Comments on: Should Beginning Writers Blog?

By: Bill Ward

Bill Ward — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:03:55 +0000

Thanks A.E. — I’m working on a series of posts right now that sort of expand on that idea, and the notion of a ‘public resume’ will get an essay all to itself.

By: A. E. Anderson

A. E. Anderson — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:38:48 +0000

Great article…I have struggled with those arguments personally. I use my blog, as basic as it is, to also track my progress publicly. If others find it useful or interesting, that is just a nice side effect.

By: Bill Ward

Bill Ward — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:26:20 +0000

I’ve recently been considering that same line of thought, that blogs function as a way to publicly track one’s progress. It’s certainly a spur to get things done.

Thanks for stopping by, Benjamin.

By: Benjamin Solah

Benjamin Solah — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:46:19 +0000

Interesting post. I’ve blogged about this before too, as in trying to explain why I blog. Initially, my static website was a way of promoting myself, but more so an excuse to use my interest in web design at the time. The blog became a way of writing something to see if people would read, but has slowly developed into something for myself, a place to publicly track my progress, get support from other writers and in a political angle, a way to test political arguments and organize my thoughts.

By: Bill Ward

Bill Ward — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:10:44 +0000

Great additional points guys — especially how blogging can help through focusing one’s thoughts and building a supportive community. I think making a public declaration of a goal — whether a big challenge like nano or something smaller — can also help spur a writer on, if for no other reason than to avoid embarrassment.

By: cindy

cindy — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 05:40:15 +0000

so eloquently said, bill, as always.
i’ve been keeping an online journal for
a decade now–all in various incarnations.
so it’s in my blood. =) it actually *helps*
me with my writing. it makes me think and
focus, when i blog about my own progress
and my current writing issues.

not to mention, i love it for the writing
community. i honestly don’t think i would
have come so far without my online writing
friends. writing is a very lonely business,
and i love to commiserate with other writers.

AND the networking possibilities are endless.
i think the internet is the best FREE tool you
can have for author promotion. it does take
time, but i enjoy it, and i think it’s time well spent. =)

but if all you’re doing is blogging about writing
and NOT writing. then NO BLOG FOR YOU!

By: NewGuyDave

NewGuyDave — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:41:48 +0000

I’m an unpublished writer, and I try to make my blog about writing, reading, and movies. Most of those in my friends page are published authors, agents, and other new writers.

I try to limit my time online, but I do see how it could get out of control. Sometimes I need to get ask others about a concern, or mention something I learned, or just publish my thoughts on a topic and see what others think. It does take up a little time each day to read, post and respond to blogs, but I try to make sure it’s part of the learning process or for networking.

When I get my first novel published, I’m hoping there are lots of folks who can help me shout out to the world. Is that selfish? Sure. Would I do it for somebody I know? I already have.

Now, off to write. Happy Thanksgiving everybody.
Dave

By: K.C.

K.C. — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 03:46:57 +0000

I agree with your comments, Bill, but perhaps that is because I have the luxury of time, too.

I am not constrained by the responsibilities of children or a career other than writing. I sometimes am depressed that it took me sixty years to get to this place, but I believe we are all led to where we should be.

I will write, for how ever many years I have left, and for me that is success in itself. If it leads to something larger, then so much the better.