Categories
Free Your Mind LifeStyle

Going With The Flow

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The steamer which crossed the Pacific from Yokohama to San Francisco made a direct connection with that from Hong Kong, and it could not sail until the latter reached Yokohama; and if Mr. Fogg was twenty-four hours late on reaching Yokohama, this time would no doubt be easily regained in the voyage of twenty-two days across the Pacific. He found himself, then, about twenty-four hours behind-hand, thirty-five days after leaving London.

The Carnatic was announced to leave Hong Kong at five the next morning. Mr. Fogg had sixteen hours in which to attend to his business there, which was to deposit Aouda safely with her wealthy relative.

On landing, he conducted her to a palanquin, in which they repaired to the Club Hotel. A room was engaged for the young woman, and Mr. Fogg, after seeing that she wanted for nothing, set out in search of her cousin Jeejeeh. He instructed Passepartout to remain at the hotel until his return, that Aouda might not be left entirely alone.

Mr. Fogg repaired to the Exchange, where, he did not doubt, every one would know so wealthy and considerable a personage as the Parsee merchant. Meeting a broker, he made the inquiry, to learn that Jeejeeh had left China two years before, and, retiring from business with an immense fortune, had taken up his residence in Europe—in Holland the broker thought, with the merchants of which country he had principally traded. Phileas Fogg returned to the hotel, begged a moment’s conversation with Aouda, and without more ado, apprised her that Jeejeeh was no longer at Hong Kong, but probably in Holland.

[/vc_column_text][bquote type=”tagline” prk_in=”I have given no small attention to that not unvexed subject, the skin of the whale. I have had controversies about it with experienced whalemen afloat, and learned naturalists ashore. My original opinion remains unchanged.”][vc_column_text]The steamer which crossed the Pacific from Yokohama to San Francisco made a direct connection with that from Hong Kong, and it could not sail until the latter reached Yokohama; and if Mr. Fogg was twenty-four hours late on reaching Yokohama, this time would no doubt be easily regained in the voyage of twenty-two days across the Pacific. He found himself, then, about twenty-four hours behind-hand, thirty-five days after leaving London.

The Carnatic was announced to leave Hong Kong at five the next morning. Mr. Fogg had sixteen hours in which to attend to his business there, which was to deposit Aouda safely with her wealthy relative.

On landing, he conducted her to a palanquin, in which they repaired to the Club Hotel. A room was engaged for the young woman, and Mr. Fogg, after seeing that she wanted for nothing, set out in search of her cousin Jeejeeh. He instructed Passepartout to remain at the hotel until his return, that Aouda might not be left entirely alone.

Mr. Fogg repaired to the Exchange, where, he did not doubt, every one would know so wealthy and considerable a personage as the Parsee merchant. Meeting a broker, he made the inquiry, to learn that Jeejeeh had left China two years before, and, retiring from business with an immense fortune, had taken up his residence in Europe—in Holland the broker thought, with the merchants of which country he had principally traded. Phileas Fogg returned to the hotel, begged a moment’s conversation with Aouda, and without more ado, apprised her that Jeejeeh was no longer at Hong Kong, but probably in Holland.

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Categories
Free Your Mind LifeStyle

Weekend In Barcelona

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The steamer which crossed the Pacific from Yokohama to San Francisco made a direct connection with that from Hong Kong, and it could not sail until the latter reached Yokohama; and if Mr. Fogg was twenty-four hours late on reaching Yokohama, this time would no doubt be easily regained in the voyage of twenty-two days across the Pacific. He found himself, then, about twenty-four hours behind-hand, thirty-five days after leaving London.

The Carnatic was announced to leave Hong Kong at five the next morning. Mr. Fogg had sixteen hours in which to attend to his business there, which was to deposit Aouda safely with her wealthy relative.

On landing, he conducted her to a palanquin, in which they repaired to the Club Hotel. A room was engaged for the young woman, and Mr. Fogg, after seeing that she wanted for nothing, set out in search of her cousin Jeejeeh. He instructed Passepartout to remain at the hotel until his return, that Aouda might not be left entirely alone.

