Blogging for many authors is a way to communicate to their
readers and market their books. But many authors are taking their blog a step further.
They are using their blogs to help other authors and especially causes.
This post is a summary of comments from a collection of
outstanding, award-winning authors interviewed at the HBS Author’s Spotlight. To date
we have conducted over 300 interviews.
(Click on the author’s name to view their
complete interview.)
General question
During our interviews I will ask the authors questions about
their blogs and what they are trying to do with them. The questions usually
follow along these lines.
Do you want to keep readers informed or market your books or
provide useful information to other writers or all of the above with your blog?
Tell us about the time factor?
Let’s Help Others
We start off this post with some general ideas about
blogging, getting cross-traffic to your blog by connecting with other authors
and the benefits of helping others.
Romance Author Rachelle Ayala @AyalaRachelle is an author,
blogger and a member of the World Literary Café.
“The blogging took off with the social networking. I
couldn't possibly think of so many wise and pithy things to write about myself
every single day, but I can most certainly meet and find other authors to share
their wise and pithy thoughts.
My blog is heavily visited because of the Promo
Site listing (a section of her blog) so it is a win-win situation for
everyone who appears on my blog. The listing drives traffic to the blog, I
tweet my blog posts to my Triberr tribes with almost a million reach,
and the guests drive traffic to my blog by inviting their followers. Many
people have met each other from being on my blog.
I like to be a connector and put people in touch with other
people and information, so in that sense, I enjoy blogging. I meet people on
Twitter and word seems to get around that I'm a friendly blog host.
The blogging indirectly helps my book sales because visitors
see my banners and sometimes the guests buy or gift my book to their friends in
gratitude for me hosting them. But book sales is not the main reason for
blogging. It is meeting people and being engaged with their success. Somehow
other people's success invigorates me, and it feels good to be a small part of
it.”
Author Joanna Penn @thecreativepenn (J. F. Penn) is an
Action-Adventure Thriller Author creating the ARKANE thriller series. Also, she
is a leading consultant in the book industry.
“I started out blogging 4 years ago before I had even
written fiction in order to share my lessons learned along the way. So for me,
blogging wasn’t about selling my fiction, it was a means to become part of a
community and help others. Back then, self-publishing wasn’t so popular but
now, it’s gone mainstream and so my main blog at the CreativePenn.com picked up
readers.
I think the trend for blogging and sharing right now really
does stem from an honest desire to share and help others. It is the Wild West
right now for indie authors so people are sharing what works, or what doesn’t
and the feedback helps others. There’s an authentic community feeling amongst
these indie blogs, and I love being part of that!
In terms of how blogging fits with marketing, I have a
business as well as writing fiction. The Creative Penn is more about selling
products and my services but I now have a fiction blog www.JFPenn.com where I write
articles based on my research for the novels.
However, mainly I see blogging for fiction more as a value
add, not as a sales mechanism or for marketing. I write articles that my
readers would enjoy, rather than trying to attract readers through blogging.”
Author Patricia Zick @PCZick is an award-winning
writer for her essays, columns, editorials, articles, and fiction.
“In Living Lightly [her blog], my goal
is to present information on nature, the environment, gardening, and ways to
live a life with the least impact on the Earth.
In Writing Whims
[another blog], I hope to share what I’ve learned about writing with my
readers. I also promote other writers on Author Wednesday and Book Review
Friday. I don’t know how I do it, but right now while I’m trying to put
together my gardening posts into a new ebook, my fiction has taken a backseat,
but I’ll get back to it in a few weeks.”
Helping Other Authors
Many of the authors I have interviewed feel that their
blog’s goal is to help other authors. It is the ‘what goes around comes around’
theory. The following is from a group of outstanding authors who practice this
theory.
Kelly Abell @kellyabellbooks is a best-selling
Romance, Mystery & Thrillers Author. She hails from the UK and analyzes
people, a great background for a successful writer.
“I began sharing writing tips on my website after I
published my first book. I am a firm
believer in paying it forward and if I can offer tips and tricks that I've
learned along the way, then that makes me feel like I'm contributing to someone
else's success.
This is a difficult business to navigate and we all need to
help each other through it. I'm also
very active in the Florida Writer's Association and
will be conducting some writing workshops through one of my publishers, Solstice
Publishing. Be on the lookout
for those.”
Author Jennifer Donohoe @donohoejennifer is a Science
Fiction & Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult writer.
“As an Indie Author, I feel it is very important to help
fellow authors. We all need to have a boost and look out for one another. I
enjoy having an author do a guest post on my blog and they get some rewarding
feedback for their post. I believe my primary goal is to keep the readers
informed. If they are aware it's out there there'll be more of a chance for
them to take a look or purchase it.”
