First of all, it's great to be back from unplug week. I missed everyone. I hope you got a lot accomplished. I know I did. *grin*
In a couple of weeks I will have an interview with talented YA author Mandy Hubbard. I can't believe it myself. She's letting me interview her? YAY! She is a very nice and super gifted writer. Hope y'all join me for that interview.
The past couple of weeks writers have been blogging about, well, blogging. Asking questions like, "is it part of your marketing strategy?"
I decided to write this post, because when I first started blogging I wasn't sure exactly why I was doing it. My writing partner Beth, (who recently got an awesome, super cool agent) mentioned I should think about it. That was March 2009. Fast forward to January 2010 and I could not list all of the things I have learned from fellow bloggers. So for me, blogging isn't just about marketing. It is about making relationships with folks that are on the same road I'm on. It's about learning and giving, just as I do with all of the people in my life. It's a circle of life and friendship (think Lion King here) that I absolutely need to do. I have become a much better writer. I listen to the advice. And it's all wonderful. So that is why I blog. I have to visit with my pals daily or in some cases every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. ^_^
Not every post has to be long. I'm trying for quality here. A lot of my posts are short. I hope I'm giving back as much as I'm getting. (sometimes I wonder)
I am very thankful for all of you who have made this path so enjoyable. Thank you fellow bloggers. I could never repay all that you have done for me. :-)
Robyn you give more than you know! Visiting you is a wealth of information, contests, how to's, and a glimpse of writing in your world. As a reader and follower I am blessed for having shared with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tamika. That makes me feel good. I really appreciate you and The Write Worship. :)
ReplyDeleteI blog so my friend Robyn has a place to freely advertise her blog! Ha!!
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Scott, I'm glad you finally realize the importance of my free advertising. : )
ReplyDeleteHi Robyn,
ReplyDeleteI agree. Blogging is so much more than platform. I think perhaps many of us start off with the idea that we "need" to get in the game. But it becomes so much more than that--ultimately a connection with other writers and hopefully someday a connection with our readers. The issue is knowing how much time to spend on the connecting with other writers, right? When it begins to take away from the writing, then we have to evaluate it. Actually, I think it's good to evaluate what we're doing with blogging from time to time, to keep us on track.
Welcome back, Robyn.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I like most about blogging is connecting with other people and getting a little window into their worlds. And, I like writing a little non-fiction. It adds variety to my writing week.
Jody, that was my problem a couple of months ago. The blogging was taking me away from my writing. That's when I had to set my schedule and writing had to be at the top of the list. After God, prayer, my family and my farm here in NC.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's a good thing to evaluate everything in our lives from time to time. Especially what we're doing with blogging. (^_^)
Paul, thanks so much for the warm "welcome back." I agree that the connections are so important. Getting to know folks and learning from them. That's what it's all about. : )
ReplyDeleteI started blogging to connect with other writers. Now, I blog because of the wonderful friends I've grown so attached to. Friends like you! :-)
ReplyDeleteRobyn, I'm very thankful to have met you too. You are such a wonderful and caring person, both online and as a mother. You're a pleasure to have in my life.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely give as much as you get. Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back from unplug week, Robyn! Isn't blogging so rewarding? I started blogging to help build a platform and make connections. I CONTINUE to do it because of the relationships and the wonderful wealth of knowledge and support I get. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteAs I think you know I'm one of those bloggers who keeps analyzing your question and study the blog. Did again today in fact and if I'd known you were going to bring it up I'd have put in a link to your post -- in fact I think I go do it right now. I think it's something we who blog should continue to ask ourselves, and if we are going to continue, then we should, as you have said, strive for quality. If our blog isn't worthwhile to others, and also ourselves, then our endeavors seem rather pointless. Just like we check ourselves in the mirror to make sure everything is presentable before we go out, we should periodically review our work and our intent to make sure our blog is presentable to others.
