According to Jane, "on-line media can divert your attention/focus from writing your work in progress and reading in your genre," to which I say, "Of course. I haven't touched my novel in days (although nothing can divert me from reading in my genre)." She cautions that blogging "is not likely to lead to publication, or garner you an audience large enough to impress an agent or publisher" Okay, and then there's also the possibility that no one will even read your blog. There are millions of other blogs out there, far more brilliant than yours or mine are likely to be, right?
So why blog?
Well, after conceding to the points above, Jane Freidman goes on to give 5 excellent reasons to have a website or blog, which I would like to pass on to you. For the real deal, go to (blog.writersdigest.com/norules/), but for now, here's my interpretation.
1. You need to start somewhere and you need to start early. Get familiar with the tools, grow and improve, so when you do get published (or need the blog for some other purpose), you'll be ready. This is especially true if you're technologically challenged, like me. Blogging is a skill that takes time to learn, so I'm taking it slow and easy, using Blogging for Dummies as my guide.
2. You need to experiment, link, and network, while under no pressure to perform. This whole blogging business scares me to death. Yep, this writer of novels who wants to be published someday is afraid of the big, bad world of the blogosphere, afraid I'll screw up and make a total fool of myself.
3. With a blog on the back burner, ideas and opportunities will start popping up all over the place. At least that's how it works for me. I find inspiration when reading the newspaper, conversing, walking, and watching TV, one reason I always have a notepad close by.
4. Maybe, with enough practice, you'll pick up some readers along the way (besides friends and family, that is).
5. And then you can start building relationships, have an impact on others, right there from your seat in front of the computer.
As far as blog content goes, I have one disagreement with Jane. She cautions not to write about the writing and publishing process unless you have some very unique insights or a very unusual spin. Heck, I'm a writer. Writing is my passion. And the publishing process both fascinates and frustrates me. I'm sure there are many readers and writers out there who will find the process as fascinating and frustrating I do.
Sure, for the finer details about writing and publishing, people like Jane are far more knowledgeable (and reliable) than me, but in my defense, I have enough passion about the subject to carry it off.
Credits: Imagining links, by Will Lion; The meeting, by h. Koppedlaney)