Mr. Fogg repaired to the Exchange, where, he did not doubt, every one would know so wealthy and considerable a personage as the Parsee merchant. Meeting a broker, he made the inquiry, to learn that Jeejeeh had left China two years before, and, retiring from business with an immense fortune, had taken up his residence in Europe—in Holland the broker thought, with the merchants of which country he had principally traded. Phileas Fogg returned to the hotel, begged a moment’s conversation with Aouda, and without more ado, apprised her that Jeejeeh was no longer at Hong Kong, but probably in Holland.

[/vc_column_text][bquote type=”tagline” prk_in=”I have given no small attention to that not unvexed subject, the skin of the whale. I have had controversies about it with experienced whalemen afloat, and learned naturalists ashore. My original opinion remains unchanged.”][vc_column_text]The steamer which crossed the Pacific from Yokohama to San Francisco made a direct connection with that from Hong Kong, and it could not sail until the latter reached Yokohama; and if Mr. Fogg was twenty-four hours late on reaching Yokohama, this time would no doubt be easily regained in the voyage of twenty-two days across the Pacific. He found himself, then, about twenty-four hours behind-hand, thirty-five days after leaving London.

The Carnatic was announced to leave Hong Kong at five the next morning. Mr. Fogg had sixteen hours in which to attend to his business there, which was to deposit Aouda safely with her wealthy relative.

On landing, he conducted her to a palanquin, in which they repaired to the Club Hotel. A room was engaged for the young woman, and Mr. Fogg, after seeing that she wanted for nothing, set out in search of her cousin Jeejeeh. He instructed Passepartout to remain at the hotel until his return, that Aouda might not be left entirely alone.

Mr. Fogg repaired to the Exchange, where, he did not doubt, every one would know so wealthy and considerable a personage as the Parsee merchant. Meeting a broker, he made the inquiry, to learn that Jeejeeh had left China two years before, and, retiring from business with an immense fortune, had taken up his residence in Europe—in Holland the broker thought, with the merchants of which country he had principally traded. Phileas Fogg returned to the hotel, begged a moment’s conversation with Aouda, and without more ado, apprised her that Jeejeeh was no longer at Hong Kong, but probably in Holland.

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Categories
Grammar and Grace

Compliment or Complement?

Earlier this week I wrote a post for my own blog and was reminded about two things: the difference between compliment and complement and the definition of a subjective complement.

Compliment and complement sound exactly alike. They’re homophones. They are spelled differently and have different meanings, however.

A compliment is a flattering statement. Your dinner guest might say, “This pesto is delicious. I’d love your recipe.” He’s complimented your cooking.

A complement is a thing that completes something else or brings it to perfection. A nice complement to angel hair pasta with pesto is a ripe tomato.

The tricky thing is remembering how to spell the correct form. Try this mnemonic device. I like compliments ( because don’t we love compliments?). The I in the previous statement can remind you to use the word with the i in it.

A subjective complement is one of those phrases you learned about in grade school. It’s a word or phrase that follows a linking verb (be, am, is, are, was, were,…) and renames or describes the subject.

My high school English teacher was a monster.  (Not true, by the way.) Monster is the subjective complement because it renames teacher.

I have another example of a subjective complement, but I’m not sure it’s appropriate for this blog. I used it in the post I mentioned in the first paragraph. If you want to read it, go here. Read all the way to the end.

Now, go give someone a compliment!

Categories
Developing Your Writer's Voice Uncategorized

Find Your Writer’s Voice Through Blogging

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I enjoy blogging about the Appalachian mountains where I live. My blog speaks to the traditions, faith, lifestyle, and character of the Appalachian people.

My heart pitter-pats when describing a snowy day while walking along a mountain path, conveying the inviting smell of a cast-iron skillet of cornbread or sharing the shades of coral and blue of a sunset over a mountain peak. I also love sharing stories of mountain characters that live in the hollows around me.