Tricia Drammeh @triciadrammeh is the author of
Young Adult, paranormal romance and Fantasy novels.
“I love blogging. I’m passionate about helping other writers
and starting a dialogue where writers in various stages of publication can
share information with each other. There are so many writers who’ve helped me,
I can only try to pay it forward. Maintaining my blog never feels like a job or
a chore. I absolutely enjoy it. I don’t find time to work on it—I make time.”
Award-winning Author Donna Fasano @DonnaFaz writes Sweet Romance
novels. Her books have sold over 3.6 million copies worldwide and have been
published in nearly two dozen languages.
“Offering other authors a helping hand makes me feel good.
I'm a big advocate of helping others (and not just in a professional sense).
Some authors like to hold onto their hard-earned lessons tightly, and I met
some of those types of people back when I first began self-publishing; they
know answers and secrets but refuse to tell. However, I met other authors who
were generous with information and who helped me immensely. And now that I've
learned how to do this successfully, I want to help others all I can. I'm a
firm believer in 'what goes around, comes around'...if I help others to
succeed, my own success will only be enhanced.”
Award-winning Author Susanne Lakin @CSLakin is the author of the
seven-book fantasy series The Gates of Heaven. Also, Susanne is a freelance
copyeditor and writing coach.
“…I love helping writers. My husband thinks it’s hilarious
that I get to “criticize” people for a living. I’m not allowed to criticize
him, so I guess that’s why it’s funny, right? Just kidding. I am really a great
cheerleader for all my clients.
I love working with new authors who really don’t know much
at all and helping them with the big learning curve. I spent two decades
getting rejections on my novels because I had no one to mentor and help me, so
I want to save my clients years of pain. It’s exciting to see a yucky first
draft by a client, followed by a really terrific rewrite.
These new writers work hard, and when they apply what they
learn, they really excel! It’s exciting for us both! I embrace their dreams and
help them on the way, but I am tough and honest. One client I got together with
at a conference shook his head and told everyone during introductions that ‘I
kicked his butt.’ But he laughed.”
New York Times and
USA Today Best Selling Author C.J. Lyons
@cjlyonswriter is the author of sixteen Mystery & Thrillers and Romance
novels.
“I actually don't have a blog for readers, but I wanted to
give something back to other writers since so many writers helped me to get
where I am, so I began the NoRulesJustWRITE.com
site where I share everything I know and resources that have helped me along
the way.”
Christopher Meeks @MeeksChris is a Prize
winning novelist who writes serious and funny fiction. Also, Chris has an
outstanding author information blog
“My blog is meant to be helpful. When I became a small
publisher, so much of what I did was by trial and error. I like to give back if
I can, especially if it means more great books are created. Because I teach
college, I tend to take an instructor’s approach. There’s also the feeling that
if I can do this, so can you.”
Phyllis Zimbler Miller @ZimblerMiller is an
author of Mystery & Thrillers. Also, she is a Web marketer and writer of
several book industry publications.
“I have always loved to tell people what to do -- by which I
mean share helpful information. So
blogging is a natural for me. But I
admit that I am doing less blogging than I did five years ago as I expand the
number of book writing projects that I am doing. And much of my author blogging is sharing
with others the information I have learned for myself. Plus I am very disciplined and do not lose
track of time on social media. I think
this ability goes back to my journalism training -- blocking out everything but
the task at hand.”
Terry Odell @authorterryo is an author of
romance, mystery & romantic suspense novels. She is also a publishing
industry blogger and hosts the Booklover’s Bench, a website for readers.
“My goal with my blog [Terry's Place] is to provide
information. I like to talk about the craft of writing, but there are times
I'll talk about anything. I share recipes on Wednesday, and do virtual 'field
trips' on Fridays. I also host guests once a week. My goal is to interact with
people, help other writers, and keep my name visible. After all, I'm only
writing about 2 books a year; I want to give people something else during all
the other times.”
Author Melissa Bourbon Ramirez is a Mystery &
Thrillers and Romance writer. She is the author of the Magical Dressmaking
Mystery Series and the Lola Cruz Mysteries.
“I don’t really blog regularly. I guest on The
Naked Hero occasionally and keep my site updated with writer’s tips and
other interesting articles. I was a teacher by trade and also taught writing
both online at Savvy Authors and at Southern Methodist University with their
CAPE program, which has given me lots of experience with the Hero’s Journey and
other craft topics. I love teaching, so that’s a big motivation in keeping that
information relevant and accessible on my site. I want to pay it forward and
help other writers in the way that I was helped when I first started.”
Crime and Horror
Author Jade Varden @JadeVarden is the
creator of the Deck of Lies book series.
