Posted on by Jacquie Biggar

To #Blog or Not to Blog, that is the Question #Writerslife #mgtab


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To blog or not to blog; I hear this question often. There are many demands on a writer’s time. Most of us have families, day jobs, pets, houses to clean, yards to maintain, the list goes on and on, so how are we supposed to keep up a regular blog as well?

And why should we?

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I get it, I really do.

But, on the other hand, as authors we want to be recognized, right? There’s no sense (other than personal satisfaction) to waste our precious time writing those stories if we aren’t going to do our best to get noticed.

WordPress Now Powers 26% of the Web

The most recent stats are showing that since March 2016, WordPress is actually powering 26.4% of the Web, and it’s on the rise. It is still by far the most used CMS, with 59.4% market share. Also interestingly on a daily basis there are over 500 sites being created on WordPress.

https://managewp.com/blog/statistics-about-wordpress-usage

As you can see, these numbers are already a couple of years old, but it’s safe to say blogging is a crucial– and often under-utilized– tool in marketing our product.

One of the best things about blogging– it’s free!

Just think, all those users out there, all you need to do is provide them with content.

In this post, Nicholas Rossis shares a graphic made by Websitebuilder on the phenomenal growth in the blogging world.

18.7 million blogs on WordPress alone! That’s a lot of people and possible eyes on your books. (You have your blog connected to your website with a listing of your books, right?)

“But what am I going to say?” you ask.

Well, that’s the beauty of it, your blog, your rules. 🙂

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The biggest thing is that you’re going to make connections around the world. And if those people like what you have to say, chances are, they’ll check out your books, mention you to their workmates, their friends and family.

See?

All that because you took the time to #blog.

Come on, what are you waiting for? Let’s get connected!

Speaking of spreading the word, here’s some shameless self-promotion on two new releases I have coming in the next few weeks. Shares appreciated 🙂

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Available 01.30.18

What happens when two of Tidal Falls’ most beloved citizens have second thoughts just before they get married?

Jared Martin can’t wait to tie the knot with the woman of his dreams and become a real father to his son, Chris.

Annie Campbell is finally going to marry the man she’s loved for most of her adult life and she couldn’t be more excited–and anxious.

An unforeseen event will test their devotion to each other and bring the entire town in on the action. Will Jared and Annie’s love stand the test, or is their relationship doomed?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0788BB53H

International: https://books2read.com/WithThisHeart

Add to your TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37830620-with-this-heart

Excerpt

She yanked the door open and then jumped backward with a shriek as a brown and white shape hurtled through the gap and stumbled in the drive.

“Dad, save Bambi,” Chris cried from inside the cab.

“What was that?” Annie whispered, hands clenched to her chest.

Jared was torn between taking her into his arms or checking on the injured animal for his son. A further cry from Chris as he scrambled to get out of the pickup cemented his decision. He sent a quick glance Annie’s way before hurrying to kneel beside the fawn and stop its frantic movements. “Son, bring that blanket with you. His scent is on it now, it may reassure him some.”

“Is he okay?” Chris hopped down from the crew cab, tugging the blanket behind him. “Hi, Mom,” he chirped on his way by, “guess what Jared did? He hit a baby deer.” The last was said with a mix of nervous tension.

Jared looked up in time to see Annie’s scowl turn to concern. He held out his hand for the quilt. “Here, I’ll cover him up and then you keep him still while I call the vet. Deal?”

“Deal,” Chris agreed, plopping onto the grass and startling the fawn. He scrunched his shoulders and shrugged. “Sorry.”

Jared smiled. “Just take it easy around him for the first few days. You have to remember he’s not used to people. This is all very strange for him.” He wrapped the trembling body, careful to avoid the bad leg. “Pet his head like I showed you before and I’ll be right back, okay?”

Chris nodded without looking away from the delicate face of the deer. “Sure, we’re friends already, see?” He proceeded to rub between the fawn’s ears. “He likes me.”

“Well, sure he does. What’s not to like?” Jared rumpled his son’s red hair—so like his mother’s—and rose. After making sure the fawn was content, he turned to Annie. “Sorry we couldn’t call. Reception was bad out there.”

“What if you’d been injured?” Annie sniped under her breath so as not to alert Chris. “I had no idea where you’d gone. Where to search. It was an irresponsible thing to do.” She folded defensive arms across her chest.

“Whoa, where is this coming from?” Jared grasped her forearm and pulled her resisting body to the front of the truck. “Sweetheart, it’s not like I planned on driving home in the dark and clipping a fawn during our first father-son road trip. You’re not being fair.”

“Fair?” she cried. “Chris is my son, Jared. I have the right to know he’s safe.”

Stunned, he released her arm. “Actually, I thought he was our son. What’s going on, Annie?”

She stared up at him with tear-drenched eyes. “Maybe we’re a mistake.” She looked at his dented vehicle, and at Chris caring for the injured deer, before meeting his gaze with a defiant lift of her chin. “I don’t think I can marry you anymore.”

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Available 02.13.18

Take two humans who pretend they can’t stand each other and one matchmaking canine and the fun is nonstop!

Val Hodgins is on the road to success. His architect firm handles some of the biggest contracts along the western seaboard. He doesn’t have time to babysit his aunt’s aging house or her pain in the butt dog, but when she falls ill with pneumonia he drops everything to go to her aid.

Sierra Johnson’s dreams of owning a catering company go up in smoke thanks to a bad choice in boyfriends. Now, she’s stuck working for a tyrannical boss, care-taking an aging townhouse, and being tormented by the owner’s aggravating, caustic, way-too-attractive nephew.

