Do you have a story to tell? A passion to share… a skill you could teach … experiences that could help others? You can get started today and not have to spend a cent.
Blogging is an inexpensive and easy way to start writing and get started online. Some people have even turned their blogging into books and movies, like the recent movie Julia, Julia, and Tim Ferris author of the 4 day workweek.
Blogging has evolved quite far from its humble beginnings as an online journal. Today blogs are fully functioning websites which help get the news out, connect people, and build communities of like-minded people.
You can start a blog for free.
You can get a free blog at:
Or websites that already specialize in certain subjects, like www.redroom.com which is a website for writers, will allow you join and blog for them under your own name.How often do I need to write or post something?
Once a week is good, but if that seems like too much even once a month is a great start. The important thing is to develop the habit of writing and posting online.
How long does it need to be?
The average reader stays on a blog post 96 seconds. People are used to reading snippets online now and it has been shown that the reading habits of American online have changed to more of a scanning style.
So 200-350 words a post is a good size for a blog post. You certainly can write longer and more, but breaking up a long post into parts one way to do it, and you will find different readers will find you through different titles and stories you have written.
I am not sure what I want to say or how to say it.
One of the first things I suggest you do before you start a blog, is find other blogs and websites that may cover some of the subjects you want to write about. Find online forums and read what people are saying. Research is always a good idea before you begin. Take notes while you are doing this so you can remember your ideas for later. I recommend that you keep a blog notebook with you at all times to jot down ideas as you go out and about.
There is no right or wrong. This is not English class. Do not be afraid to write. The more you write the better you will become and you will find your voice.
You can go back and edit change anything you have written. You can even delete posts you don't like. Blogging is fun if you just relax and let it be a creative way to express yourself.
How will people find me?
Tell all your friends, start an email list, join some of the other blogs and online forums you may of found in your research and become part of their community, you can add a link to your website in your signature file in your email, and on all your social media websites and business cards. Update your Facebook when you publish a post, then go and tweet it!
How will I learn how to blog, I am not technical at all!
You can Google wordpress training videos, or blogger training videos, and you will find hundreds of wonderful videos that will show you each step. I have several videos for beginners on my website for wordpress users to help them learn how to get started posting.
Anyone can blog
My 71-year-old Dad had a stroke 5 years ago, and is now in a nursing home. After his stoke, he very was sad about the loss of his old life and mobility and independence, yet he inspired his therapists and others with his amazingly positive and never give up attitude. I told him he could help other people like him through blogging. I bought him a laptop and set up a blog for him and he is blogging in the nursing home.
One of my clients runs a blog called
Today she has her own internet radio program where she recently interviewed Prince Charles and Patricia Cornwell, all because she started a little blog for fun.
BOOK PUBLISHING BASICS
By: Literary Agent, Elizabeth Pomada
The 5 Keys to Becoming a Successful Author:
-
1. Read what you love to read and write what you love to read. Use books you love as models for your book.
2. Build communities of people to help you. Get feedback on your work to ensure it's ready to submit.
3. Understand how publishing works. Learn how to work with your agent and publisher.
4. Build your visibility and marketability. Promote your book and yourself online and off.
5. Be committed to your craft and your career. Build your career by writing better and more profitable books.
ABOUT SFWC PRECONFERENCE DAY:
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The 7th San Francisco Writers Conference will be February 12-14, 2010
Keynoters include Jacquelyn Mitchard and Steve Berry.
For more information go to www.sfwriters.org
About Ask Me PC Web Design: www.askmepc-webdesign.com
