In my last post, I shared why I won’t stop blogging. But what I mentioned were the benefits for me of blogging. Not how I could benefit the bloggers who visit me here. And really, isn’t that why we should also blog? To help each other?
So today I’m listing 10 things you can expect from this blog when you visit me.
1. I’ll tell you some of the best ways to start your writing career.
2. I’ll share with you what I know about querying, One-Sheets, and Synopsis.
3. I’ll commiserate with you when those rejections pile up.
4. I’ll gladly look over and critique a few pages for you for free if you want another eyeball.
5. I’ll always pray for your concerns.
6. I’ll cheer you on when you share your successes and visit your blog to tell you so.
7. I’ll teach you how to start your story with a good hook.
8. I’ll be honest with you about the way it really is with writing.
9. I’ll tell you what to expect at a conference, relax and have fun.
10. I’ll tell you how to start a writers’ group in your hometown.
So these are only TEN ways I hope I can be of service to those visiting here. Blogging is about giving as well as putting information about ourselves out there. I want to go to a blog and know that I can leave feeling as though I have been entertained, educated or encouraged.
So here is where it's your turn: What does your blog do for your followers?
46 comments:
Great post. I agree that blogs should have something to offer its visitors. If it doesn't, then really, what's the point? Unless you're blogging simply for your own peace of mind, of course. But if we want people to come back - or better yet, follow or subscribe - then we need to offer something worth their time. Personally, I choose to visit blogs I get something out of (as selfish as that may seem). But if you look at the numbers of followers on various blogs, the ones providing excellent advice are the ones with hundreds (even thousands) of followers (check out Rachelle Gardner or Chip MacGregor, for instance).
I'll admit not every post of mine benefits my visitors, although even when I pout and complain, maybe other writers will, at the least, feel not so alone. But I do provide book reviews, giveaways, and advice on freelancing, among other things.
Thanks for making a valid point, Terri. And for pointing out what you provide. I really enjoy your blog because along with getting something out of it every time, I can so relate with your struggles. You are a wonderful encourager. Glad to hear you won't stop blogging any time soon. :-)
Thank you so much, I may hit you up sometime for some help. Hugs :O)
We can always count on you for wonderful blogging/writing advice. i have been pondering starting a writing group but with my new facilitation role I am wondering if I will have the time??? I have learned that I must have a deadline or some form of accountability beyond myself to get me to sit down at the keyboard. I am thinking that a Writers group my help with that.
Thanks for the comment about my Facebook post! Your words gave me just the smile I needed today!
Keep enjoying those beans!
Blessings
R
I hope it shows that being a published author doesn't mean you are up on some cloud or mountain high (although I do live in a cove on a mountain! *laugh*) -that there isn't some Magic to being published or having books out, that even though it seems there is a "Club" publshed writers belong to, really, there is not - I still have fears and worries and still have to knock it out of the park every time ....
And I hope people see my passion for nature and how to honor it.
Learn a little about writing/editing and those processes.
et cetera!
I love your blog!
I think about this a lot. My Monday posts hopefully give my followers either encouragment or tips for the writing journey and my Friday posts give them a place of community to share what's going on in their life. At least I hope it does. :)
I just wrote a post about blogging. I think it's so great that you use positive words to encourage and promote others.
I must admit my blog does not meet the benchmarks of your blog. Mine was started initially to capture our family history. As the story got closer to the present, I hesitated...and have continued to hesitate - but I'll get back to it. Some of it is still too close to the surface and I’m not ready yet. Eventually I will take the past and add the recent and maybe with a few hints from you, will try to make it a story, not just a history lesson. Thanks for your blog...I look forward to your advice.
Hopefully my blog provides a place for women to feel like they're not alone, that we're all walking this journey together. And I hope visitors come away with a tidbit of how to improve their life. Wow, I think you just helped me develop a mission statement! :)
Those are all such wonderful reasons to visit your blog. :)
I most want my readers to take from my blog what my writing style is like, but I'd have to think beyond that. I may take this post idea and run with it, if you don't mind!
And that's why I keep coming back!
I hope to chit-chat, share recipes, and talk books and writing. And cheer my friends on!