Will these two get over their prejudices in time to realize love comes without a price tag?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078QFJH4H

Universal: https://books2read.com/Valentine

Add to TBR List: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38088692-valentine

Excerpt

Val stepped closer to the crazy woman guarding her virtue with a kitchen utensil. He’d been enjoying the view for the past five minutes as she swayed to the music, her back to him while she worked at his sister’s kitchen sink. Even though she wore the required hair net, he could see she was a fiery redhead, her body slim and compact beneath the wraparound apron. He should have announced himself sooner, but he hadn’t expected to freak her out so badly. Normally, Sam’s kitchen was a hub of activity; he was surprised to find it empty except for the pint-sized warrior.

“You can put down the weapon.” He hid his amusement behind a placating smile. “I’m harmless, though my sister might be tempted to disagree. Is Sam here?”

When the woman stared at him like he was the creature from the black lagoon, Val waved a hand in front of her eyes and grinned at the resultant snap of temper. He was right, she was a feisty one. “Sorry, I’m in a bit of a hurry. Is there a chance I could get you to answer me any time soon?”

She glared at him, threw the rubber spatula unto the counter, and swept the net from her hair, allowing the coiled layers to flow down her back. “You have a bad habit of sneaking up on people,” she snapped, reddened fingers moving to untie her apron.

What was she…?

Oh.

He snapped his fingers and pointed at her. “You. The klutz that destroyed my dinner the other night. What are you doing here? Don’t tell me my sister was foolish enough to hire someone who can’t even hold onto a pot without it becoming a catastrophe.”

Her eyes narrowed and she stared past him to the big block of knives sitting on the stainless-steel countertop. Val hurried to block her view. “Uh, uh, uh, temper, temper. You don’t really want to stab me, just think of the mess.”

39 Replies to “To #Blog or Not to Blog, that is the Question #Writerslife #mgtab”

  4. Thank you Jacquie. This post encouraged me about blogging. This came at a time when I’ve been struggling with the blog. I love my followers, and their comments keep me going. However, I’ve been in a deplorable situation at work for 5+ years, unable to escape no matter how hard or what I try. The situation drains me of every good thing. I say that to describe how hard it is for me to work on my blog with that severe drain in my daily life. Writing my novels is even harder. So this helps some.
    Your new book sounds like a delight. I can’t wait!
    Hugs.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Teagan, I wish I had a good answer that would magically transform your life. There’s nothing worse than working at a job you hate (I cleaned hotel rooms for five years as a kid and hated every backbreaking moment). There’s no chance you could change companies? Life’s too short, my friend, to be miserable.
      I love your blog and the relationship you have with your readers! Your sweet personality draws people to you and I think maybe feeds your soul?
      Don’t give up, better things are on the horizon. As you said in a recent post, you have to believe {{hugs}}

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Teri,
      I read a post a while ago on what a mistake it was to count on the Zon (Amazon) or anyone else to get the word out on your work. Be proactive on your blog and newsletters.
      It resonated with me, and there’s the added benefit of all the lovely connections we make along the way 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  8. I love blogging but I wish I had more time to devote to it. I think that’s a struggle for all writers, especially when we are juggling so many other things. I’m so grateful for the friends I’ve made, and the people who keep returning to my little site to comment and support me as well as the guests I feature. One of these days I might get in a groove. If I could blog 2-3 times a week on a regular basis, I’d be over the moon.

    And Jacquie, you are a writing machine! Two new releases?? I don’t know how you do it, but high five and congrats! That deserves a Snoopy dance 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lol, I had no choice on these ones, I was committed to two box sets, I had to get them done!
      Yes, it’s hard to come up with new blogging ideas, so I’ve taken the book promotion approach and add my posts in between.
      I’d like to start a weekly guest spot soon, so if you need a place to share your new work, let me know 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Yes to blogging. I did everything back to front; started writing novels, then all that followed came slowly… learning about the internet and self publishing, creating a website, going on Goodreads, reviewing books, writing a blog… finally realising everyone else was on WordPress and I was shut out! Now I love blogging and linking up with such a variety of writers. I write about anything as I am intested in everything.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s great, Tidalscribe! I’m a fan of variety blogs too, something new every day 🙂
      There’s a lot to learn, not only the writing process. Bloggers are fantastic about sharing their journeys, and helping others along the way!
      Thanks so much for stopping by to comment, appreciated 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  15. I’d say I’m more of a ‘blogger’ than an author, Jacquie, but you’re right in saying just how big blogging is in providing a free promotion platform. However, the trouble is that many bloggers give up when numbers don’t materialise. It can be a lonely existence in the blogging world and many who try out blogging forget that it’s also a two-sided experience in that they have to visit, read and comment on other blogs to get traffic to their own blogs. Not only that, but it also involves plenty of hard work and marketing (which many don’t have the time to do) in getting a blog noticed.

    I’ve seen too many bloggers who think that readers will find them rather than going out and finding readers. I often get asked, “how do I get readers to read and leave comments on my blog?” I always answer that question by asking “do you visit, read, like and comment on other blogs?” Most of the time I get told: “No, I don’t have the time to do that…” And, there lays the problem for writers who become disillusioned with blogging. I could go on, but I don’t want to take over this post. 😀

    Best wishes,
    Hugh

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s a lesson I had to learn the hard way, Hugh. And really, it only makes sense. If I want people to visit my little piece of the blogging universe, then I need to reciprocate.
      There’s the added benefit of reading a lot of really great information, too!
      Thanks for stopping by, Hugh, I value your input and love your blog!

      Liked by 1 person

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