May 31, 2013

Blogging is like taking a lover.

Blogging is like taking a lover...Sounds brash right?
Well not really, assuming you were single to start with ;) Ok, just go with me on this one!

Seriously though, as a newbie blogger I had little idea of what it entailed, or the upkeep involved. Like your lover, there is some upkeep to it, and some can be high maintenance!

There is a whole host of things involved.
Firstly, you need to put yourself out there. Not always easy for the shyer types. So you get your best clothes, or rather pieces, and put them on. Ta-da! You're now officially listed as a lover, I mean blogger.
Then, there is the hangout at the club, bar or venue of your choice...wordpress, blogger or website, all in the hopes of catching the eye of someone who may be interested in what you are all about.

Woo-Hoo! You're in the dating game! The pond is big isn't it? There are loads of others out there with the same thing in mind. It all starts to feel a bit overwhelming. What next?
Do you take a step back and become a wallflower, or do you become the cheap and easy type, hocking your stuff all over the place? Eek! Start biting your nails!!

The best advice is to just be yourself. Write about what you enjoy, and try to have a sense of humour about it. Lord knows we writers need to develop a thick skin. You write it and it will be criticised. Don't take it personally when you are not someones "type" Just smile and move on.

Assuming you do that, be yourself that is, you will begin to relax into the blogging thing. People will be able to get a really good feel for who you are. It may make you feel more adventurous too.

So, now you are actively seeking a more intimate relationship. What does that mean next?
It means you start to engage with your potential lovers. Talk to them! Most importantly, listen to them too.
If you are blogging, take the time to discuss and answer what people are saying to you - on and about your posts. Relationships take work, don't be afraid to step up when you begin to get some attention!

I have read posts out there that suggest you leave links to your blog all over other peoples blogs.
Personally I find this idea, not only annoying, but potentially lethal to your blog. You could find yourself blocked or banned by a great number of people.

What I do suggest is:
Join communities of like minded people and make some friends.
Talk to other authors.
Ask them questions and seek advice if you need it. Interview them if that's one of your strengths.
Be a matchmaker! Take the time to connect other people if you can. They will thank you for it.
Blog you little heart out and enjoy it.
Be yourself, don't try to be anyone else. It wont work.
When people enjoy your posts, engage with them.
When people hate your posts, learn from it.
Don't get obsessed with how many followers you have on your blog, be happy that you are at the threshold.


But most of all, enjoy the love affair you are now having with your readers .
Be an attentive lover, they will let you know what they enjoy. All you really have to do is keep delivering it!





Painting by Leonid Afremov - Sea of Feelings


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