My writing group talked mostly about blogs last night. Three of six members have them, one more will be joining shortly, and a fifth member is considering it but is holding off for now. Mostly we talked about whether blogs are at all helpful in introducing our work to new readers and, perhaps, in helping sell our writing. So far, those of us who have books out have not noticed any avalanche of sales that could be related to our blogs. However, I have had a couple people tell me here that they would buy my novel, Cold in the Light, which probably doubled my sales for the month.
We also talked about ways to increase our blog traffic and wondered why some blogs attract a lot of attention while others garner mostly silence. I think most of us realize that posting on other folk's blogs helps attract readers to our own blogs, but you're not going to be able to post on enough blogs every day to make a living out of it. We also decided that "controversy" and "personalities" attract a lot of readers to blogs. Both of those might be a bit of a problem for me.
For example, I don't know anyone tremendously famous. Except for Stewart Sternberg, of course. That means I don't have much ready gossip to draw in the readers. And I'm not a terribly controversial guy. However, working with what I have, I introduce my new blog style below:
Razored Zen E. News:
1. A photo was taken of Stewart Sternberg without his underwear on while he was getting out of a car with Paris Hilton. Apparently, something horrible happened to the photographer immediately afterward, however, and the photos have yet to appear. Your intrepid correspondent for RZ E NEWS will remain on this story and will attempt to cover...it up before the world as we know it ceases to exist.
2. Wayne Allen Sallee, noted horrorist, appeared recently with Supermodel Tyra Banks and some bimbo in a black dress. Wayne was clearly bloody about the face and your intrepid correspondent believes that he was badly beaten when a "multi-way" with the two models, William Shatner, and a bunch of kinky tribbles went wrong. If you doubt this story, check out the photograph.
3. Tune in tomorrow when I blow the lid off Sidney Williams' double life.
My blog is an experiment. As a writer it has allowed me to network with other writers. And though I haven't sent along any of my fiction to be critiqued, I have no doubt that at some point that may occur. Furthermore, two of the writers I have known online will probably be coming to one of the groups to which I belong.
ReplyDeleteAbout sales. I sincerely hope to have a story coming out in an anthology in the next year. I hope to be able to market it on my blog and perhaps people who have enjoyed conversation with me will decide to buy a copy.
Finally, I think that blogs give a sense of community. If they don't offer the writer any other reward (and I don't see how they can't...I mean, you have to write and update frequently..so at least they serve as some kind of online journaling), they at least put you into contact with some pleasant people. Some not so pleasant. Some downright stupid. And some learn to hate you. But I digress.
Regarding the photo of me with Paris Hilton...the one with the naughty bits...I am offering that to Vanity Fair.
I am shocked, shocked at the depths or heights--whichever--that writers will stoop, rise, or undulate toward in order to increase their sales.
ReplyDeleteI am driven speechless by these phenomena beyond my ken. Or even my barbie.
I can't wait to find out what my double life is.
ReplyDelete