Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Who . . . ?

When I looked back at my first blog entry written in the summer of 2006, I wrote a short blurb about my thoughts on blogging. I felt kind of stupid doing it and wondered if any one would ever see my words. But I wanted my blog to personalize my journey with my writing efforts.

In answer to my question yesterday, Mellisa wrote:

I am always disappointed when I go to an author's website and find that they don't have a blog. I think it opens the door on who the person is behind the book/story.

I feel that same way--I go looking for their blog to interact--to find the personal side of the writer. Not sure if that is a writer thing or just me. So when I started my blog--I wanted to interact with other writers to hear about their struggles as well.

Question: Who are you writing for when you write on your blog? How do you let people know in cyberspace that you are blogging at all?

14 comments:

Jenni James said...

YAY! I can comment on yours today too! I think it's my lucky day.. I've been having a complex because my comp isn't allowing me to comment everyday--an error screen comes up!
Anyway, i love this! I totally agree with you! I love blogs...And I think they do really let you get to know someone. I love reading them and finding out all the extras!
I write mainly for my friends and family... but I am amazed at how many other people will mention they have been to my blog and had read this story or that one. It fascinates me actually. Also, i love to write what I love to read so it's usually something that'll make me chuckle/smile.

Unknown said...

Good questions! I'm not a writer, really ... I just believe in the message I'm trying to get out there. So when I write, I write to everyone and anyone who will listen.

Getting visitors to one's site is a lot more work that I anticipated. I was naive and thought it would immediately get a lot of attention ... so much so that I was worried about negative comments. In reality, the opposite is true ... if one doesn't promote a site ... it won't get noticed. So I do a lot of promoting in the form of visiting other blogs and forums, pinging my blog every time I post, using labels which (hopefully) will be picked up by search engines. I also visit blogs that are listed on the blog rolls of people I follow (like yours) and sometimes I click on people's profile to see who they are following ... and then I go there. I tell everyone I talk to about my blog. Little by little ... my readership is going up.

But that's only part of the story ... one needs to have consistent posts which will encourage readers to come back.

Take Care!

Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

I'm writing for the continued experience of improving my writing skills, to encourage and help other writers, to network and to have a writing format that editors and publishers can view regarding my writing style.

I love receiving comments and learning about the lives of other writers--what motivates them, where they are with their writing and what helps them to write better.

Angie Ledbetter said...

I blog for the connection with others, the interesting factoids you learn about writing and other good stuff, and to pass on the little tidbits I know. So I guess that means I write for others and myself. It's all so fascinating, as Small said.

Melissa Amateis said...

Good question. I think my audience is primarily toward other writers, but I also want my blog to be a window to who I am.

Janna Leadbetter said...

I blog for anyone traveling the same journey - whether it be written or otherwise. There's something relatable in each story and post, and I like finding that common ground with my readers. And I blog for myself, to explore my thoughts though this online format, and to chronicle my endeavor.

I make reference to my blogging on social networking sites, and try to explore cyberworld with a presence that speaks for itself. My hope is that when I find others, they'll in turn find me.

LauraLee Shaw said...

What a great question! I love blogging. What started out as something I felt like I had to do as a writer has turned into a full-fledged ministry. My reading audience has greatly expanded, and I've been blessed and fed by many other bloggers as well. It's a great community to be involved in!

Anonymous said...

I love to blog to find out about others and their writing techniques, tips, and frustrations (I'm not alone). I enjoy learning about people and how they manage their time, family, and jobs (if applicable) along with their writing schedules. I enjoy sharing good news with people and I didn't realize how a friendship could result from blogging until now. I enjoy chatting with all my blog buddies and hearing how their day is going or what inspires them. It is just a great outlet and networking tool.

Kasie West said...

I mostly write for myself, to document this journey. But I also love connecting with other writers. I hope one day to write for my readers.

Anonymous said...

I forgot to answer who I write for: I do write for myself as far as the enjoyment of seeing words I've put together form a novel or short story, but I always have a certain audience in mind when creating the storyline, characters, etc. One time it might be more for adults only (not too bad) but like with my NaNo novel...it can be read by preteens and up. So, it depends on the story (and what kind of creative mood I am in).

BiPolar Wife said...

I feel like I am writing to myself or maybe to my children should they ever choose to read my writing. Which to this date, they have no interest in doing!

Renee Collins said...

I started off using the blog as a journal, just to document my quest for publication.

But, not that I've made writer friends and such, my blog is one of my favorite social networks!

Kathleen said...

First let me say that your "leaving fingerprints on the heart" is not only a goal, but a reality. I am often touched when I visit your cyber-neighborhood!

As to WHO I write for, it just has to be my grandchildren. They don't much care right now, but I hope one day they'll have greater insights into their heritage, specifically the heritage of godliness that gave me and my life such richness.
With them in mind (following my Ps 19:14 rule), I always have a governor or editor over my thoughts. I so want them to understand, and to be proud.

Kathleen

BeckyJoie said...

I intend to reach a variety of readers on a variety of subjects while sharing the messages that I believe in an interesting way. At times, I also use blogging to sharpen writing skills, vent about struggles and encourage others. My primary blog is multi-purpose but I do have one focused only on writing. I hope editors, publishers and writers will visit and comment there. I need to spend more time marketing both blogs though in order to fulfill their purposes. Nothing is easy. Work is rewarding.

BeckyJoie