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Why Aren’t More Writers Blogging?

I continue to be amazed by the fact that the majority of writers I know still don’t have a blog. And not of them are old and unwilling to embrace new technology either. Some just simply refuse to do anything other than write. Yet, they say they want to get published. When I ask them why, they respond, “I want to have my writing read.”

Most writers say they write because they “must.” I disagree. I think writers write because they want their writing to be read.

Only seven percent of books published in the United States sell more than 1,000 copies.

The average book sells about 300 copies per year and 3,000 copies in its lifetime.

That means most authors are not getting their writing read even after they get published—at least they aren’t getting read by many readers.

If you blog—or blog your book, however, you could have 300 readers read your work—maybe just one short blog post, or  several or part or all of your blogged book—in month, a week or a day. You could have 3,000 readers read your work in a month, a week or a day. You could have many more readers than that stop by and read the writing you publish on your blog every month, week or day.

In other words, if you blog, your writing will get read. And, you will get published. In fact, ever time you write a blog post you hit a little button that says, “Publish.” That releases it into Cyberspace for anyone and everyone to read if they so desire. And at that moment, you become a published author (and a publisher).

So, explain to me why more writers aren’t blogging? Why aren’t you blogging?

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Comments
4 Comment count
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I am...I blog here at Red

I am...I blog here at Red Room, and to my knowledge, I have not gotten any book sold from this.  However, I do get read because my statistics prove that.  Is it satisfying to be read by other Red Roomers?  Yes, but it would still nice to sell a book or two.  

On the other hand, I can't see spending $ 250.00, either, to get my book listed here.  That would be throwing money away.

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Blogging

Do you not have a blog on a website of your own--or a blog that serves as your website? I suggest blogging on a site of your own, so that you develop a platform off RedRoom as well. Also, are you using social networks to drive traffic to your posts? You can do so even here at RedRoom. This is part of selling books. It's alll about connecting with people on a broader scale. If you don't want your book listed here, then get a site of your own and direct readers to Amazon via your blog and social networks.

Good luck.

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Thank you for your inspiring

Thank you for your inspiring post.  When I first started a weekly blog on WordPress (http://scribedoll.wordpress.com), just over a year ago, a few of my so-called friends said, "Why bother? No one reads blogs" and "What's the point of giving away your writing for free?"  Then, when I published my first post, I sent a link to all my friends and acquantaintances.  Some responded with "I don't have time to read blogs" but a few subscribed immediately, and have been wonderfully supportive of me ever since.  Picking up new readers has been a slow process but whenever I get notification that someone in a different country has subscribed, I get a thrill.  

I am so glad I discovered The Red Room, last Christmas.  I reproduce my blog here and, I must admit, I get so many more readers here than on WordPress.  No idea why that is.  I started tweeting in in February and that has helped, too.

Of course, I would love to get published and earn money from my writing – who doesn't? However, I think of my blogging as watering a garden.  I invest the water but, sooner or later, something will sprout out.  If I don't water, then nothing will sprout, for sure.  

Besides, I have tremendous fun writing a blog every Sunday.

 

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Love that I inspired you

I love that you found my post inspiring!

You might try changing your WordPress.com blog over to a self-hosted Wordpress.org blog. This requires your own URL, but you then really have your own address in Cyberspace. It can help with traffic. Also, writing more than once a week--more like 2-3 times per week--will boost your readership.

Copying your posts over to RedRoom is a great idea, too. You can also suggest people go on over to your blog. Provide some different posts there for them to read...just give them a few 'graphs and a link. Maybe some of them will subscribe so they don't miss anything.

Go Achieve More Inspired Results,

Nina