch with your readers and fellow authors...especially if you have a mailing list.

    So I hope writers don't abandon their blogs! That being said, there's a nice immediacy to social media which can be very gratifying!

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  29. I definitely feel overwhelmed with the number of good blogs sometimes. In terms of authoring my own blog, I have definitely slowed down recently, but that is mainly due to events in my personal life. I do feel as if I will begin to rehash the same subjects if I remain in this stage of publishing for the long term (i.e. unpublished: write, edit, submit). The value for me at the moment lies in expressing myself and building relationships with other writers.

    Here's hoping one day I'll have an actual author website, and I can just update a news feed as and when I have some news for readers of my books.

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  30. I do enjoy it though it can be time consuming. Who knows what might happen a year from now, two years?

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  31. Personally, I think I started my blog before I was ready. I hadn't taken the time to really think through how I'd approach it 6 mos or a year down the road. It's been about 18 mos and I've tried to cut WAY back. The number of unread blogs in my Reader causes such anxiety! I'm not quite sure if I'm ready to jump into the FB author page world or not. While I still make a point to blog and check in on Twitter, I feel like my time might be best used writing and editing.

    Basically, I'm still searching for balance.

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  32. I'm glad that you still enjoy blogging, and will continue to do so. I love reading your blog, and once a week may be easier for you to keep up with your busy schedule. Julie

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  33. Very interesting subject! I still love blogging as a way to connect with all the online friends I've made, although I have noticed a decline in general blogging posts this year. I also use my main blog to highlight authors and markets and I'd like to keep that going, even if it's less frequent than before. FB and twitter have their uses but I don't use them as often.

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  34. For me, blogging has now become a way not only to share my thoughts on what's happening around me, but it's also a way to interact with my blogging buds. So, yes, in short, it's something I enjoy doing which is why I'm still at it. It does eat into my time, but I vary my schedule depending on what I have to do.

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  35. Hi Talli,
    I'll never abandon my blog either. I enjoy it. I love the feedback that I do get and I love the outlet. I don't expect it to sell my books, should I ever get published. I expect them to sell themselves! Like Alex, at this point my blog is my website. I love foggy mornings and hot cups of coffee, quiet, and writing. I love keeping in touch with other writers around the world. I love blogs.

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  36. I blog because I want to blog - and I don't have any books to sell (yet), so it's a moot point for me. But I agree, blogs that just try to sell things, books included, are lame. I don't read them. A good blog is fun to read it its own right, and many of them, yours included, still are.

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  37. I love blogging, but it takes so much time. You cut back from three days a week a while back, and I've just recently done that. So far, it's working fairly well, but I can see some type of additional cutbacks in the future. I think that will probably come in the form of cutting back on the frequency of some blog visits rather than going to one day a week. But I need to live with my current twice a week schedule for a bit first to figure it out. In the meantime, I'm starting to move more interaction to Facebook as well.

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  38. I don't know how you find the time to blog. Speaking as a reader I know of a few authors who have let their blogs go and I miss reading them but understand that they have books to write. I have found a lot of authors through blogging that I probably never would have read if I hadn't found their blogs. I think I even found you through your blog. If authors are self publishing then it's definately a platform for them. I love writing my blog if I didn't write it no one would read anything I write it would all just sit in my computer...forever.. Yay to blogging!!!!

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  39. Hi, Talli,

    It's true. I've noticed I don't have the time to blog as much as I would like to. This community is such a special one and I have LEARNED so much from my blogger friends. I would NEVER leave because the support is amazing.

    But, time is always a factor. I know that twitter is huge now and Facebook seems to be back with a vengeance. I haven't had time to really see what benefits they have yet.

    It's nice to be back here and see your smile.... i've missed you,

    I must get here more often!

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  40. I love blogging and will never give it up. Maybe it's not the most lucrative marketing tool or the best use of a writer's time (b/c let's face it, writers should first and foremost write their stories!!) BUT, that being said, it's such a great way to meet other people in the same boat and network.

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  41. I still enjoy blogging and I love author blogs so I can get updates on what they are writing and when to except the next release.

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  42. I've considered "throwing in the towel" several times. But I still keep on, as I'm a writer at heart. There was a time when friends of mine captured 100 comments per post. Facebook diluted this number. However, friends of mine whose blogs center around photography still rake in the numbers. Last of all, had I given it up, I would have never found this amazing site here! And for that, I am grateful. :)

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  43. I've thought about scaling back, but I can't. I love blogging and the connections I've made through it.

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  44. Well Talli I hope you'll never stop blogging :-)

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  45. I enjoy my weekly blog and I enjoy seeing what others are up to - and I know a lot of people read mine who don't comment. So I'll carry on for a while certainly and hope you do too!