After reading past posts of my blog I realized my blog is where my writer’s voice blossomed. In post after post I saw my voice grow, not only clearer, but also stronger.

I choose to use first person tone in my storytelling throughout my blog thus allowing me to create a bond with my readers. Using first person tone allows me to infuse my personality, observations, and my experiences within the posts. This cozy type of blogging voice transferred onto the pages of my Appalachian novella.

“One reason I encourage people to blog is that the act of doing it stretches your available vocabulary and hones a new voice.” Seth Godin

I agree with Seth Godin; blogging can help hone a new voice, or as in my case, further develop a voice.

Do you blog? If so, set aside time to read over past posts. Watch for the ways you see your voice growing. If not, you may want to consider this popular communication tool. Who knows, your writer’s voice might emerge from your blog posts.

“The best way to develop your writer’s voice is to read a lot. And write a lot. There’s really no other way to do it.” Stephen King.

Writing a blog demands discipline in forming content, and out of content, comes the

Categories
WARFARE!

Hike Your Own Hike

My husband Don is starting his Appalachian Trail (AT) hike on March 13th. He’s had this passion on his heart for a few years now, and it’s finally time to go. For the past year or so he’s been preparing and learning – he talked to people who hiked it, read books, and watched documentaries.

From all that information he pulled what he liked, put together his equipment, and made his plans. He tested out a few things, made changes, and adjusted as he learned something new.

One of the things he heard repeatedly was, “Hike your own hike.” People you meet will be faster, have better equipment, seem to be experts at hiking the AT. The pressure to conform, to fit in, and to keep up may be heavy at times. Be prepared for that and make up your mind to do whatever feels right to you.

So what does hiking have to do with writing…more specifically, blogging? Every now and then I get into a funk about my blogging and begin comparing my blog to others. I compare numbers: comments, followers, shares. I compare writing styles, lengths, format, and pictures. I lamented these frustrations to Don, along with all the things I could/should/but am not doing.

“Mary, you need to hike your own hike.”

Silence.

“Wow, thanks honey, you are absolutely right!”

I need to learn: talk to others, read tips and advice, and check out other blogs. Learn how to get my blog into the readers’ hands – what social media has worked for others and how do they find their audience.

I need to apply what I learn: pull what I like from all the information on blogging and apply it to my blog and my social media interaction.

I need to be willing to make adjustments: when one social media platform doesn’t yield results, be willing to try a new platform.

Then as I blog, I need to hike my own hike: passionately write in my own style. Write about topics God stirs in my heart. Write on the schedule He gives to me.

Blog as me, not as a poor imitation of someone else out of envy for what they have that I don’t.

Don will meet a variety of people on his hike, some like him and some not so much. I can’t imagine him trying to be like everyone he meets; that doesn’t even make sense. It would wear him out, AND people would miss out on all Don has to offer as Don.

I realized I do the same thing with blogging when I don’t write as me, and when I worry too much about what others are doing. And yes, it totally wears me out!blogging, envy

God has uniquely gifted each of us who blog. Study, learn, and seek God for what will work for you. Be thankful for who He created you to be.

Then go out and hike your own hike.

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. (Proverbs 14:30, NIV)

 

Categories
Dear Young Scribes

Build a Platform & Increase Chances of Publication

“Does building a platform really increase chances of publication?”

This is a question many beginning authors ask when they are told to focus on building a platform—even before they receive a book contract.

“What’s the big deal?” they ask. “Shouldn’t I spend time working on my book instead of blogging? Won’t I gain a readership when my book is published?”

In the past, aspiring authors did not have to worry about building a brand, blog, or platform. They simply wrote a book, landed an agent, and received a publishing contract.

This is not the case with today’s writing industry.

If an aspiring author wants to gain interest from an agent/publisher, they must try to build a platform. When a publisher receives a proposal from an author, they often do an online search of the author. They want to see how many books the writer will be able to sell based on the number of potential readers they can reach through their blog and social media.

So, how can you, an aspiring author, build a platform—even as a teen?

