Aspiring Advice: Time Is Of The Blog

 

It seems the number 200 and I have been good friends this week. My stellar members reached that number a couple days ago. And today, I present my 200th post!

Not only that. I've received emails from some of you, asking questions or seeking tips. For a long time I've thrown advice into the blogosphere at random, hoping it would find those who needed to hear it. At last, I get to post some advice by request! So let's get started!

(Don't forget to enter this chance to win a free book!)

Reece Hanzon asked about blog management. How do you make time for your blog?

An active and consistent blog is an excellent (and inexpensive) way to build a web presence, something agents and editors are looking for now (not all, but a fair chunk). With all the stuff out there to occupy our time, how do we manage time for our blogs?

Everyone has different obligations. Some work, stay at home, or go to school, so I ask you--what are you doing that's keeping you from your blog? I used to be a heavy gamer (you'll hate me if we play Halo). I also used to write reviews for a movie site. I spent so much time on it that I have over a thousand friends there! What if I spent that time on my blog? Things would be different!

You can only really master one form of social medium. Facebook is fun. Twitter is okay. But I'm a Blogger. Here's three ways to help manage your blogging time:

1: A consistent blog requires about 2-3 posts a week, minimum. You could do more, or have a new post every day, but that makes it tough for your followers to keep up. It doesn't always have to be about writing, either. Share something about yourself on occasion.

2: Find your niche. If your blog has a purpose, it will be easier to dive in and write your posts. Some bloggers provide advice. Others post author interviews or agent spotlights. I've seen teen writers provide support blogs for other teen writers. Go out and find your niche.

3: Your posts don't have to be long. If time is not on your side, a short, insightful post is fine. That way, you keep your web presence active and your blog consistent (I enjoy a quick read as much as the next guy).

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. You could write your posts ahead of time, on lunch breaks, long after your kids are in bed or well before they wake up. That's my story this year. When I said sleep is a long lost friend, I wasn't kidding. But that's what I have to do if this blog, and my books, are to go places.

What tips do you have for managing your blog?

I'm David, and we have all the time in the universe!

P.S. A good friend of mine has a hilarious "play-dead" cat that needs to go viral. Check out this video. Thanks!