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  46. The thing about blogging as opposed to engaging in twitter /facebook etc is that Blogging, for me, forces me to produce articles even when I don't feel like it. It's a kind of discipline for me and I often use a bit of research too ( my blog is focussed on writing supernatural thrillers so the subject matter is nearly always focused on that.) I don't digress much on to every day stuff or use it as a diary or personal introspection. I simply try to produce interesting (hopefully!)articles. It is still writing! Which I need to practise whenever I can and it provides a useful break from my WIP. I do actually hate it when I read other blogs and they only ever seem to be using the thing for marketing their (or someone else's latest book). True I started for the same reason but my blog has evolved into something I am passionate about and although I do occasionally mention my novels, it is not the focus of the blog. Sorry, I bet this sounds like a right old rant!!! Apols!

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  47. I've slowed down and use my facebook for poetry mostly. But I still like the blog - it has a different feel for me. More of a conversation you'd have with a friend (like this!) then the chat at a cocktail party that fbing is. My blog helps me set goals - it has improved my writing (see Pat Newcombe above) and mostly it connects me with some people who have genuinely become friends.

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  48. I literally *just* wrote a blog post about how I'm cutting back to one post a week. I love the freedom a blog gives you to really get into your subject (read: ramble on), and I don't want to abandon my blog or the people I've met, but I have to admit I spend much more time on Twitter!

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  49. PS. I feel so out of touch! Hope all is well with you and mini-TR!

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  50. When I'm done with my current blog tour, I'll defintely have to get back on a regular writing/editing schedule - and cut back on blogging to 2 days per week:)

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  51. I used to blog three times a week and now I am down to one, but I have no plans to stop. As you said, I've made some really great connections, and I do think it helped a little with book sales. Some of the people who came to my signings discovered me through the blog.

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  52. I definitely cut back, but I do still enjoy posting about once a week. It seems like the right balance for me. I've never had anything worth a whole blog post every day, and I like that when I only write one a week, if I write a longer one that I put a lot more effort into then it is up all week, which gives people more of a chance to see it.

    I also find that now that I've connected with other writers via twitter or Facebook, I don't need to use my blog as much for networking. So I can use it more frequently to show the kind of writing I want to do, write about science things, or whatever!

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  53. Amem Talli! Although I haven't blogged in ages...Must come back!

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  54. I agree - I've seen a decline, and am connecting a bit more on Twitter and Pinterest. I still love posting about what's going on though, and hearing from everybody else.

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  55. I've definitely noticed a decrease and I think it has to do with time. People have less of it and blogs are typically longer than Facebook posts, Twitter, and other networks. It's sad though, I love my Blogger friends!

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  56. Those who love blogging (and keep others entertained) should continue blogging...Author or no Author :-)

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  57. I'd like to add another side to this debate.

    For me the two most important ways I am connecting with readers and fellow writers is through blogging and Twitter. But blogging takes a lot of time and energy, and from November I will only posting twice a week - one post from me and one guest post. Anything more takes up far too much time.

    I have certainly noticed that if you don't read and comment on other blogs, you don't get the same in return. But consistent blogging can pay off. For Alex J Cavanugh it has paid off big time. He has 1600+ followers and every post attacts 100+ comments. Interstingly, he does not have Facebook.

    I find with FB I get the occasional comment when I post writing-related status updates, and a handful of people might then visit my blog. On the whole, Facebook is mainly friends and family for me. If it wasn't for the fact it provides access to a couple of great writing support groups, I would consider keeping it family/friend related only.

    On the other hand Twitter is definitly my most useful social media tool. I gain around five to ten new followers a day, and I am sure that when I publish my first book it will be critical in promoting it. But the truly great thing about Twitter is how quick and easy it is to use. Perfect for the time-starved writer.

    Personally I will always blog, though eventually I will probably incorporate it into a larger website. I can't say the same thing about Facebook.

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  58. It's almost like those Christmas letters you send each year. For many of those people, it's the only contact I have with them and I hate to lose it completely.

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  59. I like blogging! But I did have to cut it down to twice a week to make sure I devoted as much time or more to writing.

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  60. Great question. I've been blogging a long time and set up my blog as an outlet to my writing. My blogging style has changed over the years but so has my writing style. For example, I've gone from paranormal writing to romantic comedy, so I like my blog posts to reflect that a little.

    Keep blogging, Talli, you're fabulous!
    CJ x

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  61. Hi Talli - great thought .. I love blogging, but am very sporadic ... and what develops for me we'll see - though I can see merit in blogging for 'article books' rather than novels ... but thte support we get from bloggers gives everyone that step slightly further up the ladder - and we can learn from experiences posted about.

    BabyTR will be inhibiting for your blog - but glad to see you're not leaving us! It's better this weekend thankfully ... Cheers Hilary

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  62. I was always told writers should keep a journal, but I was never any good at it. I actually started blogging because I watched my mother lose all of her memories after a series of strokes--I thought if I recorded my memories, they'd never really be lost.

    I don't do much blogging on writing, other than to announce upcoming books or post excerpts.

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  63. Blogging can be tiring and distracting, but I think it's still worth the effort of maintaining a presence and keeping a strong platform.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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Coffee and wine for all!