Here’s how:

It’s pretty tough for an aspiring author to build a platform without writing a blog. Is it possible? Maybe.

But if you really want to impress an agent or publisher, don’t skip this. Blogging is a great tool to brand yourself as an author, build a readership, and build your platform—even before your book is published.

As a teen, you especially have the advantage of beginning to grow a platform early. Since it usually takes a long time to build one, you can try to begin growing it now before you completely dive completely into the writing industry.

But remember: A platform isn’t built overnight. It takes time, effort, and consistency.

However, I still advise that aspiring authors spend the majority of their time writing. Because if you don’t have anything to pitch to an agent/publisher—then, well, the time you devote into establishing a readership will be fruitless.

How has building a platform paid off in your writing career? Do you enjoy blogging, or do you consider it to be a waste of time? I’d love to hear what you think!

[bctt tweet=”Should aspiring authors build a platform? via @tessaemilyhall”]

[bctt tweet=”Build a Platform & Increase Chances of Publication via @tessaemilyhall “]

Categories
Blogging Basics

Three Problems With Comparison for New Bloggers

Particularly for new writers beginning the blogging journey, comparison can kill confidence and create problems.

New bloggers often struggle with comparison, much like my youngest child who said, “I’m a slow runner. I don’t want to play soccer.” When I asked her why she thought she was a slow runner, she mentioned how much faster her older brother and sister ran. She struggled with confidence, not realizing she was unfairly comparing herself to her older siblings. She couldn’t see this was not a realistic comparison. Bloggers often struggle with comparison creating problems with confidence and negative thinking.

Comparison Creates Competition

Resist the scarcity lie that the success of others crowds out your own opportunity.

Comparison can cause significant set-backs when it comes to writing. All too easily, it can create competition when we allow the success of another to diminish our writing or sabotage our confidence. Choose to celebrate the achievements of others. Learn from their skill and experience.

New bloggers, blogging, writing, comparison, problems of comparison

Comparison Breeds Negative Thinking

Comparison opens the door to the problem of negative thinking. Comparative thinking leads to other forms of negativity—pride, envy, jealousy, resentment, discouragement, and criticism.  What can begin as comparison and negative feelings can quickly ignite destructive thoughts and actions.

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. James 3:16

Comparison Demotivates Passion

Comparison can stifle passion to fulfill the writing desires God places in our hearts.

Have you ever compared yourself with a more experienced writer and thought, “Why bother…I’ll never be as good as ________.” The power to demotivate passion is one of the greatest problems of comparison.

Resist the temptation to measure the gap between where you are and where someone else is. We often see this gap as a diminishing, devaluing thing rather than embracing the growth process of our own writing.

Problems of comparison, blogging, writing, new bloggers

I have hung over the edge of motivation, wanting to quit because the journey to “success” is steep and difficult. Maybe you have too. Comparison saps passion and energy when we forget that God is with us in the process.

[bctt tweet=”Distracting us from God’s call and purpose, comparison makes the process about personal success rather than obedience to God’s call to write.”]

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Galatians 6:4-5 MSG

Choose to celebrate and learn from successful and experience writers, rather than give into comparison. Give yourself permission to grow through the process and develop skill at the pace that is right for you. 

Don’t let comparison rob you of confidence and joy in writing. [bctt tweet=”Comparison is a choice you don’t have to make. “]

At the end of it all, comparison asks the wrong question.

The right question is this: what does God want to do through my writing?

Categories
Blogging Basics

How to Supercharge Your Blog with a Portfolio of Post Types

 

Med How to Supercharge Your Blog with a Portfolio of Post Types

You sit down at your computer to write a new blog post. A blank screen is all you can see. Drumming your fingers on the desk, you wrack your brain for something to write about.

Sound familiar?

Author Lori Roeleveld teaches that blogs are hungry beasts that need constant care and feeding. In blogging, we regularly need to write new content, which can be challenging. There are days it can make you want to run screaming into next week!

