Putting ourselves “out there” is hard. Harder still is knowing whether or not we’re really connecting with our audience.
With Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and a dozen other ways to communicate, the possibilities are endless. We can share through a variety of mediums that best suit our personalities, time allowance, and interests.
For authors, an effective way to connect is through a blog.
A website’s great for informational purposes, but most social media experts agree that websites with regular blog posts will resonate on a deeper level with folks. So, it was with that in mind that I began blogging in 2011.
I have to admit, when I started blogging I thought it was fun. About a month into it (after the novelty wore off), I realized just how much work it took to do this on a consistent basis.
I’d heard that many people who start a blog will eventually quit after a few months.
Some of the reasons for that include commitment, endurance, patience required, and time involved. One can’t take a half-hearted approach with blogging and expect great results. (It was with that thought that I determined I would be one of those who succeeded. And I would still have fun.)
I originally started blogging five days a week, but of course, it didn’t take long for burn-out to rear its ugly head. I cut back to three days per week, and that’s been better.
Notice I said better.
Blogging is still difficult at times. Like most of you who blog on a regular basis, I’ve battled writer’s block, exhaustion, muscle cramps, neck pain, and self-recrimination–you know, that period from time to time where the Enemy convinces us that everything we write is stale, unworthy dreck.
Since I’m a rose-colored glasses kind of gal, it’s not often that I wallow in my closet of “I’d rather eat a plate of marinated worms than write tomorrow’s blog post,” but to be truthful, sometimes, I would.
It takes guts to keep blogging. It takes guts to press on. It takes guts to be gut-wrenching honest with your readers.
One of the most helpful things I’ve done is to decide what my goals of blogging are in the first place. I came up with these:
- To share helpful, encouraging content.
- To be Christ-focused. (Bold, but not preachy)
- To connect with like-minded folks (writers, authors, & readers of Christian fiction).
- To make new friends while sharing the love of Jesus.
Social media is important for those of us who write, but if we make it all about “getting our name out there,” it will be evident sooner or later. We can fake a lot of things, but authenticity really isn’t one of them. The truth has a way of knocking on our doors when we least expect it.
I’d rather be just little, ol’ me and tell you this truth: blogging isn’t for wimps.
We’re going to have days of less than stellar blog posts. Days where our words just don’t jell.
But you know my motto. Admit it. Own it. And move on.
And put your fingers to your keyboard and write that next blog post!
***
What’s the most challenging aspect of blogging for you?
The most rewarding?
Care to share any blogging tips?
Photo Credit: Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Blessings Always,
Comments 8
I love connecting with friends and making new ones. Blogging helps me do that.
Author
Keli, I love connecting, too! Lately, it’s been a bit of a challenge as Blogger/WP have had their share of problems, but that’s where FB and Twitter are so helpful. I can still touch base with my friends through those mediums and still feel “connected.”
Blogging is difficult sometimes, and I only blog once a week. I work through it. It’s not always easy coming up with interesting topics that haven’t been over done.
I love connecting though. I’m so glad I’ve met you through blogging and social media, Cynthia.
Author
Loree, I think you do a fantastic job with your blog posts! You make history fun. 🙂 I wish we could figure out why I’m unable to comment, but maybe one day technology will sort itself out.
So thankful to have met you, too! I’m looking forward to hugging your neck at ACFW this year.
I blog twice a week, and it seems manageable right now. I know it’s going to get harder when I’m plunge deeper into writing my next book. I’m so glad you started a blog, Cynthia! I always enjoy your posts!
Author
Heather, thanks so much! I enjoy your blog posts, too, and just wish I could figure out the techie bug concerning the inability to comment on my friends’ posts. This was never an issue until about two months ago, and I’m not sure what changed.
I’m so glad we’ve connected and I look forward to meeting you in person at ACFW this year!
Sometimes the biggest challenge is getting the photos to load! lol The most rewarding is friendships that have developed, online and in person. Second to that is the geography lesson, and other things I’ve learned from reading blogs. I doubt I have any blogging tips to share. Your blog always contains good content, whereas mine might be considered “fluff.” Fluff is good once in awhile…opening the blinds on the glass house and letting people see the real “you” from time to time.
Author
Ahhh, sweet Patti, I treasure you! I’m so glad I’ve gotten to know the “real” you. I love the photos you share and I appreciate your transparency. Sometimes, I envision you on your walks, or working on your crafts, or creating something awesome in your kitchen. I long for the day I can share a cup of coffee with you. 🙂