Personal Blogs

The Internet has been a boon to numerous individuals around the world and that includes the many creative writers who, until now, have had difficulty in getting their works seen. Without a doubt, before the age of cyberspace, authors had to rely on agents, publications and other venues to get their writings to the collective public eye. Now, there are many grassroots ways for a determined creator to put his or her visions "out there" for all to see, including via a blog.

The term "blog" is relatively new and stands for "web log." Basically, it's an online journal that is written (usually) by one individual. People around the globe have blogs on every topic imaginable, from politics to travel hints to removing pet fur from furniture. Typically blogs are inexpensive or free, making them the perfect conduit to take a concept from your mind to a wide range of viewers.

However, there is one important reality that many authors fail to consider when starting a creative writing blog site - just because you blog does not mean that someone will read your works. There are literally millions of blogs available, so the odds of yours being randomly discovered are low. But take heart, as there are some clear-cut methods of driving visitors to your site. Below are a few hints to ensure that your creative writing blog is a boon and not a bust.

Advertise Your Blog

No, we're not suggesting you take out a classified ad in your local paper. However, if you are blogging for the sole purpose of getting an audience for your plays, poems, or stories, you'll need to make sure people know that you exist. A great way to start your "Visit My Blog" campaign is to simply send a quick invite via email to those closest to you. Encourage them to stop by your blog on a weekly basis to read some of your latest works. If your words and images resonate with them, they just might share your blog address with others, upping your visibility.

Ask for Blog Feedback

If you're going to become a widely read author, you'll need to learn how to accept (and even invite) constructive criticism. Since you know that people will have opinions about your creative works anyway, why not ask them to give you the "low down" on their thoughts via a comments section on your blog? That way, you can determine immediately what's striking a nerve with the public and what's leaving them cold. This will also help you develop a thick skin when it comes to lacklustre reviews (something every published author must deal with sooner or later.)

Add Your Blog Address to Business Cards

Trying to become a professional working writer? If so, you may want to print up some business cards that include your blog address. You never know where these valuable little "ads" will land, so you might as well give your blog every opportunity to be seen. Adding your blog address to business cards also makes you appear to be a more prolific and published writer than you may actually be (and perception, after all, is reality).

By marketing your blog in small ways, you can absolutely ensure that people begin to drop by on a regular basis. From there, who knows what will happen? You never know when a blog could lead to your big break in the creative writing industry.