here I am , head in hand, with no promise fulfilled for you. I have been promising a new book, a new cover, something, for weeks now and all I have for you today is a rant. Sigh, life is what happens when you make other plans.
Right, the rant. Well, it's this. All the experts tell you that you must blog several times a week and always have quality content. I've taken several courses and they all say that. The thing is, nobody will come right out and tell you what it is.
Here's an example. I was encouraged to read one man blog. He's pretty famous and has millions of readers, so they say. Everybody loves him, so they say. There you go, he's got quality content. I read several of his posts and found only a sad and bitter man spouting negativity.
In my opinion, that is poor quality content, but many people disagree with me. Therefore I conclude that quality content, much like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. (reader) This still leaves me wondering what the heck I can do differently (better) than I am currently doing.
End of rant. Opinions please, I seriously want some input here.
Okay, you made it this far so here's a short excerpt from the new book I keep promising.
Annie had met the man in blue a few days before, sort of. He was the talk of the town now, but very few
people had yet seen his face. She had been walking her dog, Bitsy,
when she heard the high-pitched whine of the motorcycle engine. The
machine and rider came rocketing up the street just as Bitsy pulled
her head from the collar and raced into the middle of the road,
barking wildly.
Annie screamed in terror as the tiny
dog attacked the racing machine. The rider slammed on the brakes; the
machine stopped instantly, rising high up on its front wheel and
turning a perfect circle before settling back to the ground. Bitsy
leaped in and began to bite at the rider’s boot.
The bike was painted cobalt blue and
the rider was dressed from head to toe in cobalt blue leathers with a
matching helmet. As Annie ran to get Bitsy, the rider scooped up the
dog in a gloved hand. His helmet was tinted so she couldn’t see his
face as he handed back the squirming dog and spoke to her. “Did you
drop this, Miss?”
“Yes, thank you,” she replied
gathering the small ball of ferocity into her arms. “Thank you so
much for not killing her. Are you all right?”
“My heart rate is a bit high right
now,” he chuckled, “but I expect I’ll live. Can you direct me
to the six hundred block of Maple Street?”
“Oh, of course. It’s down this
street for two more blocks then turn left and head up into the hills.
It’s up there in the fancy houses overlooking the town. Once you’ve
made your left turn you’ll eventually encounter Maple Street.”
“My thanks, Miss. Have a great day
and keep an eye on my friend there.” With that he gunned the
engine; the motorcycle rose up onto its back wheel and raced down the
street. Annie watched it go until it was out of sight.
Okay, that's it for me today folks.
Bright blessings
Pru
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The above excerpt is from Blue Rider which follows Old Family Mansion. Here's a coupon code for a free copy of Mansion. GZ33M
You can use the code for your free copy here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/446284
Posts
So here's what I personally look for in blog posts: Something that informs/entertains me and a sense of the author. Here's one example: A while back I started reading Tawna Fenske's blog, and she wrote about mundane stuff like what she saw on the grocery store shelf or mail she received, etc., but her posts made me laugh and gave me a good sense of what I'd get it I picked up one of her books. When I read a couple of her romantic comedies, sure enough, her quirky, funny voice was there in spades.
ReplyDeleteI don't know that it matters as much what you write -- because that's kind of hit or miss with readers -- but to make sure your unique voice comes across. I don't know that I always have "quality content," however someone might define that, but I do think that if someone reads my blog for a few weeks...yeah, I'm that same person in real life and on the page.
That's my two cents! But hey, what do I know? Maybe it's a bit like novels -- write what you love?? Best wishes with Blue Rider.
Hi Julie, thanks for the input. I've read Tawna's blog and loved it. I think you're right, just let the real you come out on the page so people understand that what you see is what you get.
DeletePersonally, I prefer a slow and steady blog update from the authors I follow, say no more than 2-3 posts per week, and so long as the content is upbeat or informative, I don't care what they write on. Personal life, career, detailed instructions on the cookies they baked last week - so long as the authors are happy and upbeat about it. I think if a blogger posts too much 4+ times a week, after the first month or two what is there to blog about? And people have lives and become burned out, and that's when the "quality" and upbeat-edness gets diluted.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the novel excerpt. I'm looking forward to your cover reveal :)
I agree, Natalie. Personally I only blog about once a week. I tried three times, but was even boring myself. (eek) Happy and upbeat is the way to go.
DeleteRant away Prudence! I think this blogging stuff is subjective. Who's to say what is quality and isn't? Absolutely. So keep doing what you enjoy and don't sweat it girl. As you notice, I haven't blogged again for a while. I am visiting family and I haven't felt like it. And I don't care. I'll feel inspired soon. Not to worry Pru. Keep it happy and upbeat. :)
ReplyDeleteKaren McFarland, you are my all time favorite cheerleader. I'll be watching for your next post. :)
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