[bctt tweet=”Incorporating a variety of shareable content and blog styles will supercharge your writing. #blogging #poststyles”] Successful bloggers generate new content by incorporating a variety of post formats. When it comes to formulas for blog posts, there are many to choose from, but not all will be a good fit for your style and focus. Experimenting with a variety of post types, I have found a selection that fits my inspirational niche. Consider a few of my favorite styles of posts, and try a few to invigorate your blogging to add to your portfolio.

The Tell-a-Story Post

Everyone has a story to tell, and story brings your reader directly into the experience. We all love a good tale that engages heart and imagination.  From big moments to the small, mundane details, life is filled with meaningful stories to share.

How can story can make your message come alive with the authenticity of personal experience? Engaging anecdotes can stand alone—the joy of simply telling a story. They can also introduce concepts, engage readers, inspire action, or teach lessons—to name just a few ways story can add impact to writing.

Try opening your post with a story or use a short tale to illustrate a point.

The Inspirational Post

Inspirational bloggers have a wealth of content available in the pages of the Bible. Compelling  devotional content shares truth and impacts readers. Choose one short passage or topic so you have a clear purpose. Be sure to consider the context when writing about Scripture, and don’t take verses out of context simply to illustrate a point. Combining story and inspiration can take a Biblical post from didactic to relational with a few words.

The How-To or Tutorial Post

How-to posts are both popular and shareable content. Simply take a look at Pinterest and survey the titles of posts. Instructional posts provide information on topics of interest to readers, increasing interest and engagement. Knowing the needs and interests of your audience will increase your ability to create meaningful how-to articles.

Areas of expertise and experience provide additional ideas for tutorial content. How-to posts that teach, train, or guide establish authority and credibility in your subject matter.

Try brainstorming a list of how-to posts that relate to your blog focus.

The List Post

List posts can cover a variety of topics and are highly shareable content. Lists posts can teach, inspire, motivate, encourage. They can curate content and share resources as well. Content that reveals secrets (5 Secrets of ___), inspires action (3 Reasons You Should…), solves problems draw readers searching for specific topics or content.

Use this list to brainstorm ideas for list posts.

Number + Noun + Topic

10 formulas for effective list blog posts

Save this list for added inspiration.

The Solve-a-Problem Post

Choose content that provides a solution to a common need of your audience. Addressing needs with practical solutions, helpful advice, or relevant resources creates value and influence with your readers. Solving a problem can also be presented as a story or experience. Encourage your readers by sharing how you have overcome odds, beat challenges, or achieved success.

What is one experience that solved a problem in your life? Write about it!

The Provide-a-Bonus Post

[bctt tweet=”Mixing media and providing value keeps things fresh on your blog. #blogging “]Incorporate visuals, printable graphics, video, links, or audio to create a strong impact. Try building a list of ideas you can use to create a benefit or takeaway for your audience. Begin adding variety over time, paying attention reader response. Short eBooks, printable lists, resource lists, pdf documents, or contest giveaways are additional ways to add extra value for your audience.

Which bonus could you most easily accomplish this week? Go ahead and try it.

Which types of post do you normally write? Which type of post will you try this week? Leave a comment and let me know.

 

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Just A Writer

Do you ever feel like “just a writer?” “Just” a wannabe author? “Just” a wordsmith who spends hours inventing characters and hoping someone will read your work?

I encourage you to throw out the word “just” from your thinking. Treat it like yesterday’s trash that’s contaminating your mind. You are not “just” a writer. You are “A WRITER!”

So why are writers—especially Christian writers—important? Because when you feel that niggling urge to create words that are meaningful, then being a writer is “A CALLING.”

There are billions of folks in this world with numerous callings on their life. Some are called to heal, some to organize, some to preach God’s Word, some to be leaders, some to be helpers. The list can go on. But to be called to write is unique in that you can reach people around the world without so much as a passport.

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I know many writers with debilitating illnesses. Many who have difficulty traveling for one reason or another. Some with responsibilities that anchor them to their homes. Yet the message in their words can reach hundreds, thousands, even millions, without so much as using a gallon of gasoline.

