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Jeff Goins in his book, You are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One) presents a balanced but compelling argument for creating an effective platform using blogs, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or other mediums. He's even developed a class at TribeWriters.com towards that end.
Writer Unboxed also has an interesting post today about the question of social media and discerning when enough is enough. It even goes as far as to throw out numbers that, depending on your genre, might be eye-catching to agents and publishers.
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Today, WOW- Women on Writing had an article about the content of blogs reminding authors that using posts to express personal opinions may not be the best option for promoting their works or themselves.
Reading the rules on blogs is like reading all the dos an don'ts on writing-- it starts to get overwhelming. I don't know about you, but I start to feel this anxiety knot in the pit of my stomach just worrying about all I should or shouldn't be doing--comparing my blog with other blogs, greedily reading other blogs to learn how to be more effective, should I have more of a party atmosphere, how can I build my numbers. And then, just when I think I have it down, someone writes a blog telling me to ignore all the rules and follow my heart. What's a writer to do?
Breathe.
Goins writes, "At some point in your journey, you find yourself writing for the approval of others, not for pure love of the craft."
Later, in the same book he writes, "If you are going to succeed as a writer, you are going to have to learn to be smart. To have thick skin. To be more than talented. You are going to have to be a marketer, an entrepreneur, a talented salesperson. Because this is a business."
The answer is, being a writer is both passion and platform. The golden question, one that is morphing as we feel our way around this world, is "how"?
I have neither a good question formed yet nor anywhere near an insightful answer. I'm learning. But I do know this about my blog: you all are my tribe.
When I quit my job, I felt like an oddity, an outcast. People knew me as an ambitious, career woman. As recently as last week, a former coworker asked me how I liked "retirement". Sigh. As lightly as I could, I explained, this isn't retirement; it's a career change. Of course, you can predict the next question, "What have you published recently?" This time I had an answer, I have an article that finally moved off the slush pile, coming out in December. Most times I don't.
I write this blog because:
- You all help me normalize my life-choice of writing.
- No one else understands staring at a computer screen, writing, making no money, but believing in the dream anyway like other writers.
- You remind me that being a writer, being published even, may not be glamorous, but it's oh-so-satisfying.
- You help elevate my thinking about the craft of writing.
- You amaze me with your successes, thoughts, struggles, and humor.
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Will my blog's purpose morph? Maybe...I don't know... probably. In the meantime, I'm grateful that you follow, for the wonderful comments you leave, for being so generous with your insights, and for being my tribe.
Keep writing,
Julie
Wow! This is a wonderful resource you compiled. And just in time. I was thinking of doing my next advice post on social media (and all that implies). Thanks for this awesome post! :)
ReplyDeleteOh I'm glad it was helpful. Funny thing is, no kidding, I happened to read all these posts--bam, bam, bam--one after another. I'm looking forward to reading your entry and learn even more. Thanks, David.
DeleteThis was a great set of resources, I look forward to using them. I can't remember who said it, but I read a qoute somewhere that went something like this: when you're a writer, write; and when you're editing edit. Which I think also applies here: when you're writing or blogging do just that in the moment. When the moment is over that's when you're "allowed" to think about marketing and all that other stuff. Hard to do, but I've always found it helpful.
ReplyDeleteSarah, that's a great quote with wonderful applications. I think I'll write that down! Thank you for stopping by and sharing.
DeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteYou will be successful not because of your words, your platform, your story lines, or anything else the self-help books say…
Before I finish this thought, I should say this: I love learning and there is so much I need to learn before I am ready to consider prime time. However, I take everything that is written about how to write with a grain of salt because it seems like every semi-successful author has a how to write book. There are good points in the all but I almost feel that they fall into the category of self-help books.
We don’t learn how to live life by reading a book. We learn from life by living. We do some things right and we do some things wrong and we learn from each event. We also learn how we learn, how we best do things and what we don’t do well. Eventually we have learned enough to pass on our knowledge to others so they can learn how to succeed. I feel it is the same with writing. We can learn some things from these books but we have to write to figure out our style and abilities. We have to write to learn and we have to write to have something to publish.