ReplyDeleteLee
I've learned a lot since I started blogging, both about myself and those whose blogs I read. It has been a wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteHey Shannon! Thank you so much. I consider you a wonderful friend too. :)
ReplyDeleteDavin, thank you so much! I am so thankful that I know you. You have brightened up my little world so very much. :)
ReplyDeleteSusan, I appreciate that. I sure have learned a lot from you. Thank you for all you continue to give me. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Cindy! Your explanation is exactly how I feel. It is a wealth of information isn't it? The support has been invaluable because without it, I'd probably be wallowing in self pity about now. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is how I feel. Honestly, the writing community I've stumbled into is amazing and I want to be a part of it! I didn't start my blog to market. I started because I thought my journey would help someone else who was new at it. I haven't done the best of documenting my thoughts however because there are so many awesome blogs out there for that. Now I do it because I love my fellow bloggers and I want to keep in touch. Plus the support is nice too.
ReplyDeleteI do it to connect with other writers and to learn through their experiences.
ReplyDeleteRobyn,
ReplyDeleteIf I'm never published, or even looked at by an agent...I'll still blog. I love the connection with those that have so much in common. It's wonderful.
Welcome back! I also had a productive unplug week.
ReplyDeleteI guess I blog to develop an accountability structure, make friends, inspire and be inspired, and build a platform. Should the happy day ever arrive that I have a book on the shelves, I hope my readers would come by my blog to interact.
I LOVE having you as a bloggite and MISSED you last week! May God bless you to get the words just right, no matter how short your post!!!
ReplyDeletePatti
Lee, great minds DO think alike. ^_^ And yes I know how you analyze and the passion you feel about this subject. I love it! And I'll be over to read your post soon. Thanks Lee.
ReplyDeleteBish, I know. Blogging is our gateway to OUR world isn't it? Pretty cool, huh? :)
ReplyDeleteNisa, you hit the mark my friend. Exactly. It's all about my blogging pals knowing how I feel whether I'm celebrating or crying about a rejection. :)
ReplyDeletePatti, thank goodness for our blogging community. :)
ReplyDeleteKristi, AMEN SISTER! But we hope to be published and before my ol' age would be nice. *grin*
ReplyDeleteLaurel, hey girl. Thanks for the welcome back. How nice. And you mention something I hadn't thought of. Accountability. Another great reason. :)
ReplyDeletePatti, how nice to be missed. What a most wonderful thing for you to say. And when I listen to God, he always makes sure I get the words write. It's when I don't that I fall into trouble. :)
ReplyDeleteI blog to make myself write. The bonus is that people comment and help me grow, and I've found so many blogs from which I learn. Someday I'd like to think it will be a means to market myself, but for now it's my classroom, and my favorite teacher.
ReplyDeleteLiza, It is wonderful to grow isn't it? And I love how you say it's your classroom and favorite teacher. So cool! :-)
ReplyDeleteWe're thinking along the same wave length, I see. I really enjoy your blog, Robyn, and am glad you decided to give. :)
ReplyDeleteKatie, thank you so much for saying that. That cheered up my night as I dwell on another hospital visit tomorrow. Thank you. :-)
ReplyDeleteI started blogging in order to get myself back to reading a lot more, and then I leaped back into writing, which was such a wonderful surprise. I've really grown to love the blogging community - so many wonderful people here.
ReplyDeleteLike you I've learned a lot and gained a lot from fellow bloggers. I just wish I had more time to visit more blogs, and to visit certain blogs more often.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back in the saddle and ready to blog! *grins* And I'm super glad you had a productive week.
ReplyDeleteBelle, so many wonderful people. Boy you said it! :-)
ReplyDeleteAshley, Me two! I love traveling to and from picking up tidbits if advice as I journey through my day. If only there were more minutes. More seconds. :-)
ReplyDeletePat, back in the saddle. YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!! You know you GOT THAT RIGHT!! I missed ya too. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to THANK YOU, Robyn. You're probalby the main blogger than opened my eyes to how great blogging buddies were. And I'm with you, it's all about that connection with everyone else intersted in stories.
ReplyDeleteI have just recently started blogging, and didn't realize what all the reasons were that I had started to blog, but I started posting in hopes to figure it out... and I did, I write because I love too, I want people to read it and enjoy it! I am loving all of the blog friends who support me and tell me what they think, it's amazing and I am glad I joined!
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