“But all I write is fiction. How is that a calling?”

There are thousands of folks around the world who would never think of picking up a Christian non-fiction book. You could find them running away from a Max Lucado book as though rabid dogs were on their heels. Fiction is less threatening, more entertaining, and, if a writer is good, they can slip in the gospel message without scaring off the reader. Christian fiction might be the only Gospel message they’ve ever heard. Who knows where those seeds might sprout?

Another blessing about writing is that you can create a variety of messages, and not just in your usual genre. Most writers have blogs. These allow writers to create words that can fulfill promptings that the Holy Spirit places on your mind and heart. While some in the writing field encourage writers to always stay within the expected theme (such as historical fiction), I choose to believe that God wants to use our words to minister and enlighten the audience He has created for our writing.

These last few weeks have revealed horrifying videos about abortion taking place in our country. Although I write historicals, I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to create words that will hopefully open people’s eyes in a new way to the atrocities taking place in contemporary America. If you wish to read that blog, you can click here.

So the next time you think you are “just” a writer, praise God for the calling He has placed in your heart. And get writing!

 

Vintage Typewriter courtesy of: Just2shutter through freedigitalphotos.net

Photo of man writing courtesy of: tiramisustudio through freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

Categories
Publicity

Why every author needs to build a strong website – Part 1

Do you need a website as an author? Let’s think about this for just a moment. In this day and age when you are curious about something don’t you resort to Googling it? The internet has dramatically changed how you research something you are interested in. What happens when someone types in your name to see if you are a Christian author? What’s the first thing they see in the search results?

I challenge you to Google yourself if you are not sure of this yet. You may be surprised by the results! Articles you haven’t thought about in months, perhaps years. The page your publisher put up that perhaps you don’t love the copy from? What does your Google search show about yourself?

An author’s website is a critical tool that is a central platform for many items that can not only help you build your brand but also to sell your books. However, a poorly constructed or “unplugged” website can also do detriment to your brand. Having worked with many publishers I can tell you that when a publishing house is looking at signing you one factor is your potential market. An author with a solid website that is socially integrated and has followers is a major bonus for a publisher or agent. This means you will be easier to market and therefore they are taking less of a chance in signing your book.

How do you get a great website? Well, first let me just say that not all websites are equal and they don’t always have to cost a fortune to be effective. I have personally run across people that prey upon authors to get “quick cash” by being webmasters that do very little or designers with price tags that cost into the $1500-$2000 range. These are more likely than not never going to make your ROI (return of investment) back. Also places that charge like that are more likely to require you to go through them for every single small change will only add onto that price tag.

Here are some tips on avoiding being put in a negative situation when having your website built:

  • Make sure you have control – With all of my authors I make sure that when my group builds a site that my business doesn’t own any of the domains or hostings. This is all done in the clients name. This protects you in the event something ever happened to the vendor. If you legally own the domain and hosting directly then you can always get someone to fix it. When someone else owns the hosting you could be left in the dark if your vendor disappears.
  • Create a site you can update/post from on your own – All the templates we use we teach authors to use. The reason for this is simple. If you want to change a color of a certain text or add a new post you are not stuck waiting for the webmaster to do it.
  • Make sure the vendor offers support – You wouldn’t buy a brand new car without the warranty would you? Make sure the vendor is able to offer support for everyday issues without too much fuss.

In my next post I will cover self-hosting on your own and the benefits of WordPress as a hosting platform for your website. If you have questions or would like a free assessment of your website please contact me at www.Meetme.so/MeaghanBurnett.

Categories
Blogging Basics

Six Questions for Effective Blogging

Very few people take a trip without a destination in mind. When we travel, good planning makes for a good trip. When it comes to blogging, there are key questions to planning an effective blog.

[bctt tweet=”Defining purpose, audience, and style creates a foundation for successful blogging.”]

Purpose and niche keeps bloggers focused and consistent with content.

