This is yesterday’s blog.
I have been writing a blog since 2015 and just came across a 10-page excerpt from a book published by Bob Baker in 2012. Where was I and why didn’t I pay attentiion?
The free excerpt is titled “Blogging 101 for .the independent Author”, and begins with a definition of blog—from web+ log—everyone knows that, but maybe they didn’t then. It tells you to find blogs that cater to your audience in order to find a like-minded reception for yours. I do want to find an audience but I didn’t want to cater. Maybe that was wrong. So far, after all these years, i think I have 3 or 4 regulars, that is, readers who “like” me.
At the launch of my ill-fated book last January I mentioned that I thought I might have lurkers who hadn’t shown themselves, and one woman stood up from my audience (remember audiences?) and declared herself. Haven’t heard from her since. Occasionally a geographically distant friend will write me an email (not a comment) to say she had seen something she liked or to commiserate with the painful year I’ve had. Or I will get a correction of an error-usually a typo because I am an excellent speller. Does it make them feel good to catch me? Doesn’t anyone just enjoy what I discuss? Well, one does, a lexophile like me. Also a loyal, faithful erstwhile neighbour who makes all the right noises. He is the ideal reader. i wish there were more like you.
The how-to list tells me to read other blogs and to leave comments, not comment-spam or hype for my book but useful ideas and links to other authors. I am urged to know my bloggers! No blogger has tried to know me. I remember something Noel Coward said when he was asked if he had seen such-an-such a TV show:
“TV is not something to watch; it’s something to be ON!”
Quite right, same goes for blogs.
That was for yesterday. Tune in tomorrow.