Recently, I met CJ Gosling a writer, blogger and aspiring YA novelist at a post-workshop pub night in Nanaim
o, BC. We got talking about all sorts of social media opportunities for writers. I told her about my home base theory … the idea that every writer needs a central place on the Internet. Whether its a blog or a website, this digital parlour provides a place to share ideas, spark conversations and for readers to leave their calling cards. CJ had already established a blog but asked me if I would have a look at it as her Blog Doctor.
With a new title like that how could I say no? Just the conversation seemed to be a catalyst for change and CJ made many changes to the look, feel and functionality of her blog before I had a chance to comment. The focus of my advice shifted to the blog’s content. I asked CJ to consider the following series of questions to fuel her blog.
- Look at your calendar – Where are you going?
- What are you writing?
- Who have you met?
- What conferences are you attending?
- Blog about other YA writers.
- What are you reading that you like and why?
- What’s happening online related to your book’s topic or setting?
- What do you see in the real world that inspires you?
I also offered a few bits of general advice.
- Don’t force yourself to blog daily.
- Aim for 3 blogs a week, on average.
- Have something to write about. Don’t write for the sake of writing.
- Brief text with a link or photo can often be enough.
- Longer posts are great but not required all the time.
CJ Gosling’s enthusiasm and desire to write are energizing. Whatever she writes in the years to come will be infused with that energy and I sincerely hope to be celebrating her first novel in the near future.