People don’t understand how someone can break from societies prescribed rules for a dull and uninteresting life. They will try to make you feel small because they don’t get it. They want you to be just as uninspired as they are. They don’t have the vocabulary to know what you are doing with your days. Teach them by your example, show them by your actions and if you feel like it give them the right vocabulary. But don’t feel bad because the world thinks you are retired. If that is the word they know, embrace that word. When my neighbors ask if I still have a job, I tell them that when I actually retire I will have less free time and will take a big pay cut.
Now, here is the reason I know that you will be successful as a writer. You have honor, integrity, honesty, faith, hope and love. You have all the tools to be whatever you dream. Now stop reading my words and make the dream happen!
I almost hate to hit reply and respond after that pep talk! GO US!
DeleteThanks Rob for your kind and, as always, thoughtful response. I'm finding, as I progress on this adventure, there's a balance of reading and learning from others (why trudge through the mistakes others have graciously borne for me?) and finding my own way.
I have been reminding myself, heed the advice of others, then proceed as a rebel with boldness.
It's people like you who make the tribe a great support, Rob.
I pledge allegiance to the United Blog of Julie....Go Tribe!
DeleteIt will probably change over time. Mine has gone through several transformations. I still have my platform, but now I'm more about what I can do for others than for my own books.
ReplyDeleteI saw you write that similar comment on someone else's blog (it was blog evaluation week, apparently). One point that Jeff Goins brought out in his books is being generous with our time and ourselves in our blogs. You do that well. Thanks Alex.
DeleteJulie, I love this post. I am going to follow you around :) I love this topic because I have struggled with social media for a long time. I think social media can be an asset... but what about storyline? Blogging can drain my creativity and damage my story line if it is done too often... I love Rachelle Gardner's post on this topic. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI loved Rachelle's post too. Thanks for stopping by and being willing to hang around. I enjoyed your post too (and the pictures of your sweet peas!). It's such a balancing act, I think. Write because you love it, but to succeed you have to be smart at it. I'm still figuring the "smart" piece out.
DeleteYou tell me about it...my blog has changed within the six months blogging. I initially wanted to write movie reviews on my blog and now, it has turned into a writing blog because all of ya guys support and encourage me along the way, after all, I am a writer.
ReplyDeleteI think my blog will morph overtime with different purposes as years continue. This is what gets me every single day: blogging is so darn time consuming that I don't have time to write.
Great post!
I love writing the blog. To me it is like writing an article, a craft I enjoy. I really love reading and responding to comments. I love the dialogue. But you are so correct--finding the time to write and publish is our ultimate goal, blogging is the platform to support it. Goins in the book I mentioned above says, "Multitasking is myth. You can either create or react...choose wisely." If my day today is any proof, he is absolutely spot-on.
DeleteI honestly have no idea how this blog thing is going to translate into actual sales if/when my book comes out...but I sure like all my new friends!!
ReplyDeleteThat's how I feel Jessie! "Y'all are great, gosh I hope I sell something someday..." Thanks for stopping by, commenting and hanging around.
DeleteI've seen a lot of posts about why we blog today, funny! Anyway, I don't mind having other writers read my blog becasue they also read! And by making friendships I'm certian at least a few will buy my book, but even if they don't I've found the blogosphere to be amazing in sharing the love and spreading the word to their friends. There's nothing wrong with a writing blog :) Great post!
ReplyDeleteJ.A.-- it really was "write about blogs day". I noticed that too, but each one had a little different spin, which was fun to put together as a whole. Great conversations happening, which brings us both back to why we love the blogs-- the great people we get to know. Thanks for being one of them.
DeleteJulie, I love your ideas, and attitudes, and yes, your blog, but am I missing the link to your work?
ReplyDeleteWell, my work is limited,at this point so hmmm...not sure. I do have, in the top left of the left column a links to my "Writing Credits" page. Is that what you mean?
DeleteI mean: If this is a promotional blog, what are you promoting? If it's your personality, I'll take two. If it's your writing, and this is a writing blog, where is the writing (as in stories)?
DeleteThis question isn't for you only, and I'm not asking it with a cynical sneer - blogs are individual, after all, and a blogger can do whatever the bleepers he or she likes - but I am curious. If you're selling something, where are the goods?
(Please realize this is a 'reader's' thought, not a 'writer's' accusation.) Egg
Ohhh, I totally didn't get your point. Sorry! I think all blogs, whether you post stories or not, are promotional. My product is my writing, and yes, me-- which is demonstrated in each post. I hope as I improve my fiction skills, I can be bold enough to post stories!