“I love doing the blog, yes, but sometimes I think it
prevents me from getting work done on my current book project (whatever it may
be at the time). I started doing the Writing 101 posts because I was noticing
mistakes that I was making, and I thought maybe I could help other writers not
make them.”
Helping and Supporting Indie Authors
Some author’s blogging goals are to help Indie authors
specially. Here is some of their comments.
Author Leti Del Mar @leti_delmar is an indie author.
She blogs about the craft of writing and indie books.
“My blog has evolved over time. I have discovered that
Indies really and truly support each other. We are not each other's competition
as much as each other’s support group. So I want my blog to be a resource for
other writers and of course, raise awareness about my books. Because I want to
make sure I present quality content and I also have a life outside of writing
(including having a precocious toddler!), I only post content once a week on
Mondays, and do an interview once a week, on Thursdays. I do much of it way in
advance and work on it when I have time and when my toddler is napping.”
Author Michelle Muckley
@MichelleMuckley writes Mystery and Thrillers. She is the author of the DAWN
Series.
Time management is a major factor, and really it would be
possible to never leave my desk and still never catch up. That is one reason I
have let my blog take a backseat. Important updates still go out, but I try to
focus my energies on my books.”
Author Billie Thomas @ChloeGetsAClue is a Mystery,
Humor And Comedy, Chick Lit Series writer. Billie is the author of the Chloe
Carstairs Mystery Series.
“I want to help promote mysteries, indie authors and my own
series with my blog. In that order. I let my main character Chloe be the voice
of Chloegetsaclue.com.
She’s got her own distinct personality, so I let her live in the spotlight. I
prefer to stay under the paparazzi’s radar. As for when I find the time… it’s a
constant balancing act. I have a come apart every now and then but luckily
those are getting fewer and further.”
Promote Other Authors
Some author blogs carry it one step further by promoting
other author’s novels. Great, I get to chime in on this one.
Author Darcia Helle @DarciaHelle writes Suspense Novels which includes the
Michael Sykora series.
My primary goal with my blog is simply entertainment for
readers. I don’t want it to be all about promoting my own books. That would be
dull for me, so it would have to be dull for readers as well. I love promoting
my fellow authors, particularly those whose work I enjoy and respect. And I
like writing interview questions for them. It’s kind of an indulgence on my
part, to be honest. Back before I was published, when I was “just” a reader,
I’d always have questions after I finished a great book. Where did the idea
come from? Why did the author make certain choices? Now I get to ask all those
questions!
I also like to add content that is, as I categorize it,
‘General Nonsense’. This allows me to talk about my dogs, music I love, things
that irritate me, and things that inspire me. And, sometimes, my writing
process. I hope the mix keeps people interested and entertained and,
occasionally, gives them something to think about.”
James Moushon @jimhbs is a Mystery and
Espionage author. He also writes several industry blogs including eBook
Author’s Corner, HBS Author's Spotlight, and HBS Mystery Readers Circle.
“I have several blogs devoted to helping other authors sell
their novels, gain exposure and help them with the ever changing book
publishing industry and its challenges. Here is a short description of them.
The blog’s purpose is to help authors get exposure in the
book publishing industry. Each post includes the author’s bio, their contact
information and picture plus a Q/A session and their book list with buy links.
Also, I have a special feature of the Spotlight that showcases author’s new
releases and promos. I have interviewed and showcased over 450 authors to date.
The HBS Mystery Reader's Circle provides information about the
latest novels and what is coming next from a collection of Bestselling and
Outstanding Authors in the Mystery, Thrillers, Historical Fiction and Crime
genre.
The Corner is a collection of Author advice and studies
including Marketing, Social Media and other major topics created to help
writers in today’s ever changing world of book publishing.
All three blogs are designed to promote and help authors.”
Author Paul Glover @glovergroup is a writer, a
Provacateur and a Coach & Change Agent dedicated to assisting individuals
& organization navigate the mind fields of the WorkQuake™
“The purpose of any of my writing or speaking, including the
blog, and my coaching is to share my thoughts and ideas about how to be better
individually and organizational. What
good is accumulating decades of
information, knowledge and experience if I can’t share it with others to
their benefit?”
Author Marla Madison @MarlaAMadison is the
bestselling author of She's Not There. She writes Suspense and Mystery &
Thriller novels.
“My blog is only new every two weeks now, down from weekly.
I started out using it to give pointers and lament on my ongoing fight with my
weight. Since then it’s become more about writing. I enjoy hearing from other
writers. For me, a blog is one more way to build a following and practice your
writing.”
Author Interviews
Several authors use author interviews in their blogs to give
a helping hand. There is what they had to say.