When I started blogging, my purpose was to discover voice, learn craft, and share inspirational thoughts. As I got started, I learned the value of having a plan and a focus.

I would have benefitted from understanding the value of defining purpose and audience. With today’s massive volume of how-to information on blogging, it is worthwhile to do some research and planning before you get started.

Six questions to build a strong foundation for your blog:

1. Why am I blogging?

Begin with the why. Effective blogging requires commitment, time, and effort. If you don’t have strong reason for writing, you won’t stick with it. Answering the why, is the cornerstone of a purposeful blog.

2. What is the purpose of my blog?

Purpose gives focus to blogging. Are you creating a community, teaching ideas, inspiring action, selling a product, encouraging hope, sharing truth, swaying opinion, expressing passion, or exploring ideas? A strong purpose attracts an audience. Purpose also provides motivation to keep writing on the hard days.

3. What is my niche? 

Motivation and purpose relates to the niche, or the topic of your blog. What are you knowledgeable about? What are your interests? Passions? Needs? In today’s world you can find a blog on nearly any topic, so choose something that you  enjoy writing about.

4. Who is my audience?

Designate your audience. Who are you writing to? Why should they be interested in your blog? Audience relates to topic, tone, and perspective. Are you writing to men, women, or a mixed group? What is the demographic and age range of your target audience? What are their needs and interests? What will compel them to read? Understanding your audience is key to creating relevant content for your reader.

5. What 3-5 topics will I write about?

Choose 3-5 main categories for your blog. Choose topics broad enough that there are plenty of ideas in each topic. Understanding your audience is helpful in refining the scope of your content. People who read mommy blogs are not reading for technology how-to’s or stock market tips. They are looking for content that relates to parenting. Audiences of food bloggers don’t want to read political opinion or unrelated book reviews.

Brainstorm ideas that relate to your topics and are of interest to your audience. Keep a running list of possible ideas and prompts. Use your list to plan content. It can also be a resource list to overcome writer’s block. I frequently use my list of ideas to inspire my writing when I struggle with what to write about.

6. How will I present myself (voice/personality/tone)?

What is your voice? What persona will you use? Think through the personality you will present to your audience. Are you an expert on your topic? Do you want to come across as a friend or confidante? Are you marketing a product?

Whether you are starting or refining your blog, take time to build a strong foundation. [bctt tweet=”Purpose, topic, audience, and personality are crucial to good blogging that appeals to readers.”]

Which of these questions will be most helpful for you?

 

Categories
Platform and Branding

4 Steps to Boost Your Blog Posts

Blog readers are scanners, their eyes skimming the page for interesting information. Problogger reports the average time spent reading a blog post is 96 seconds. With such a small window of opportunity, how do you engage your reader and communicate your message?

Create visually interesting blog posts!

1. Break up long blocks of text. 

Long paragraphs and large blocks of text are visually boring. They’re also cumbersome to read on a monitor or handheld device. Craft shorter paragraphs with interesting transitions.

Boost your blog post

2. Include an image near the top of your post. 

Images evoke emotion and connect with your reader. A captivating photo can illustrate your message and also give your reader’s eye a place to rest on the page.

(Be careful about copyright infringement and attribution. Personal photos are the safest to use, but there are many resources that allow you to use their images at no charge if you attribute the site and/or photographer.)

3. Vary your text.

Use headers, bold text, italics, block quotes, etc. to call attention to keywords and phrases. Well-placed headings and quotes communicate your main points and keeps your reader’s eye moving. Be careful not to overuse them and clutter your post.

4. Shorter is better. 

Keep in mind the 96-second window, understanding you’ll lose some of your readers with a longer post (500+ words). Write “tight” when you post to your blog. If you find yourself closing in on 500 words and you’ve still got a lot to say, consider making it a two-part post.

Benefits of shorter posts?

  • You’ll retain your reader,
  • They’ll be invested and want to read the sequel,
  • You’ll have another post and an opportunity to link within your site.

Those 96 seconds are precious, so use them wisely and create blog posts that engage and communicate.

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4 steps to boost

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