Ten reasons why every author should blog...

This post believe it or not has been surrounded by a lot of indecision.  Last weekend I had the good fortune of attending a workshop at the QWC on Blogging and Social Networking with Joanna Penn

Why the indecision? because it was damn amazing and insightful it really reinforced why I need a new blog/website – like NOW!  So the question was: Do I build a new blog site before I make anymore posts or keep posting on the existing one until I have the new one up and running?  It’s all fraught with problems because if I keep posting to the old format while working on the new one – my old one continues to grow when in fact I want to archive it. 

And since now I have returned to working full time with a 4.30am rise and shine, and sadly no, not to write (I wish) my routine is totally out of whack.  I was working nights so you can see what this might be doing to my body clock let alone finding time to build a new blog/website. 

So I’ve decided to post on the old blog for this post (new one is coming) because the things I learned from the workshop was just too good not to share. 

Ten reasons for starting and/or improving your author platform:

1.       A blog is a website with special powers

2.       Bloggers are a powerful community

3.       Every writer should blog – here’s why

4.       People connect with faces – Vlog!

5.       Online networking with other Authors, Bloggers and Marketers 

6.       Online presence with quality content

7.       Baby steps…it all takes time to grow your business

8.       WordPress, Blogger is all free and great to get started but as your business grows consider owning your site – here are some of the reasons why

9.       Social Media isn’t a fad, it’s a fundamental shift in the way we communicate. Check out this amazing video.

10.   Embrace the Twitter – its power is extremely effective for online networking and promoting your business/brand.  Here are some great tips

What are you doing to promote your author brand?  Please share your tips and/or ideas - I still have soooo' much to learn :)

Midnight Rambler embracing the twitter...

A dramatic change of direction...

I’m finally in possession of the March Market edition of WQ. 

There are some fabulous articles inside:  Marianne de Pierres talks about how to be a series contender; JR Poulter goes global; Anita Bell discusses formatting.  A great article on Educational publishing by Pamela Rushby; romance by Valerie Parv; finding your niche market with Cat Sparks and Somerset author guest, Kate Hunter explores why writers’ festivals are so important.

And…

If you’ve ever thought about writing a play - you might like to check out my article where I talk about how stepping out of your comfort zone can be a highlight in your career.

You can read these articles and more by subscribing here and if you’re already a subscriber then you will agree with me - this is a great issue J

Midnight rambler is feeling inspired

WHAT HAPPENED on the way to…

There were a few things I wanted to blog about earlier this week and already it’s the end of week one into November – what the…

Between working and writing and subbing and stuff, the week has got away on me.  So here is a brief rundown of what I’ve been doing besides working in that other job that pays the bills.

·    Attending an awesome Masterclass at the QWC with the Master himself Simon Higgins on writing good YA.  But essentially it came down to just really great tips on good writing, regardless of the genre you write in.  I met some great people on the day and came away much more enlightened than when I arrived;

·    Applied for a Graduate Certificate in Screenwriting course for 2011 with AFTRS – what made me think I could get my application in good form with everything else that was going on around me in a week, I have no idea – doh!

·     And in addition to the above idiocy I wrote a short story and subbed two – one has since been rejected but at least it was a nice prompt reply and I’m not kept waiting in suspense.

And I want to write about Triple J’s Ausmusic month but I will post that tomorrow Inshallah

Midnight rambler dreading the thought of a 5.30am start tomorrow…