Book worthy Blog?

Writing is a lot easier if you have something to say
~ Sholem Asch

We live in an era where mostly everyone has a blog. Whether its about food, raising kids, knitting or you pick a subject, more than likely, there is a blog about it. But is it book worthy?


Blogging is a nice comfortable place to share my writing skills while I wait for that big moment in time where a publisher accepts my work. In the meantime, I write my blog to share things about the craft that I’ve learned along the way. This isn’t an easy task, this blogging route, but it is a nice distraction from many mundane circumstances that life throws at you.


Again, is your blog book worthy? There is actually a book titled How to Blog a Book, that will take you through the steps of turning your blog into a book! A book worthy blog.


First let me say, no I haven’t bought the book and second, when I began this blog I had no intention of turning it into a book. But now with this newer technology buzzing around the internet, the possibilities are there. Yesterdays self publishing post was more aimed at the novel you’ve written. I don’t think self publishing is a route for the budding writer. It’s an easy out of taking away all the rejection so you can feel secure. Writers know, there is nothing about this business that’s comfy and secure. It’s hard work, day in and day out of honing a craft, marketing your work, and promoting yourself.


If you have a target audience for your followers, chances are you have a book in the making. If your posts are consistent about one subject, is aimed at a certain group (photography, writing, knitters, etc.) then more than likely you have a book worthy blog. Now it is time to find out.


For me, I have close to one thousand posts. There has to be a book in there somewhere! My main topics are the writing craft, poetry and quotes. Now I know my quotations are not book worthy, but one never knows. What I’m going to do is take all the posts and separate and organize them. Poetry in one file, writing another and quotations yet another. My life posts will go in my life story I’m penning. I might be able to use something there.


If your blog is not post specific, meaning all over the place in topics, chances are slim that you have book worthy content amid the rubble. You might just blog for fun and that is all well and good, but to a writer, we’re always thinking books! As I said, I’ll organize my posts first and see what I have. Then onto editing it to make sure the post was sufficient and all the right info was given to the reader.


Once all this is compiled, I’ll add a few unpublished works. Editors love new material and sending them already published work may discourage them from taking on your project. Add new material! And make sure you inform them that there is newly added material! Persistence pays off.

Blogging III

It's better to write about things you feel than about things you know about.
~ L P. Hartley

The blogging world is made up of some do’s and don’t’s. There are things you can do to ensure you have a good blog and there are some things that will be a no-no to your readers and have them clicking for something else to read. I’ve probably done one or more of these on the list, so don’t fret if you do too. They’re just a quick guideline.

Here are some do’s:
1. First and foremost, be yourself. Allow your reader to be a voyeur into your world and get to know your personality through your voice.

2. FOCUS. Having something to focus on, like for me it is writing, poetry and quotes. Yours may be photography, every day mommy, or cooking. Just remain focused and your reader will keep coming back to taste what you’re offering.

3. LINKS. It is advisable to post links to either other blogs, other posts of yours or informative links within a post. Your reader will feel more connected to you and find your blog of interest. I hear it helps with the search engines too.

4. Images. Sometimes a reader needs to be visually in touch with you. Photos can be one way you connect your blog post, through an image, to reach your reader. This is brain stimulation for the reader.

5. Be responsive. I get few comments, but when I do, I respond to each person. Many have become close friends over the years and not commenting may have driven them away. Comment to your reader!

6. Promote! It is advisable to promote yourself in any way you can, via facebook, twitter, or other avenues. Promoting your blog is your ticket to readership! They won’t read if they don’t visibly know you exist.

Now onto some don’t do ideas:

1. Don’t overdo it! When you’re new to blogging, you have a tendency to want to blog every day, every hour if possible. Set a reachable goal and pace yourself.

2. Don’t bore your reader! If you have a photo blog, don’t ramble on about last nights dinner. This will not always go over well with your readers. Allow your blog to evolve over time and when you know your trusty followers well enough, then give them something new to nibble on.

3. Don’t make grammar mistakes! This is one I believe I’ve made a few times on my blog, but I usually catch it before it goes to the reading public. I’m not perfect, but my readers of a writing blog, expect more from me! Be more for your reader. Go above and beyond in bringing them all that they expect in your blog.

4. Don’t make your post one long paragraph! Break it up with some ‘white space’ for the reader. Make it aesthetically appealing. Just as you need a break, so does your reader when he/she is reading. Long paragraphs equal boring posts on the blogger scale.

5. Don't limit WC. WC stands for word count in the writing world. Writing longer posts, with breaks in the paragraphs, makes your reader feel they’ve gotten hold of some juicy stuff, and comfortably too, I might add.  I’ve tried limiting my posts to 500 words, but more times than not, I go well over that and I think my blog posts are all the better for it. Remember, more words means meatier juicier blog posts. (keep in mind #2 on the don’t list)

6. Do NOT be negative! Unless you have a blog about Gripes of a Mom, being negative gives off many negative vibes as I’ve learned the hard way on this one. Be positive and inspirational. This is what readers want and being a bummer in the readers world will surely get you less reads and have them surfing for a more inspirational blog.

So there you have it. A nice little list to help guide you in the blogging community. Write on folks, but most of all, Write RIGHT!