My blog was intended to become a writer’s platform, my little corner of the internet where my fans come to read about what’s going on in my life, my creative projects and my latest novel. Since I haven’t published and have no fans, it’s really a personal blog to be read by friends and family. I’m intrigued by intensely popular blogs that get lots of hits. What are they doing to get so much attention? Is it the subjects or theme? Is it posting every hour? I know that making connections on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and more are helpful.
Evaluating my blog, I see my mis-steps. I don’t have a clear focus- I’m writing about craft projects, writing, book reviews, librarianship and fandom. I’ve even thrown in travel once in a while. I’m only posting once a week. I’m not pulling in new or exciting information from other points on the internet. I’ve come to terms with where I am and where I’m likely to be in the near future regarding my ambitions for writing success. I haven’t put in the time that is needed. Unless I treat my blog and writing like a real, full-time job, I’m not likely to get anywhere at all.
Some people have taken their blog from nothing to a published book. Our book club has just assigned Julie and Julia by Julie Powell. Talk about success! She took a blog to a book and then the book was made into a movie. Our book group has also read the Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, another blog to book.
Some other successes:
- The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond
- Forgotten Bookmarks by Michael Popek
- Sh*t my Dad Says by Justin Halpern
- The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha
- Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson
- Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops by Jen Campbell
- Damn You, Autocorrect! by Jillian Madison
- Regretsy by April Winchell
- Escape From Cubicle Nation by Pamela Sim
