By Karen Lange
To me, blogging is an adventure; there are ups,
downs, and everything in between. Each portion of the endeavor offers valuable,
hands on experience and helps stretch our skills. It adds wonderful dimension to a writer’s
life. We gain new friends, connections, resources, info, and writing opportunities.
I’m thankful for all I’ve learned on my blogging journey.
While I don’t claim to be an expert, I have discovered a few things that boost
blog success.
1) Be
authentic. The more I write, the more Oscar Wilde’s words ring true. He said,
“Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” Many writers stress over developing
their writing voice. While voice is an important element, I think
that it’s been over emphasized and writers get stressed about it. It’s important
to relax, be yourself, and write. In doing so, our genuine voice emerges.
2) Pay
it forward. When I started my blog three years ago, one goal was to help other
writers. I didn’t profess to know everything; I just wanted to share what I’d
learned. I’ve been blessed with help from wonderful, supportive friends, and wanted
to pass that encouragement along. I began by offering tips and links in hopes
that someone could use them on their writing journey.
3) Don’t
take unpleasant comments or loss of followers personally. Your blog won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and
that’s okay. In a recent interview, author Ann Gabhart said, “Rejection is not
fatal.” She was referring to submissions, but this applies to blogging too. Step
back, take a deep breath, and objectively select any constructive elements. Pruning,
when appropriate, hurts, but is necessary for growth.
4) Confront
challenges head on. Some think that the writer’s life is all roses and
sunshine, but the reality is that it takes time and effort. Hours of thinking,
reading, learning, research, writing, revising, and editing are the norm. It’s
easy to get discouraged and quit. If we feel called to write, though, then we
must press through the hard places. When I am stuck for ideas or a project
isn’t flowing right, I pray. I also consult friends who help brainstorm, read
drafts, or offer encouragement.
5) Interact
with other writers. No man is a blog island. Writing friends, local and/or
online, provide Inspiration, info, and encouragement. The writing life is
solitary, so friends provide valuable feedback and help us keep a balanced
perspective. Join a writer’s group or forum, visit and comment on other blogs,
or take a writing class. Sometimes it is difficult for an introverted writer to
reach out, but the people in the writing community are amazing, and a great
source of support. It’s worth the effort!
What have you learned on your blogging adventure?
Karen Lange is a
writer, blogger, and online writing instructor at the Coffeehouse for Writers.
Her articles have appeared in parenting, educational, and writing
publications. Visit her blog at karenelange.blogspot.com.
Photo credit: Stock Exchange
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