Writing in the vast sea of indifference, there’s a lot you could say about this topic. You could talk about how hard it is to break into publication (traditional). Or on the other hand, how much there is to learn about going Indie. When it comes to education, your work is never done. There is always something changing, something improving, something dissolving and so on. There’s also a LOT of other writers. Older and newer, their books line the shelves or e-book offerings out there. With so many books, how is yours going to have a chance to stand out?
You might despair of giving up. Saying, “Why bother? How could I possibly outshine the others? How do I even get noticed these days?”
Well, I can help with the last.
You might’ve heard there’s nothing to gain from blogging. You’d be wrong in that. Blogging gets you out there. Gets you noticed. Maybe not by the right people yet. But you will pick up readers and let me tell you, picking up readers is the key. It’s what keeps you going in the long years before you can pull together something that “may be” printable. It’s what gives you a voice when you feel like no one hears you.
Blogging works.
Now, at first, you’re gonna work your tail off figuring out how to put together one. Then, there’s what to write about. Write about anything that makes you passionate. Because that will keep you writing. Even during the times you’re sick, or hurt, or your house has been hit by a tornado. Yes, all that happened to us. I’m still here. Still blogging.
That’s not to say you neglect your writing. No. Writing is your bread and butter. If you want to make this a career, be in it for the long haul. Don’t write a book. Keep going. The more you put out there, the more you express who you are. What you want to say. And why. The why is important. If you’re alive, you’ve got opinions. They may not always come in handy at parties or family gatherings. But when you create worlds, when you people them, you can allow your characters to speak for you.
Someone wrote the words that John Wayne first spoke in The Sons of Katie Elder. Someone wrote the words that drove Rick O’Connell into action. And someone wrote the words that ripped a scream from Ripley’s throat deep in space.
Writers matter. We create worlds that readers enjoy. That bring millions to box offices all over the world. Without us, the world wouldn’t have a voice. Or at least, ones that motivate, that inspire, and that bring the readers to a satisfying end every time.
Our words bring to life characters people love.
And that’s a very cool thing.
We may not be witty in person but on the page, give us a pen. Watch us create.
Begin with blogging. Let it open doors for you. It may not always be the ones you want at first, but it’ll lead you down the road you’re meant to follow. No two roads are alike. But a lot of the goal posts are the same. Take your time and have patience. The vast sea of indifference will narrow and disappear if you do.
Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog 
Thank you, Chris, for letting me guest!
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Always a pleasure for me, Traci 🤗❤️🤗
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As many of the other commentors have said, Traci, this post hit just the right spot, and I agree, blogging about the things that matter to you is vital. I’m no extrovert, but in the…11? years I’ve been blogging, I’ve made more friends via my blog than I could ever have thought possible. I don’t have time to do all the social media that the gurus recommend, but I’ll never stop blogging. 🙂
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Oh, thank you, Meeka! I’ve been trying to come up with some posts that are helpful but a bit different than what’s out there. I’m glad I was able to help! I also have made so many wonderful friends from blogging! It makes it a joy to post something and get such good feedback! I haven’t been able to keep up with social media for quite a while now. I try every now and then but it either tires me out or I realize I need to write, lol! Have a great weekend!
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lol – I have the same problem with social media – not enough energy in the day! Or in me. Cheers. 🙂
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I agree with you. I have got more from my blog than from my newsletter. I have gained blog followers, but no newsletter followers. That number has been static.
I know quite a number of mt blog followers have bought and read my books because of reviews, but I have had no reviews from my newsletter followers.
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I only have a few subscribers on my newsletter. It’s hard to get people to subscribe when there are so many newsletters out there and so little time. I’m going to try this new tip with booksweeps but not sure how that will work out either. I can’t afford to buy the bundles they have but I heard there’s a free option.
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Love this positive message!
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Thank you, Annabelle! Have a lovely day!
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Great advice and encouragement here. Thanks for sharing, Traci and Chris. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs 🤗💕🙂
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Thank you, Harmony! So sweet of you! I’m glad it resonated with you. Have a wonderful weekend as well! Hugs!
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Great, Traci! Thanks so much for the empowerment. xx Michael
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You’re welcome, Michael! Happy Friday morning to you!
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Perfect timing for this post, Traci… right when I was feeling just a little bit meh…
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So glad it helped, Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes! Sometimes inspiration leads us to what others need to hear. As well as ourselves. Believe me, I have to cheer myself along a lot of times as well. Have a great day!
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I am doing my best, Traci… 💕
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Reblogged this on Anita Dawes and Jaye Marie.
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Thank you again, Jaye and Anita! Hugs!
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💕
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Reblogged this on Kim's Musings.
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Thank you, Kim! Have a wonderful, wonderful day!
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My pleasure, Traci!
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