3 Things Every Writer or Blogger Should Consider

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3 Things Every Writer or Blogger Should Consider

by: Ronovan

 

Blogging isn’t easy. Some make it look that way, and I thoroughly despise them for it. Actually those of whom I speak know who they are and know I love them and just jealous…maybe.

 

I first showed up in this blogger world to share my creations, my stories. Then I discovered I had more to share than that. And I learned that the blogging world was a community and there was support among that community you couldn’t find anywhere else.

 

But I know from the title of this article you’re wondering about actual blogging itself. I’ll share three things today:

 

Cluttered Desk
gettyimages © Original Photo by dumayne

COMMITMENT

“What? Of course I have a commitment to my blog,” you are saying. That’s not where I am really going with this.

 

Problem:

Blogging becomes addictive. You want to put out great content because you want more followers and views on your site. Those numbers are worse than the word count feature on a word document for a writer. You have a commitment to the rest of your life to consider as well.

 

Solution:

Schedule time for your blog work, and time for your author work. Then let it go. Live life or you burn out. How can you be creative if your mind is jelly instead of a big blob of electronic pasta?

 

 

COURTESY

Be polite to those you Follow and those who Follow you.

Problem:

Words carry an incredible amount of weight in social media settings. We can’t put voice

Lit Thanks Heart
gettyimages © Original Photo by Steve Smith

inflection in there so we have to be careful. We also might end up with a lot of people commenting on articles and some may expect some type of a reply or think you are rude for not doing so. Being considered rude for some of us is a big problem.

 

Solution:

Always use positive words, never negative ones. And at least click like on a comment someone says on your article. That may sound like a lot but if Followers are important to you then do it. I do it because I appreciate the fact that someone reads my offerings and then takes the time to comment. To me that is a huge compliment.

 

When you are reading another person’s blog, don’t comment unless it’s encouraging or they are asking for some type of comment. Also don’t assume when others don’t comment on your offerings that they don’t like them. Some people just don’t comment. It’s a time thing for one. We like to read, enjoy, and move on.

 

Don’t let courtesy rule your life though. I have a bad habit of feeling as though I have to read everything anyone I follow posts, here and on Twitter. That’s a lot of reading and very little time for other things, including my own writing.

 

CONTENT

Make your content what you like first and foremost, but don’t be surprised if what you like changes over time.

 

Chalkboard and Lady
gettyimages © Original Photo by Justin Lewis

Problem:

At the same time you need to remember you are putting stuff out there for others to enjoy otherwise you would just keep it on your computer for yourself. But then you also may end up falling into the trap of writing things just to get visitors, views, and follows.

 

Solution:

This is a truth here so keep reading after what I say next. You write a book and you want to share the chapters, right?

  • Break the chapters up into parts. I’ve found that people mostly want quick reads of usually under 600 words or so. Why is word count opposite on a blog article than what we think of for a book? Blogs are quick reads. Using me as an example, I want something I know I can get through quickly or I know my mind will drift. Not because of the content, but because of the length. This isn’t a book in front of me that I know how many chapters I have. This immediate gratification. Some will see word count on their readers in the blogger communities and just skip over those over a certain length unless they know the writer very well.
  • You can have longer word counts if the topic calls for it, but make sure you are being to the point. Readers can tell filler from foundation.
  • Add visual content. It adds a bit to whatever you put out and makes you feel like you have put out more than just a few paragraphs. I’ve found that since I’ve shortened some of my work and had fun with photos, that not only do more people ‘like’ them but I enjoy putting the work out there as well.

Those are just three things to look at for now.

 

Next time around I’ll share three things that make coming up with Blogging content a little easier. But until then, peace out and blog out.

 

Remember, I’m just a comment away. Talk to me here or on Twitter.

 

 

 

© Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com-May27, 2014.

29 thoughts on “3 Things Every Writer or Blogger Should Consider”

  1. Sensible advice. But I find the kittens in the sidebar Twitter feed too distracting to focus on the article. OK, I promise I’m stopping talking about cats now. So that you won’t come to regret your “coming out” as a cat person.

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  2. You are a life saver Ron…I am three months old to the Blogging World and still struggling with time management issues…I am going to implement these tips as soon as possible 🙂

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    • Thank you. I know for those of you with a lot of Followers have a difficult time keeping up with all of your admirers 😉 but it is worth it. It keeps a dedicated following for one and keeps you respected for another. Your words are your brand and your reputation. Love your site and your offerings. And it honors me that you liked my advice. 🙂

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  7. Ironically I just typed up a comment on this and then poof! It disappeared! But this post is too important for me to give up so here I try again 🙂

    I LOVE THIS Ronovan. As I read through it I kept thinking Yes! Spot on! Over and over again. This will help so many bloggers, new and seasoned.

    Bravo, bravo and a tall cool glass of Thank You, sir.

    Blog out, yo. 😉

    Allison

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  10. I am soooooooo glad you posted this! I am still rather new to the blogging world and I have already realized that I am using the blog as an excuse to keep from writing my first novel. Now its not that I don’t want to write it; I think I am slightly terrified about actually completing it now that I finally have the chance to work on it. Your post kind has helped put that in to perspective.

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    • 🙂 Thank you! It’s nice to know something I write actually helps someone in some way. Okay, that profile picture is just so cool. 🙂
      Much Respect and Envy
      Ronovan

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      • It really does. I enjoy all of your posts about writing and blogging because I am finally starting to get into both. Its been an adjustment since finishing school and your posts really help ground both fields.

        And thank you! Flying is most definitely my first love.
        Lindsay

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  12. Hi Ronovan – your article was very helpful. It made me feel less alone in my angsts of writing a blog (which I love dearly, there’s just some things that come up, though). Looking forward to the next part!

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  13. Spot on! I promised myself that I’d only comment if I was being polite, sending positive vibes or being helpful in some way, so it’s nice to see that you’ve included being polite as something to consider!

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