- To sharpen writing skills?
- To meet other writers or bloggers?
- To spread the word about your work?
- To give back to the writing (or other) community?
I started blogging in 2009 to add "blogging" to my resume. Little did I know what was in store - I met wonderful people (you!) and practiced and learned all of the above and more. It's been a great experience.
If I had to choose the greatest benefit, I'd say it's the people. Meeting people with varied talents and interests from all over the globe is priceless.
So tell me, what motivates you to blog?
New Book!
And the best part is that it's free on Amazon! Check it out here.
What have you gained from blogging?
Enjoy the end of 2014 with friends and family. I'm taking a break until January 5, 2015, see you then!
Happy New Year,
Karen
Image credit: Stock Exchange
I agree with you that a big benefit of blogging in making new friends. I also blog to help other authors.
ReplyDeleteThat's been the greatest benefit to me! Now I blog to give back.
ReplyDeleteThanks for mentioning our book.
Natalie,
ReplyDeleteIt's great isn't it? You certainly have given a boost to a lot of authors. :) So glad we've met through blogging.
Alex
I remember when you first started following me. I didn't understand why at the time but now know and am grateful for your support! :)
Happy writing,
Karen
Good question! I started a blog of my own because I'd been invited to join a group blog, and I had no idea how to handle the mechanics of it all. My blog started as a place to practice, but I've loved getting to know people!
ReplyDeleteI have gained some good friends, and I have sharpened my writing skills. I think it's important to write constantly, whether it be our own personal writing or blogging. I had taken a hiatius from blogging for a time, but now I feel refreshed and new again.
ReplyDeleteEverything you said. My blogging actually started because I was peer pressured into it by another writer who knew I'd love the interaction once I started. She was right. It's hard to believe I've been blogging for so long!
ReplyDeleteI started blogging in 2006. Now I find that's it is difficult to be as diligent as I was. I still love that form of writing but I don't get to others as much and I miss that very much. I hang out on Facebook way too much!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I started for one reason and ended up doing it for several others. My publisher said, blog, so I blogged. Then I discovered just what that involved--lots of dedication. Then I discovered so many wonderful people who were willing to "talk" to me and encourage me and support me when I needed it. Wow! Now there are the reasons to blog.
ReplyDeleteI totally started blogging for the same reason you did. It's great, isn't it? And it's definitely helped with my writing. The awesome people I've met are just a bonus.
ReplyDeleteI started off with the idea of building my writer platform, but the major benefit: life-long friends. 2015 will mark 7 years of blogging. I've also learned so much from other bloggers.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, I started blogging because "they" said I should. build my profile, my presence, "they" said. don't peddle my novel, write useful stuff, "they" said. so I wrote about me, by way of introduction, to whom I wasn't quite sure. I had a few visitors but no followers, save for a friend or two. then I started networking on FB, and twittering, and as I began cross networking, LO, I have built my following to a worthy 41, and over 100 posts - 30 of which were my Countdown Celebration [to Release Day] in the month of October - EVERY SINGLE DAY in October except one. so I blog to build community, and relationships with other writer, authors, and bloggers. I blog to share things I've learned, and topics that pertain to my writing. and yes, I blog to "sell" my book, but by way of, "Come, sit down a spell, We'll have a cup of tea, and maybe while you're here, you might pick up a copy of my book." like that.
ReplyDeleteps, the best part is definitely the people I've met and the friends I've made!!
Merry Christmas!!!
Susie,
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting learning the ropes, wasn't it? I'm with you; the people are the best part! :) Such a great experience..
Loree,
It is good to see you again! We've missed you. But I totally understand. Some days I think I need an extended break too. It takes a big commitment to stay on top of blogging, not to mention all our other pursuits. :)
Lisa
Peer pressure for blogging - lol! Well, we are glad you started. It's a great ride with many benefits. :)
Terri,
It is hard to be consistent sometimes isn't it? So much happening otherwise, Facebook included! :)
Lee,
Oh yeah, there is so much more to it than meets the eye, isn't there? It doesn't just happened. But the perks are great so many nice people out there too! :)
J. E.,
It is great! And it does keep you writing and thinking and all that good stuff. Nice to know others are in this with you, you know? :)
Susan,
Me too! Well, besides the blogging on the resume thing. :) I am one year behind you; it will be 6 in March. Hard to believe! :)
Robin,
I know "they" say a lot of stuff, don't "they"? lol After a while it seems, you usually find what works best for you. I agree, pairing it with other social media is a big help. It takes time, but you meet such great people!
Happy writing,
Karen
I loved the anthology.
ReplyDeleteAt first I started my blog to promote myself, but then it became so much more. I value communicating with others and helping others promote. Also, my writing has improved. My first blog posts were clunky. I'm now more comfortable writing nonfiction and short pieces.
I began my blog as an exercise in journaling, for personal satisfaction, and to have a platform foundation. I was pleased to have followers. I met a lot of nice people. Just when I decided I didn't care if my blog attracts more readers, I find myself being invited into a blogging community with many followers. I would have never thought it. I try not to post too much of my work on my blog, because some consider it published. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteBlogging is just something I need to do. It started out as a way to express myself in different ways. Today it is that and so much more - the community aspect has to be one of the best parts, I must wholeheartedly agree with you on that score.