I try to honestly share me and how I deal with life, how to write yourself into a better mood and hopefully encouragement to record your own life story.
That's my happy thought for the day, or several happy ones. Thanks Terri.
OH - Share my perspective and what in writing works for me.
That's a great list of things, but you forgot to add:
11. I'll inspire you to keep writing
12. I'll tell you truthfully what it means to be a writer and a woman of faith.
Ooh, you are so awesome!! Your blog truly does all of these things and more! I hope that my blog can provide even half of those someday!! Keep up the amazing work :)
What a wonderful post!
Your blog does all that and more for me!!!
Hmmm. I haven't THOUGHT about it.
I just love my friends and like to talk to them.
P
This was a fantastic post!!! I loved it very much!!! I think my blog offers quite a few things as well! Just to name a few I'd say that I always give plenty of encouragement, laughter when bloggers need it the most, relateable when a few of us are feeling down and out, help with revisions and writing methods (writing prompts and such), and new books and authors to the writing world. I love to showcase writers who are debuting their novels, or one's I love.
You know, the gift that keeps on giving, who doesn't want a bigger TBR pile?
I love this post, Terri, and appreciate your kindness and willingness to share your expertise with us.
I try to follow your example in helping writers grow. I also like to entertain my readers, and I love to give away prizes!
Love you,
Jen
Terri, your blog does all these things and more! It's nice to just chat with someone who understands all this stuff, you know?
I hope my blog is a place where others can become encouraged. And if I learn fun or helpful tips along the way, I like to share those too.
My blog started out as a place of advice for my college friends and high school son, although I don't think any visited often. Now it is more of an expression of what God is teaching me and the posts are great excercises in writing. My few subscribers are family and friends that know I write and like to see what I have to say. I do like the cyber community it provides and the ability to connect with so many who share the same interests.
Wow Terri-- I'm AMAZED by this. Seriously, my first thought after reading it was "this girl is incredible... so willing to give and share" and my second thought was "oh my goodness... my blog doesn't give my readers ANYTHING this valuable." But I'm going to work on that. With that said, I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts/ideas on how to start a writers group in your area. That'd make a GREAT blog post because a lot of authors want to know that. Also, I'd LOVE to work with you as a critique partner. I'm not a fiction writer but I'd love to help you in any way I can (and likewise, I'd love a set of eyes on my work!)
Hi Terri -
You're transparency and caring heart inspire me.
My blog is designed to be a place where writers and readers can hang out and get to know each other and me. I try to find books, authors, resources, and illustrations to encourage us to press on with our writing, learn, and grow closer to the Lord.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Dear Terri: That was a very honest assessment of your own blog. Very insightful. You have many loyal and dedicated Followers and it's easy to see why.
Now, to answer that really difficult question: What does your blog do for your Followers? Well, here goes:
1. It is hoped that many posts bring a smile to my Followers. Life needs lightening-up at times.
2. I try to inform by including research on whatever the post is about.
3.It's with joy that I introduce Followers to all kinds of new places seen on day trips and then write about them in detail.
4. Hopefully, the blog brings enjoyment through photography. Seldom am I without my trusty little camera along, to capture images for my beloved Followers.
5. It's great fun to share my decorating style in some posts.
6. It's also my privilege and delight to bring Followers along to weddings, bed and breakfast establishments, shopping, and on castle tours, to name a few.
7.Occasionally, I love introducing Followers to Guest Bloggers (such as an artist who is writing a post for August 23rd)
8.In conclusion, I hope all the posts do what the blog's title indicates, namely, share writing that comes straight from my heart! Susan
P.S. Sorry, Terri, I meant to say my blog has a Guest Blogger for August 24 (not 23). Thanks! And keep up the good work! Susan
...and I LOVE your blog!
Hi Terri,
It's so refreshing to stop here for a visit. I've soaked in your last few posts and feel your heartbeat. You've done a terrific job of creating an honest, inspiring and like-minded place for many a blogger. Even though I don't get to come by as often as I like I sure would miss you if you weren't here.