DeleteI wish your question would have been more clear to me when this was posted, I would have liked to see how others respond.
Yeah, sorry I'm late getting back. I would have been interested to know what others thought too.
DeleteWell, I'm the one who's sorry I didn't catch what you meant the first time. I've been pondering this, though since you left a note. I think if your writing is ready for promotion, it's a great idea--if you have the readership to follow and create a fan base, then your purpose is served.
DeleteMy published experience is in, thus far, magazines, so I do have a link to my credits so that it's available to readers.
But I do think part of the product you are promoting, is you. Do you write in such a way that people are engaged with your style, feel connected? That, in and of itself, is a promotion.
Despite the fact that blogging may feel like preaching to the converted,I've learned a lot more and a whole lot faster about the various aspects of book marketing than any other route I could have taken. There's nothing quite like having a like-minded set of people who understand exactly what you're going through when you're going through it.
ReplyDeleteI agree and like I told Rob (above), I'd rather benefit from those who have already taken this path than forge my own way!
DeleteAmen, JL! I was even telling Julie the other day that I wouldn't be where I'm at in this point of "the process" if it weren't for her. Who understands the struggles of a writer better than other struggling writers?
DeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteGreat post, visited all the sites! Thanks for doing the hard lifting!
Glad it was helpful. So much to learn....
DeleteAs I read the WU post yesterday, I realized how far I had to go before even making it to "notable." I appreciate fellow writers like you who are making this journey with me, as well as I with you.
ReplyDeleteWhither thou goest, I will go. Your people shall be my people, your tribe shall be my tribe!
Excellent post.
Dear Ruth ;)....
DeleteI know M.L. I had that same feeling reading that post. Rachelle's post was a good balance to that perspective, especially since she's an agent. I agree --I like hanging with yous guys too.
Great post. I feel the same way sometimes - am I doing this right? But at the end of the day, I have to be me.
ReplyDeleteAnd making friends in the writing community has been both helpful and fun. I don't see it as a waste of time.
Melissa, you're actually a great example of finding a niche in the blog world. You have unique skills to bring to the blogging table that make your posts informative to read. Except you brought up Green Stamps the other day and now I feel old! ;)
DeleteGreat comments! My wife just had the social media discussion with me because I've been doing a lot of blogging this month. She wanted to know if it was actually being productive.
ReplyDeleteI had to explain that networking is still a part of writing. If anything it's like you said, "No one else understands staring at a computer screen, writing, making no money, but believing in the dream anyway like other writers."
We enjoy what we do. And sometimes, even when we stress about it, we're still having the time of our lives.
I agree Anthony. I love the camaraderie of other writers. Your wife brings up a good point about productivity though. It is a very fine line, and one, as my blog grows, I'm having to redefine. Thanks for your insightful thoughts.
DeleteBuilding a tribe of fellow writers who understand the ups and downs of the process is so important. We learn from each other and encourage each other. I feel so lucky to be part of such a generous, supportive community of writers. Thank you for being part of my tribe and allowing me to be part of yours.
ReplyDeleteDitto Roxanne-- glad we hang out together. I love the writing fellowship!
DeleteI, too, find it very frustrating when every piece of wisdom/advice you get regarding the craft of writing, there's an opposing piece of advice that contradicts it.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite overwhelming, but I'm learning to take bits and pieces that apply or work well for me and ignore the rest. Otherwise you'll go crazy trying to process all the contradictions.
Regarding having a supportive tribe, love it! I love being a part of this whole virtual tribal community thing. It makes you feel less alone on your literary journey.
Demetria, I do the same thing. I take it into account and then proceed as best I can, staying true to me. It seems like at the heart of almost all the advice is the "be who you are and be it well" theme.
DeleteAnd yes, I am your "amen choir" about feeling less alone.
Thanks for stopping by :)
That's always been my philosophy from the get-go, Demetria. So much STUFF, so I take what I need and leave the rest behind. What works for others may not work for me. I'll tell you what does work...this tribe of you folks.
DeleteYou've got a great blog. For us writers who dream of career switching, your words keep the dream alive and make it seem a near possibility.
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy-- just saw your invite on twitter- am excited to meet you and have a new writing friend. Can't wait to go check out your site too!
Delete