Blogging is alive and well.
I’m surprised by how many writers feel they’re wasting time by building connections within the writing community. Where do they think book reviewers hang out?
As a reader, I’ve found many fantastic new reads thanks to the reviews I’ve read on blogging sites.
As an author, I follow blogs like Writers in the Storm and Story Empire to learn my craft. I’ve also learned the blogging community is open and friendly- always happy to welcome newcomers into their midst.
It’s a good way to build SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for your website, too! By commenting on other blogs, you’ll soon find your own stats will grow, along with your connections, so… win-win 🙂
A good way to do this is to make use of the WordPress Reader- you can find this on the top left of your website.
You can choose the posts you follow or do a search for those you’re interested in. I even follow the local news stations from there!
One of the best benefits to blogging are the friends you can make from all over the world. I’ve met people from South Africa, Sicily, England, France, the U.S and Canada. And the amazing thing is- we all love books!
One such friend recently read my new release, Skating on Thin Ice, and posted an amazing review. Here it is- in part from Staci Troilo’s awesome blog:
When a romantic suspense (one of my favorite genres) set in the hockey world (one of my favorite past times) was released by one of my favorite authors (Jacquie Biggar), I had to bump it in the queue. And like Letang’s slapshot through a goalie’s five-hole, I blazed through it. Here are my thoughts:
★★★★★ She Shoots and Scores!
Jacquie Biggar has done it again. I have yet another new book boyfriend—Mac Wanowski, captain of the Victoria WarHawks hockey team.
Mac is the perfect guy—a body that won’t quit, a quick wit to match, intelligent, chivalrous, and just damaged enough to tug your heartstrings without wanting to bash him over the head for his stupidity. (Well, not too often, anyway.)
Sam is his perfect match—strong, smart, quick-tempered, sassy, big-hearted. And she has a past with true heartache and a present with secrets that make her just a little mysterious.
If they gave a Stanley Cup to authors, Biggar would deserve one for this story.
Blurb:
Sam Walters has made a deal with the devil.
In order to win a much-needed contract as physical therapist to one of the NHL’s leading hockey teams, Sam must delay the recovery of their sniper, Mac Wanowski. The trouble is, the more she gets to know the taciturn hockey player, the more she aches to help him.
Mac ‘The Hammer’ Wanowski chased the Stanley Cup dream for too many years. Last time he was close it had cost him his wife. As injuries continue to plague the team, Mac works to catch a killer and keep the woman he’s come to love from the hands of a madman.
Hockey can be a dangerous sport, especially when millions of dollars are at stake.
As you can see, the blogging community is a valuable resource. One you, as a writer, cannot afford to ignore!
You can also read Skating on Thin Ice in an upcoming anthology published by authors from The Authors’ Billboard- A Night She’ll Remember
Available March 31st!
Lives change as passions flare when nine USA Today Bestselling Authors share tales of intrigue, hints of suspense and new romance guaranteed to keep you reading.
Second chances, broken engagements, accidents, misled information and opposites attract are just some of what you’ll find within the passion-filled pages of A Night She’ll Remember.
Be sure to check out our Authors’ Billboard Monthly Contests for free ebooks, gift cards, and paperbacks.
I completely agree Jacquie about blogs. I’ve learned a lot, meant some anazing people, and found great books to read. Staci’s review of your book prompted me to add it to my reading list:) Can’t wait to read it!
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I’m so happy to hear this, Denise, thank you! And I just want to say you’re one of those treasured friends I’ve made in this community ❤
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I feel the same thank you:)
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I love blogging and am always surprised when posts say it’s dying. Thank you for writing this article. I couldn’t agree more!
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My local writer’s group think it’s a waste of time and I keep telling them you aren’t doing it right then, lol.
Thanks for stopping by, Jacqui!
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I also agree with you, Jacquie! Blogging has enabled me to make some amazing friends, learn things and discover new books to read. Great review by Staci!!
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Reading blogs is my favorite way to start the day 🙂
Thanks, Darlene. I’m singing in the rain here on Vancouver Island (something no one wants to hear, lol)
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Better than snow!!
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Yes! That’s so true 😊
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I agree with you, Jacquie. Blogging is the best.
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I love the friendships I’ve gathered along the way. No need to ever feel lonely in the blogosphere 😊
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Yes if you do feel lonely just post. 😀
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Excellent review, Jacquie, and I totally agree with you on the amazing blog community that we enjoy. It’s awesome in more ways than I can count. 🙂
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I’m so glad I ‘met’ so many wonderful people (like you) here, Diana!
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Congrats on that amazing review, Jacquie, and I love this post! I’m grateful to have connected with you! ♥️
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Right back atcha, Jennifer! I’ve found some wonderful reads, thanks to your fabulous reviews ❤
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I love the connections within the blogging community. I have made so many wonderful friends and found a ton of good reads as a result.
Congrats again on the wonderful review from Staci. I am behind in my reading queue, and although I intend to dive into one of your books next, I still have catch up to do on your back titles. I’m sure I will be enamored as always 🙂
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Thank you, Mae! Yes, I have a couple of yours to catch up on as well as Staci’s. I wish I read faster, but I like to savor the words 🙂
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A terrific post Jacquie. I cannot imagine life without the support of the blogging community. Writing can be a very lonely profession, but my blog buddies always brighten my day.
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Agreed, Brigid. Reading through the blog posts, commenting and receiving replies, is like a tall glass of water on a hot day- refreshing 🙂
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It seems it’s unanimous, Jacquie. We’re all thrilled to know you. I know I am. {hugs}
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Aw, you know how to make a girl (okay, old lady) feel loved ❤
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You’re only as old as you feel. (I guess that means I’m pushing ninety.)
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Lol, me too! These weather changes are a killer on the joints 🙂
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I agree, Jacquie. It’s been so long, I don’t remember what brought me here, but I’m glad I found my way.The blogging community is here to stay.
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And we’re better for it! I value each and every one of my blogging friends {{hugs}}
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Here, here, Jacquie. Well said. I think many of the writers who say blogging is a waste of time are the ones who never visit other blogs and leave thoughtful comments. Many seem to think that they will get thousands of followers and comments without putting any hard work into their blog or by not having to make friends by joining other blogging communities. Within a year, most of them will have given up and left yet another abandoned blog in the blogosphere.
Blogs help sell books, just as much as social media does.
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Agreed, Hugh! It’s all about making those connections- and hopefully some great friends along the way 🙂
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I agree, Jacquie, that blogging is great. I learn from some posts and groups, a find great books to read and I share reviews. A fabulous platform.
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And we get to meet new friends from all over the world! 🙂
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Such great advice!
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Thank you!
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