Blessings, my friend,
Kelli
I would love a recommendation for a writing conference. Thanks for visiting my blog and giving me advice! I am actually starting school again to get my BA in English. Something My Blog has given me the courage to do! God Bless Blogging :)
Great point! I hope my readers get something from my blog. Right now my focus is on being kind to yourself, so I hope that they are getting a sense of the importance of valuing themselves. (I know that's not a writing topic.) I might ask them some time...Thanks for making me think about it, Terri!
Hi Terri, your blog does all the ten things. I hope my blog does atleast a few of them. I hope that my blog will encourage, educate and ofcourse entertain.
your blog has been amazingly helpful...and inspiring to me. You not only do those ten but you're so real and honest...
My blogs...want to give hope.show there is a way to freedom and that no situation is beyond redemption
Your blog does do all that and much more! I know when I come here, I'll find a friend in this crazy industry.
My hope is always that my blog provides a little encouragement that we aren't alone in this world. And if I can share a little of my experiences along the path toward publishing, then fantastic!
I started blogging thinking about two things: my country, and the world. The world knew very little about my country, and I thought a blog was the perfect way to let it be known to other corners of the planet. When I make an entry, I still think of ways to share my country, its beauties and traditions, but I also think these days of ways to entertain. I have let myself a little loose and have shared "Claudia" too, perhaps not as others do (I still have my concerns about privacy) but in such a way that my online friends can get to know the girl from that little country in the world. Hopefully, they find it entertaining and fun :-)
have a lovely day!!
Good question. I'll have to get back to you. But this has got me thinking because when I started blogging I did it because I just HAVE TO WRITE!!!! Now that I have followers or readers as I call them, I have to give this some more thought. Thanks.
You're such an encouragement through your blog, Terri! I appreciate your honesty and your good sense of humor! I try to point readers to the Lord Jesus Christ, using practical everyday lessons He's walked me through. Have a truly blessed day and keep blogging!! :)
What a fabulous question! I would hope that I would encourage and educate, and in general be a blessing to my readers. I do appreciate your blog and your friendship. You are a blessing:)
Hi, Terri--your blog is a welcoming place and I've enjoyed the inspiration I've found here. I hope to offer a bit of encouragement on my blog, too,and a few tips, quotes and easy reading along the way to brighten the day for those who drop by...
Hi Terri-
I'd love to be critique partners if you ever have something you want critiqued. I have a couple of proposals that I'm working on but nothing right now... but seriously, if you're interested, I am.
Terri, Thanks for the reminder that sometimes I get too wraped up in reporting on my life that I forget to offer a nugget of wisdom, a chuckle or a writer call out to readers. Great post!
Great post!
I think (hope) that my blog offers a little education, a little fun, and a place for people to "meet" virtually to talk about a snippet of a topic, where all are welcome in the literary world and beyond.
I love your blog. It's always so welcoming and warm!
I hope my blog provides a little entertainment. Once in the while things get serious, but for the most part I like to keep things light and bring a smile to those who visit.
Pat
www.critteralley.blogspot.com
You are so sweet! I always enjoy your posts, even though I'm not in the business.
You have an awesome list of things you do for your bloggers. I try to inform, give writing tips, and provide interviews with authors and book reviews. My list isn't nearly as long as yours. But I'm working on it. Thanks for the tips. :)
I'm not sure what mine does. I know my goal is connection and inspiration to others to help create and keep moving toward their dreams, their aspirations. I may take you up on 8, 10, and I alway appreciate prayers. Thanks Terri!
My blog is my place to be silly and have fun, so I hope my blog gives my followers a little escape and a chance to cut up and have a laugh.
I find this a very interesting blog indeed. I have never stopped to ask why I blog but i have a feeling it is just to give me a mental task each day. Do I consider my readers? Yes I think I do. Thank you for all the above. Even though I will never be like you a writer I did enjoy reading this blog today.
That's a very good question. My passion is to encourage others through humor, reflection and, sometimes, tears. I like to make people think.
Terri,
I just found your blog and thought this post was great! I'm so impressed by writers who are so open and giving of their time and expertise and I'm thrilled to be able to be a part of such a great community.
My hope is that my blog gives writers some useful tools and helps contribute to this wonderful community.
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