New York Times
Bestselling Author Caroline Leavitt
@Leavittnovelist is a Literary Novelist. Caroline also is a writing teacher and
book critic.
“I started the blog because I thought writers were supposed
to have blogs, but then, I began to feel that just writing about myself was
navel-gazing. I give it over to other writers. I did this first because, as a
reviewer, I can't ethically review people I know, but I wanted to give my
friends some ink.
Interviews seemed the perfect solution! This also gave me a chance to seek out and
talk to many writers I didn't know, whom I really admired. It was exciting! The
blog also makes me feel as if I am building writers' community, something I
dearly love. I'm not always successful in finding the time, but I try. I set up
schedules for myself and I try to keep to them!”
Award-winning Author Michelle Muto @MichWritesBooks is a YA Fantasy and Horror Author. She is a Georgia peach, geek,
writer and blogger.
“I blogged for a short time before I decided to jump into
indie publishing. I decided to do author interviews because I don’t see my life
as all that exciting. I don’t really see any uptick in sales, but hopefully, my
fellow authors do.”
Author Paul Western-Pittard @Cerullean is a Thriller,
Fantasy and Science Fiction author from Australia.
“If you’d have asked me this question prior to October, I
would have said that the purpose of the blog was to provide samples of my work
and promote my books. It’s changed now.
In October I began interviewing authors and learned that
talking to and about other people is far more interesting than the (slightly)
solipsistic focus on me and my own work. I’ll definitely continue to use the
blog to provide updates and announcements - even a few more strange little
stories, but the focus has definitely shifted to engaging more with the writing
community…
Ultimately, I plan to expand the blog to become something of
a resource to writers, including techniques, services, software etc.”
Author Guest Posts
Some author blogs feature other author’s posts. This allow
their blog to get cross-action among followers and helps save preparation time.
Award-Winning Author Jade Kerrion @JadeKerrion writes the DOUBLE HELIX series. Also, she
writes a great blog featuring authors and writing.
“My blog evolved gradually. It started out a marketing tool,
but then I realized I could only talk about myself for so long before getting
bored. If I was getting bored with myself, surely readers were too.
So, I asked myself, what value could I create for others?
Hosting authors was the obvious solution. The other was sharing the knowledge
I’d gained in the process of writing, publishing, and marketing.
There is no shortage of ideas or contributors at this point.
The other authors have really helped make my blog the vibrant place it is.
Readers come to read about them and to find new and interesting books.
As for where I find the time…I don’t sleep. I do put in long
hours, but more importantly, I’m organized and I’m fast. Those two traits help
me accomplish more than one would think realistic or possible in the time I
have. It’s been a massive learning curve for me, and every day, I’m finding new
ways to streamline my processes and keep all the balls in the air.”
Author Cynthia Woolf @CynthiaWoolf writes in the Sci-fi Romance and Western
Romance genres. She is the author of the Matchmaker & Co. series
“I like to have guests on my blog most of the time. I may
only blog myself once or twice a month. As to the time involved, I have
insomnia, so I get in a lot more working time than most people. I work
(writing, workshops and promo) about 18 hours a day.”
Special Help
Some authors devote their blog to helping special causes.
Here are a few comments that fit into that category.
Author Teresa Burrell @teresaburrell is an author,
lawyer and Child Abuse advocate who writes the The Advocate Series.
“My primary goal with my blog is to build awareness about
child abuse. I think my books do that to--without being graphic. I figure if I can
entertain people with a mystery and build awareness to a series social problem,
I’ve given a little extra. I’ve worked with children most of my life and I’m
appalled at what so many of these children have to endure. So, if I can help in
even a small way, I’m thrilled.”
Author Jordyn Redwood @JordynRedwood is a Suspense
writer/peds ER RN. She runs a medical blog for authors called Redwood's Medical
Edge.
“Redwood’s Medical Edge is designed to help authors write
medically accurate fiction so my primary goal is education. I’ve had many
authors contact me for help with their stories and I often use their questions
as content for the blog.”
Takeaways from Helping Others with Your Blog
B.
You can gain the synergy of cross-traffic between
authors.
C.
Time management and commitment can be a problem. Guest posts could be a solution.
D.
Helping others can indirectly help your sales.
E.
A blog helps you practice the art of writing.
Related posts
Follow me:
Follow Me on
Twitter: @jimhbs
Or EMAIL at: james.moushon@gmail.com
View my website: James
Moushon – Mystery Writer
Or visit my blog: The eBook Author Corner
Take a look at my Author’s blog: HBS Author’s Spotlight
And the HBS Mystery Readers’s
Circle
Check out the Jonathon Stone Mystery Novels:
