If you’re an author, how often should you blog?
I’ve been seriously remiss in blogging this summer. Lots of excuses. I’m spending the summer on the coast of Maine and it is a lovely place. We’ve been swamped by visitors, both family and friends. My delicious four-month-old granddaughter kept us up at night. But who cares. How lucky – how blessed we were – to have my daughter bring her two babies and stay with us.
My big excuse: “Life happens… and I didn’t have time to blog.”
But it’s not true. Ever. Writing daily is absolutely essential to being a writer. As Jeff Goins puts it: if you want to be a writer, Start Acting Like One.
Blogging is a quick form of writing – one of the easiest ways to get your writing done. You can be informal and conversational. You can be anecdotal. You can riff. You want to sound reasonably smart and connected to your bigger purpose. But it’s not that hard to do.
The big secret? Blogging doesn’t have to be long (this post is just over 250 words). It just has to be.
The secret: blog consistently; write short posts
As for how often you need to blog if you’re an author, there isn’t a perfect answer. The trick is to be consistent. Several times a month is ideal. You’re building a following. This is crucial. Your blog readers will help you promote your book once it’s published. But they have to know who you are and why they should care. So, blog on… and don’t follow my example from this summer.