Time for another Hi Susan question. This one came from Cameron, who asked
Do you think it’s essential that an author have a blog they consistently post to?
I’ve been blogging for about 15 years and the landscape has certainly changed. I started out blogging about saving money not writing, but it did, without me realizing it, showcase my writing skills which actually led to work.
So let’s break things down and let’s start with freelance writers.
My advice is to use a blog platform like WordPress as your site to showcase your work, use it as your portfolio and you can direct editors to it. But should you blog on the site too?
I’d be inclined to do it, because you might focus on a topic that a potential editor is thinking about featuring and if it looks like you have some knowledge or interest, then there’s a good chance you’ll get a call or an e-mail. And especially if your writing style shines through in your posts. Added plus, you didn’t have to do any pitching or extra work. In fact, this could even turn into repeat work with a steady client…big plus for a freelancer!
However, if you feel like blogging is cutting into your writing and pitching time or you get tired of churning out words and not producing your best writing, (even in a casual blog post), then I’d say skip it and just use the online space as your Web site and nothing more.
How about fiction authors?
I actually didn’t begin blogging on my site until I started coaching. I wrote how to write sort of posts and have to admit, things fell off quickly when I got busy. I have, however, kept up blogging here but things have gone into a whole new direction from my original plan.
It’s been almost ten years since I set up This Writer’s Life and it wasn’t my intent to post writing tips, have guest bloggers, or grow it into a community of fellow writers.
I was struggling to write every day so I thought I’d blog to keep me on track. I’d post about what I’d done, what I was working, mainly for my own eyes. I could go back and see how I was progressing. Sort of like being my own accountability partner.
Maybe that’s something all fiction writers should do, share their ups and downs, what’s working and what’s not.
Once again, it’s each author’s own decision. I don’t think it hurts you if you don’t. I don’t think it necessarily helps you, especially in the beginning when you don’t get many views.
And don’t feel pressured to write something every day or every week if it’s going to cut into your novel writing time.
That’s the main goal, get your book written, and if you have the time or inclination to write posts about it, then it’s just icing on the cake.
I’d love to hear if you blog and if you feel that it’s helped you land assignments or sell more books.