This past year (2015) I’ve poured a lot of my time and energy into writing weekly blogs on my website in an attempt to connect and gradually grow a following. Writing blogs was never something I thought I’d pursue. I’m a fiction writer. But surprise, surprise! I love it.
I’ve created four columns a month, one every Tuesday (and a random blog on each fifth Tuesday). The regular crafting of a meaningful bit of communication has proven an excellent discipline as well as an opportunity to practice my writing skills and become more comfortable with my voice and purpose.
As I look back, the blogs have been fun and challenging. You know how it goes, you always learn more by preparing than by partaking. According to comments, these blogs have been beneficial to readers as well.
NOTE: If you appreciate a blog or other online article, let the writer know. Leave a brief comment, or if you’re set up to do so, tweet or share on various social media. It means a lot to the writer and can expand their readership. We need to help each other on this journey.
Looking ahead, I’m tweaking my column themes for freshness and variety in this new year. I’ve had to evaluate my use of time in order that the blogs don’t take over all my writing time, leaving nothing for my novels.
Speaking of which, I have three novels going out of print, so I need to decide how to re-release them. Then there’s the sequel edit languishing in my WIP folder, waiting for attention, and the contemporary cozy still longing for readers.
Looking back is essential. As a historical author, I do this all the time. But looking ahead is also important as it keeps us on track. Zig Ziglar said, “If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.”
I wish for each of you a time to re-evaluate your 2015 writing path, and to formulate plans to reach your goals for 2016. God’s blessings to you as you move forward with confidence.
“He who called you is faithful, who also will do it” I Thess. 5:24 (NKJV).
Jan, what a beautiful website. I didn’t know you were blogging. I’ve added my name to your list of people to notify when you blog, and I look forward to reading your inspiring blogs.
Thanks, Cathy. Glad to have you on board.
Your blog was such an encouragement for me. I blog, but I’m not at the place where I do it on a regular basis, I think I’m trying to target my blogs and it’s not working. I’m like you, I have a dozen writing projects on the go and I need to learn to schedule my time.
Oh, I know. It’s always a matter of balancing time and effort. All the best as you pursue your blogging.
I’ve been following and appreciating your blogs. 🙂
As to your cozy mystery, if it only needs readers you could always post it as a series here — maybe as a separate page? But I’d encourage you to go indie through CreateSpace or try submitting to Berkley Prime Crime.
I’ve been reading a lot of cozies this past year and can see that the offering is all over the spectrum. Seems publishers are glad to find a potential series, quality varies IMO. I’ve seen many indie-published cozies on Amazon, some really good, some deplorable.
I know you could and would do a good book. But IMO, for cozies you really need the makings for a series.
Good ideas, Chris. I concur that cozies are all over the map. I download a lot of them and am appalled at the quality of some. But the odd ones are wonderful.
I’ve certainly been considering CreateSpace, even though my heart pounds with trepidation at the thought. But it’s a whole new year open to great possibilities.
Take care and all the best with your writing.
Thanks for another useful and thoughtful post, Jan.
Thanks for your comment, Carolyn. I appreciate it.