ReplyDeleteMedeia,
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to reading the anthology - so many wonderful writers! My first posts were not so great too. You learn a lot through the process, don't you? :)
Linda,
You know, when I first started I was pleased and surprised to get followers. And I couldn't imagine why they would follow me! :) It's a great community.
M.J.,
The "so much more" part - you hit the nail on the head. It really is! Going into it, I had no clue. Such a great experience where you get to meet so many people. :)
Happy writing,
Karen
It was May 2012- I celebrated my 59th birthday. For some reason I wanted to have a record of my 60th year - write down my experiences, emotions, perceptions. I live a world away from my children - They all live Down Under, I live in Nederland. I started in English as that is my second language - I wanted to use this medium to give my children a closer look at ME.
ReplyDeleteLooking and reading back, I can see growth, a more mature way of writing and I have also added a dutch blog ( my mother tongue) so as my dutch family and friends can follow my thoughts. My hobby - the kitchen, has led to another dimension of writing ( this still needs some more attention that I am giving it at present).
I have an urge to write - which I think is different to having talent. This urge does however sharpen my talent and also heightens my desie to wrote more. I have entered a new fase in life. My husband and I are moving into a more manageable home - with the prospect of more time to develop my writing and cooking skills.
I have no idea how few or many people read what I write as the list of followers isn't spectacularly long - but will continue to write and share till words fail me.
I love reading other blogs thereby being allowed into the hearts and lives of other fellow bloggers.
What a great medium, what a joyful development. I am considered by my grandchildren to be quite the modern oma.
Thanks Karen, the question you raised has re-ignited my enthusiasm and once again underwritten my commitment to writing.
Happy holidays and a blessed 2015
Anita,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing with us! I knew part of the story from reading your blog, but wasn't aware of all the details. What a wonderful journey for you! I like how you talk about the urge to write sharpening your talent. That's a good and interesting point. I think we might have a hearty discussion on that topic alone. :) I suspect you are called to write in some way and the urge is God's way of prompting you. I wonder if it's not like that for most of us. Appreciate you sharing your heart, and so glad it has reignited your enthusiasm!
Blessings to you and your family as well,
Karen
Karen, You've numbered all of my own reasons for blogging. And it's worked! So glad I'm in the sphere of so many great writers, you included. Have a wonderful blessed Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen - someone asked that question of me in 2009 - when I'd set out on my blogging journey ... I answered with a long comment ... the blogger then posted a reply to me .. A Positive Letter to Hilary ... I was somewhat taken aback .. but that set me off along this journey. It started with wanting to learn about the net and the opportunities and then spread to people .. and learning through people .. making lots of friends too ..
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting journey - to say the least .. next month it'll be into it's 7th year .. incredible!
Have a happy and peaceful Christmas week - Hilary
So right, Karen. Blogging brought me wonderful friends like you. I feel blessed more than I can say.
ReplyDeleteI started because I read every author should have a blog. I stayed the course because of the friends I made like Hilary. Blogging becomes a community of sorts. I miss you at my blog. I pray that Christmas brings you only good things!!
ReplyDeleteBlogging is a great way to connect with like minded people and make life long friends. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy prosperous New Year!
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteAh, you are so sweet! I will say the same about you too! So blessed we've met through blogging. :) Someday we must meet for tea! It's a bit of a commute, but maybe we could meet in the middle - say PA or WV?
Hilary,
It's been a wonderful ride, hasn't it? So many great friends (that would include you!) and adventures galore. I've learned so much from you and your blog, and treasure the friendship we have. :)
Joylene,
I agree! I remember when you first followed me. Like Alex C. and a few others, I wondered why these smart and successful writers were following such a newbie as myself. I am so glad you did! You have a hand in this blog and many others and I thank you for it! :) It means so much.
Roland,
Hilary has a hand in bringing many people together doesn't she? Thanks for your kind words. Will stop over soon and see what's going on in your neighborhood. Thanks for coming by! :)
Nas,
It sure is. We might not have met otherwise, you know? So glad we've met. Blessings to you and your family! :)
Happy writing,
Karen
I started blogging because my agent at the time said that it was important to start building a platform. When I started I wasn't sure what I was in for, but I have been working on all the things you listed. What I like best about blogging is the connections I make with other readers, writers, authors, and people a
ReplyDeleteround the world. :)
Happy New Year!
~Jess
Jess,
ReplyDeleteSo many of us started out rather clueless, didn't we? But maybe that was best, we learned so much, right? I'm with you; the people you meet are the best part of the journey! :)
Happy writing,
Karen
Five years later, it's hard to remember why I started blogging, Karen! I seem to recall reading that a writer needs to blog as part of "building a platform" and I thought I might write a cookbook someday. Still haven't. And I thought it might get me some writing gigs. And it has. And now I think I'm simply addicted to it! I enjoy visiting all sorts of blogs and interacting with those bloggers as well as those who visit my blog.
ReplyDeleteJean,
ReplyDeleteYes, starting a blog seemed the thing to do for us writers, didn't it? Who knew what was in store down the road! What an adventure it's been. :) So glad we met through blogging.
Happy writing,
Karen
Karen: I wanted to try to get my writing out to people. My pastor suggested I start a blog. The first attempt was NOT good. This July will mark seven years of blogging. I, like Susan R., have gained some wonderful friends through blogging. Blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDelete