Leanne Dyck, Blogger (3-minute memoir)

To celebrate this blog's tenth anniversary, allow me to take you back--way back to the beginning...

photo by ldyck

In August 2002, I asked web designer Monica Hogg to build a website for my handknitting patterns. I was delighted by the site. The only problem was very few knitters found it. For three years, I did everything I could to attract their attention. Frustrated, I asked Monica for solutions. She suggested a blog. 

My response, "What's a blog?"

After Monica answered that question, I asked, "What do you put on a blog?"

Monica said something like, "Photos. Writing. Whatever you like."

In 2005, Monica built my first blog--Designer's Note.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Where were you on November 9, 2005? What were you doing?

Well, I was on Mayne Island. And one of the things I did was start blogging.

I wrote about becoming a blogger as a momentous event--like it would take me on an amazing journey.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Thanks to this blog I reached my goal of completing a book. Novelty Yarn is a collection of short stories with a central theme of knitting. Now I have once again set out to write a book--this time a novel. Short stories are manageable they do require some commitment of time but nothing compared to that required by a novel. It's much like the difference between knitting a hat and knitting a sweater. 

I finished that book--Maynely a Mystery--and published it in June 2009.

Monday, March 29, 2010

I began this blog in 2005. I began with the plan of writing daily posts. I wanted to become an author. All the books I read, all the authors I spoke with gave me the same advice--'If you want to write write.' They encouraged me to make a daily commitment. I knew left to my own devices I would start out with the best intentions but would soon forget, reject, and neglect. I needed to be publicly accountable. So I started blogging and I found you. To my delight, you logged on to read my writing. Because of your support, I began to view myself as an author. I began to think that I had something worthy of being read. 

I had many blog addresses over the years. On October 10, 2010, I created a blog to promote my upcoming thriller The Sweater Curse. Yes, I named my blog after my book--bad idea. With a name like that visitors were confused. Was it a knitting or writing blog?

In 2014, to uncomplicated things, I changed the blog's name to Author Leanne Dyck. Crickets. I made all of you disappear--all of my readers. What a magic trick. Would you ever find me again? 

On September 13, 2020, at precisely 10:59 am, this blog received its 500,000-page view. Hooray! And I haven't stopped celebrating since. 

'A page view...is an instance of a page being loaded in a browser...

For a blogger, it means that everytime someone request to load a page from your blog, you get a page view.' -Shafi Khan, Professional Blogger, SEO Executive

I'm looking forward to many more happy years with you.

Like the Grateful Dead sing, "What a long strange trip it's been."

Related article...

Blogging:  What You Need to Know

photo by ldyck

Virtual reading

Wednesday, October 14

short story:  It Was Nothing

Petal wants to sleep in her mother's bed, but her mother doesn't let her and so...

Next Sunday...

Book Review:  

People Like Frank

and other stories from the edge of normal

Jenn Ashton

Are you following me?

Facebook
Twitter
Linked In

photo by ldyck

Sharing my author journey...

David A Robertson is a multi-genre author. One of his new books--

Blogging: What You Need to Know (article) by Leanne Dyck

Wow, you knocked my socks off in May. 16,000 page views. 16,000 page view in one month. Wow! Oh, said that before. But wow. Thank you for your support. 

photo by ldyck

I've been blogging since 2005. I created this blog in 2010.

From my home on a rural island, this blog has helped me connect with those in the publishing industry--readers, authors, editors and publishers. 

I enjoy blogging and consider it to be part of my writing practice.

I hope you find this collection of articles helpful as you create, build and maintain your own blog. 

An Introduction to Blogging

Should Writers Blog?

The Benefits of Blogging

Secrets of Successful Blogging

Tips on Writing Blog Posts

How to Write Popular Posts

Do You Suffer from Blogger Fatigue? Here's the Cure...

Why You Shouldn't Change Your Blog Address

Related...

Social Networking Q and A

Marketing Tips For Authors

The Best On-line Marketing Strategy

More...

Here's an excellent article from a blogging pro

How to Start Blogging:  A Definitive Guide for Authors 
by Jane Friedman

I haven't bought these books or course but I do follow these author blogs.

The Author Blog:  
Easy Blogging for Busy Authors
Anne R Allen

Rise of the Machines--
Human Authors in a Digital Age
Kristen Lamb

And Kristen Lamb's three-hour on demand course

Spilling the Tea
Blogging for Authors

Next Sunday... 

June 21st

book review:  Crow Winter by Karen McBride

I loved this book and next Sunday I look forward to telling you why.

I'm still here.

photo by ldyck

Follow, follow me...

Facebook

Twitter

Linked In

from a neighbour's garden

photo by ldyck

Sharing my author journey...

I wrote this poem as it happened--at 9 Am on Friday...

For six months, from January to June, I've been captive. The only place I've gone is to a park and up and down my street--occasionally stopping to visit my neighbours, while remembering physical distancing. And this captivity, I think it's having an effect on my brain...

2018: My List of Accomplishments by Leanne Dyck

I began 2018 with two goals in mind. I wanted the right publisher to find me and I wanted to finish writing my middle-grade novel. I've made progress but... Still, as the last days of 2018 fly by, I'm smiling.

Here's why...

My list of 2018 accomplishments

Writing...

for children...

In 2018, I wrote 17 stories for children--including picture books, a board book, an early reader book and a chapter book for a total of 53 picture book manuscripts.

I'm currently working on 4 picture book manuscripts.

for adults...

In 2018, I worked on 4 short story collections and 5 short novels

In total, including my YA novel, I have 63 manuscripts waiting for the right publisher.

Networking...

As of today, there are 24,000 members in my online community

(Linked In, Facebook, Google +, Twitter)

Blogging...

As of today, this blog has received 330,000 page views

Most popular posts...

Wanderlust (438 page views)
Inspired by an online writing prompt

Moving to an Island (310 page views)
Inspired by my move to a small island

Making Writing Pay (256 page views)
Inspired by my change of attitude--from caring for children in daycare centres to my work as a writer.

This month...

This blog has been added to the Top 100 Canadian Book Blogger list. (In 2019, I plan to visit most--if not all--of the blogs listed. I invite you to too.)

Happy New Year!! 

Thank you for your continued support. Looking forward to sharing

2019 with you. (And there's lots to look forward to like short stories, book reviews and--at least one--guest post.)

Something like this...is what I was aiming for, but...

Knitting Project Update...

A Writer's Journey (short story) by Leanne Dyck

When did you decide to be an author? What has your author journey been like? This short story was inspired by my answer to those questions...

"On Mayne Island" photo by ldyck

A Writer's Journey

Once upon a time (on October 10, 2010, to be exact), a woman packed a pen and some paper and set out on a journey. She had heard about the hill throughout her life. She'd thought about it... Others had encouraged her to climb... But she'd put excuse after excuse in her way. She'd been too scared to even try. But that day, she shoved her fear out of the way and jumped over her excuses. 

The sun was warm on her back. The chill fall breeze was invigorating.  From the base of the hill, it was hard to tell its height. She didn't know how long it would take her. But she put one foot in front of the other and started to climb.

Day after day, week after week, she climbed. Sometimes she felt lonely. But the woman wasn't alone.

Others called, "Hey, do you need help"--and gave her a walking stick, more paper, a pen.

Others cheered, "Keep climbing!"

Others silently watched her climb and she felt their support.

Month after month, year after year, she climbed. Sometimes she tripped.

"You're going to hurt yourself," people called from the grass, beside the path. "That's why I stopped climbing. It's way too hard." 

Those people looked a lot more fit than she was. The woman's legs were too short. Her lungs were too small. What made her think that she could succeed when others had failed?  Was it really worth all the effort? How much longer would it take? How high was the hill? The grass looked so soft. Her pack felt so heavy. She bent her knee. She rested but...

"Don't stop! Don't stop!" one voice called and then another. Soon a chorus encouraged her on. "Keep going. You can do it. We believe in you."


Those voices... That support... They carried her. And that's how the woman is still climbing.

"On Mayne Island" photo by ldyck

After 7 years, why keep writing?

Seven years ago on October 10, high from finding a publisher, I decided to document my rising success as an author by starting this blog.

Ever since I've been giving it all I have. I've written 36 picture books, 5 short story collections, and one novel for young adults. I'm very proud of this work. It's the best of me.

And yet...

And yet, none of this work has found a publisher. And I still haven't earned the success I seek. I still haven't broken into the publishing industry.

Why keep trying?

At times, I have to admit, this has been a hard question to answer. At my lowest, I think maybe I can write but that I'm just not cut out to be a writer. Maybe I should just hide all my pens and do something else.

Why I keep writing?

Writing fulfills me. Stories excite me. I still have something to say. I still have a lot to learn.

I'm so close I can taste it. I know I am because publishers are making comments like...

'Your writing is immersive and inspirational.'

'we applaud you for taking what you have learned form your struggles and applying it to an art form that you are clearly passionate about'

 'Our...editors were highly interested in these stories, and the strong characterization work and suprising humour in them.'

And you. Week after week, you keep logging on to read my writing. For this, I only have two words--Thank You!

And I promise I'll keep writing until my dream becomes reality.

Looking back...

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Tips on Writing Blog Posts

Sunday, October 11, 2015

What did I learn this year?

Seeking positivity...

35 Affirmations That Will Change Your Life

And this blog has a new mascot...

2016-on-this-blog list

In many ways, 2016 was a unique year. You couldn't call this year 'Ann' or 'Mary'. You'd have to call it 'Pathan' or 'Sarren'. 

Snow on Mayne Island? Honestly? Snow on Mayne Island that lasts more than a couple of days? Really? But it sure does did  look pretty...

(LDyck 2017)

Okay, back on topic. 2016-on-this-blog list.

What did you like about this blog in 2016?

The 6 most popular posts...

1. (205 page views) Book review:  Shimmer by Paula Weston

2. (200 page views) Interview with Maggie de Vries
on being a multi-genre author

3. (174 page views) short story: Sarren's Curse:  part 1

4. (159 page views) workshop review:  Maggie de Vries' workshop

5. (149 page views) book review:  Burn by Paula Weston

6. (127 page views) article:  It's All Good
(127 page views) short story:  Lasting Love

What did I accomplish in 2016?

My skill level and confidence increased thanks to the input of my first readers and the information I gathered at workshops given by 

Maggie de Vries 

and

Jami Macarty

and from books such as Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul

For example, from Writing Picture Books, I learned to write short stories from the child's perceptive, that captures the reader's attention from the first paragraph.

My author journey is not always smooth. I get my fair share of rejection letters. Reading books such as Big Magic:  Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert helped me maintain a positive attitude.

If destiny didn't want me to be a writer, I figure then it shouldn't have made me one. But it did make me one, and I've decided to meet that destiny with as much good cheer and as little drama as I can--because how I choose to handle myself as a writer is entirely my own choice... My ultimate choice...is to always approach my work from a place of stubborn gladness. -Elizabeth Gilbert

But the star of my writing year was Bim...

Dear Reader,

Thank you for spending this year with me. Wishing you a cozy holiday. Looking forward to visiting with you in 2017.

Next post

Published on Sunday, January 1st (New Year's day) at approximately 5 PM PST
2017 a year of possibilities
A post that answers the question:  What one essential ingredient do make next year what could and should be?

Picture Books in Canada

The Next Chapter with Shelagh Rogers (a program on Canada's public radio station) makes 15 great book recommendations for young readers--including picture books.

Sharing my author journey...

Thank you

I'm most productive and happiest in the Spring and Summer. I wish those days could stretch on forever. And, truth be told, here on Mayne Island, we have enjoyed seemingly endless days of sun and warm weather. Still it wasn't enough. But try as I might I was unable to will Autumn away. And it came, bringing with it a chill breeze and falling leaves. 

Photo by Leanne Dyck

Change isn't easy. But it is made easier with the support of a friend. It is made easier with your support.

"An unexpected gift from a thoughtful neighbour"

photo by Leanne Dyck

This year I felt forced to reduce the number of blog posts. I wanted to focus on my goal of finding a publisher for my writing. I wanted to focus on developing and completing more writing projects. For this reason, I made the decision to post once a week instead of twice. But I worried about this change. Would you, would I forget about this blog? Would it die a slow death? I enjoy this blog and want to continue to nurture it. I'm so glad you feel the same way. Thanks to our mutual support this blog will continue to survive and it will strive. Here's to many more years of blog posts. Here's to many more years of change.

Photo by Leanne Dyck

My goal is to continue to strengthen my writing skills. For many years, I received guidance and support for this goal from my Mayne Island writing group. That's why it saddened and worried me when that group folded. Where would I find the support I need? How could I continue to write? Thankfully, one of the members of that old group decided to form a new group. And I'm pleased to report that, with the help of a few new members, the group is now as strong as it ever was. And it gets even better because I've also found a first reader. My first reader gives me individual help on my entire manuscript. It is so much fun working with her that I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.

Photo by Leanne Dyck

Many people have helped and are helping me with my author journey. To them, to you, I say thank you. 
.

The Best On-line Marketing Strategy by Leanne Dyck

(Photo by Byron Dyck on Vancouver Island)
Encourage readers to open the door to your writing

I've had the opportunity to sharpen my marketing skills both as a self-published author and as an author published by a small press. Here's some of what I've learned from these experiences...

When marketing your newly released book, do you show or tell?

Tell:  Tweet:  Buy my book

Tweet:  My book is available for 99 cents this weekend

Tweet:  My book is free for a month

Tweet:  Have you bought my book yet?

Why tell your potential readers to buy your book when you can show them why they should?

Show:  Blog:  Tips on how to write a book

Blog:  Interviewing my muse regarding our latest manuscript

Blog:  Virtual book launch party

Blog:  Podcast--chapters of my released book

Well-written posts shared as you live your author journey will build a supportive community -- a community of friends who can help you build a successful career.

More marketing advice.... 
Kimberley Grabas advises you to ask...
Why did you write it?
Who did you write it for?
Read her article:  2 Must-Dos to Make Your Book Marketing Infinitely Easier

And you may want to read Kristen Lamb's helpful article Be a Peep NOT a Pain--How to Use Twitter Effectively

Also read this helpful article Five Social Media Marketing Tips for Authors

Next Monday:  And then, writing transitions

Sharing my author journey...

The cure for blogger fatigue by Leanne Dyck

Weather report from the wet coast:  all the snow is gone.

I wonder if we'll have a green Christmas?

I think, from time to time, all bloggers face "the question"--should they continue to blog?

Years ago, I turned to blogging as a way to write regularly and be accountable to others to maintain that commitment. It worked and it continues to work.

I'm a passionate blogger. I love to share my writing with interested readers; I enjoy networking with authors; I reveal in my ability to help promote others in the publishing industry; I like to re-read old posts to see how much I've grown, and... The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. But there are disadvantages. At times it can feel like eating too much chocolate cake -- one more piece and I'll throw up. I face the cold screen and struggle to find a topic.  Or worse know that what I've written is boring or junk or (supply your favourite adjective). But I keep going and soon my fingers are once again merrily dancing on the keyboard. Remaining a motivated blogger may mean making a change to my blog's format, choosing to blog less, becoming more engaged with other bloggers or... 

Should I continue to blog? I think that's an important question to face. Remind yourself that there is more than one way to promote your writing or to keep writing. You don't have to blog... Blogging is just a tool -- use it if it works for you.



Sharing my author journey...

Why you shouldn't change your blog's address

A couple of months ago I acted rashly to solve what I perceived as a glaring problem. 

Initially (four years ago) this blog was created to help promote my (at the time) newly released E-book--The Sweater Curse. (Please don't search for it. It's no longer available.) I used the address http://sweatercursed.blogspot.com

Sweater Curse? Does that sound like a knitting blog to you?

Yup, that's what I was afraid of. And you aren't alone. Many wondered if it was a knitting or writing blog. And this confusion really bothered me.

When I bought back the rights to The Sweater Curse E-book I thought I could make-over this blog as well. I'd start with the confusing address. But can I change it?, I wondered. And what would happen if I did? 

Very bad things, blog gurus told me.  (Blog gurus like Kristen Lamb)

But as the confusion continued so did my unease. 

Then... Then one day I was snooping around in the inner bowels of my blog and I found a magic button. This magic button offered to grant me one wish. If I pressed it I could change my blog's address. Like Cinderella looking at the Witch's juicy red apple, I didn't think twice I pressed the button and instantaneously I killed http://sweatercursed.blogspot.com I didn't feel anything but relief as I created my new address:  http://authorleannedyck.blogspot.com

Yes, I was happy until I woke up the next day. Realization found me with the morning light. As usual, I logged on to my blog and checked my stats. The number of page views was down, dramatically. And I knew what was happening. I visualized people trying to log on to http://sweatercursed.blogspot.com. and instead of seeing the home page they were being informed that the blog they were looking for no longer existed.  

No, it's not true. I'm still here, I wanted to scream. But I was helpless. My hands were tied. I'd killed http://sweatercursed.blogspot.com and there was no way to bring it back. The only thing I could do was wait for you to find me. 

And...

And...

Happily ever after, you did find me.

What about WordPress?
Well, I found this link.

Changing my blog's name was no biggie. But ideally you'll find a name and address that you love and stick with them.

Sharing my author journey...

And we lean on each other by Leanne Dyck

(rock art by Byron Dyck)

Let's begin this post with one of my favourite Beatles songs, shall we Help --or more to the point Lean on Me

Okay, now that we've sent the mood... 

Authors work alone and yet we all need one another from time to time. That's why I joined a writing group and why I enjoy inviting authors to make guest appearances on my blog. And even though it's not always possible with my rigid blogging schedule (Monday and Friday, without fail regardless of...blab, blab, blab. Fingers crossed), I enjoy participating in blog tours. I view it as yet another way to connect with other authors and have fun. So when Debra Purdy Kong (Casey Holland Transit Security Mysteries) invited me to participate I readily agreed.

(rock art by Byron Dyck)

In order to participate I needed to answer questions four (any Monty Python fans our there?)

What are you currently working on?

Um, well... I take too big a bite when I'm eating and I...

I'm currently working on two novellas (literary and a mystery), a play (yes, a play. I never thought I would but it's a local contest--so how could I refuse?) and two short stories. Oh, yes, and I'm up to my earlobes in revisions. It's all tons of fun. There's not enough hours in the day. But if I were granted more I'd fill them with writing projects.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

Simple answer:  its my work. By that I mean, my work is heavily influenced by what interests, inspires and concerns me. For example...
I'm dyslexic and am disappointed by the lack of support for adults with learning disabilities. This lack of support leaves learning disabled adults with health and employment problems--some of us wind up on the street or in jail. Potential lost. Lives wasted. But it doesn't have to be this way. Something must be done. All of us deserve to have an opportunity to have our own success story.

Increasing society's knowledge of dyslexia is a good starting point. Hoping to help obtain this goal, I've written a novel about my own experiences with dyslexia.

Why do I write what I do?

My junior high English teacher introduced me to authors like John Steinbeck who gave voice to ordinary people living ordinary lives. And, so, at an early age, I found what I was driven to write about. I've never regretted accepting this invitation.

How does my writing process work?

I write daily and work on a number of projects simultaneously. I'm actively participating in social networking and view this participation as a way not only to sharpen my writing skills but also as a way to exchange ideas with my fellow authors. So I spend each morning (7 days a week) engaged. Then I go for a 45-minute walk and usually end my workday by reading for an hour.

(rock art by Byron Dyck)

Sharing my author journey...

I finished writing my play. And on June 20th I'll share it with some friends, after receiving their valuable feedback, I'll sit back down and

2014 blog plans

The purpose of this blog has evolved over the years. Initially I created it to promote my soon to be released E book--The Sweater Curse. (The Sweater Curse was released in 2010--and I've recently obtained the rights. I've added to the manuscript. It is now novel-length. And I'm currently looking for a publisher for this thriller.)
How do I do that? I struggled to answer that question. And I thought I'd found an answer... Blog endlessly about the book. But this strategy bored even me.

Soon I was ready to try something else. So I began to create posts that where related to the book. The protagonist of The Sweater Curse is a knitwear designer. So I interviewed knitwear designers. I thoroughly enjoyed helping to promote their businesses. And I began sharing the hand knitting patterns I'd designed. I was making a career transition from knitwear designer to author. And I felt that my blog was the prefect place for me to showcase my past success. I was very proud of my designs and I enjoyed sharing them with you but... Recently I've been receiving feedback that has made me think that by including my patterns here I'm muddying the waters. Am I a knitwear designer or an author? Have no doubt I am an author. So for the sake of purity of purpose and to enhance clarity I will be removing these patterns from my blog in 2014. 

Though I knew this change was necessary, I was still a little uneasy about it. Would it mean less traffic? Did I have the right to make this change knowing that so many people enjoyed my patterns? These worries and more raced around in my head--until I read Victoria Grefer article 4 Tips to Blog Your Best

What will become of my hand knitting patterns? I'm still trying to answer that questions...

In 2014 I will reduce the number of times I post on this blog from three times a week to two. Thursday and Friday are too close together. If I post late on Thursday and early on Friday it's like I didn't post on Thursday. 
And besides with my new clarity of focus there is no 'without a pen'. This is an author's blog.
Monday's theme will be 'my author journey.' Each Monday I'll post about the events I attend; the things I learn and the stories I read and write.
On Guest Post Friday I will continue to help to promote those in the publishing industry--authors, publishers, editors, and...

This entire article can be summarized into two sentences:  Leanne Dyck's blog is a writing blog. Leanne Dyck is a writer.

2014 will be an exciting year. I'm looking forward to sharing it with you.
***
Next post (Friday):  Literature As An Oppositional Disorder by Ernest Hekkanen

Marketing Tips for authors by Leanne Dyck

As a knitwear designer, from 2002 to 2010, I sold my patterns to knitters who live in Canada, the U.S.A., the U.K., Australia and Israel.

As a self-published author, I sold my books to readers and bookstore owners. This experience has been invaluable. I call on it as I plan my marketing strategies. Someday, a publisher will accept my manuscripts. When that day comes, I will be ready. Thanks to this experience, I will be a key player in marketing my books.

Today I'd like to share some of what I've learnt.

Marketing can be used to achieve two goals:  selling a product or service and building a brand.

Experience has taught me that the best way to sell books is through direct sells.

-cold calls to bookstores

-book launch

-book readings

-other book-related events

As an author, my brand is my name.

Through my blog, I have the potential to reach a global community. For example, visitors to this blog come from Canada, the United States, Singapore, Germany, and France (the top five countries, all time--according to my blog's stats page)

When a potential reader types your name into a search engine what website is listed first?

Hopefully yours.

Type Leanne Dyck into a search engine. Stand back. What happens? 

Here are my top three marketing tips to help you build your brand.

Tip number one...

Visit popular blogs

Leave comments

If readers like your comment, they'll click on the link and follow you to your blog.

Tip number two...

Your author name should be the first thing readers see when they visit your blog (thank you, Kristen Lamb for sharing this tip). This will get your name in front of potential readers. The more popular your blog becomes the stronger your presence will be online.

Tip number three...

Include your blog address on your business card and add live links to them on your email signature. This will make it easier for others to find you online.

Other tips from other authors...

Pam Perry shares her 25 tested marketing tips for self-published authors

(Don't be fooled, traditional published authors can use this advice as well.)

The Book Designer wrote an article on Marketing Your Book

He advises authors to focus 'on how they will market the book before they write it.'

I did this when I wrote my first mystery. I wrote it, mainly, for a local readership. And it became a Mayne Island best seller.

Best of the Web Book Marketing Tips for the Week of Oct. 7, 2013 by Paula

Am I saying that you should do all of these marketing activities? 

No.

Pick a few that interest you. As Pam Perry recommends, choose the inexpensive ones first.

I'd also recommend that you choose the ones that fall within your comfort zone. If you're shy, why not enlist the help of an extrovert friend. 

Tips on Writing Blog Posts by Leanne Dyck

 When trying to find blog topics take direction from your target reader. For example, when I created this blog I was a soon-to-be-published author. In fact, back then, one of my reasons for creating this blog was to market my book. The protagonist of that book was a knitwear designer. And I was undertaking a career transition, moving from a knitwear designer who wrote to an author who knit. 
What am I going to do with all the hand knitting pattern I've designed? I wondered. Then, like a poke from a knitting needle, it hit me--offer them for free on my blog. 
Three years later these patterns are still among my most popular posts.
Other advice...
Keep blog articles brief -- from 200 to 500 words.
Blog regularly -- ideally two to three times a week.

 In his article How to Craft a Blog Post--10 Crucial Points to Pause, Darren Rowse encourages bloggers to slow down. Good advise to follow whatever you write. You may enjoy reading his series of posts on 'How to Write Great Blog Content' 

In Jeff Havens' post 3 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Blog Posts, he advises against writing the entire post in one long paragraph; writing simply to sell; and using your post as a means to share your problems.

Bryan Hutchinson wrote an interesting article for one of my favourite blogs--Write to Done. In it, he reveals the secret of how you can write a blog post that will go viral. 'Go viral' he describes as the 'holy grail of blog writing'. In order to reach this goal, he explains that it's important to know your niche, your community and your world view.

Peter Sandeen sings the praises of writing guest posts in the article he wrote for Write to Done -- The Surefire Way to Attract New Readers With Every Blog Post

In her article 5.5 Tips to Write Amazing Blog Posts Even If You Are a Newbie, Jane Sheeba offers advice such as knowing your target reader and improving your ability to write.

The Benefits of Blogging by Leanne Dyck

I live on a remote island... I don't have deep pockets... How can I reach out and build a readership? This question pounded in my head as I began to write. Here's my solution...

Blogging...

What has blogging done for me? What can blogging do for you?

It's helped me to develop the habit of writing daily...

I've set the goal to write daily, often. But it was only when I declared this goal to the world by way of my blog that the goal became a commitment. Now I have readers, like you, waiting for stories. Now I have motivation. And by meeting this commitment I'm proving to publishers that I can make deadlines.

It's enabled me to network with others in the publishing industry...

I live on a rural island. Without this blog, it would be difficult to network with other publishing professionals. Every Sunday, on this blog, I publish a short story or book review.  I'm thrilled to be able to share my writing with the world. I'm delighted to be able to promote reading and good books.

It's helped me to avoid the social media time suck...

Like many, I could spend hours on Twitter, Facebook, and Linked In. There goes my writing time. Still, I need to maintain my presence on these important social networks. Where did I find a solution to this dilemma? On this blog, I'm able to publish my articles on a variety of social networks without spending countless hours on them.

Read more about the benefits...

What I've Learned About Blogging from Writing More Than 1,000 Posts

Ten Benefits of Blogging

What are the 10 Secret Benefits of Blogging?

5 Benefits of Blogging for Writers

The 20 Biggest Benefits of Blogging