A novel way for a writer to keep prospects and fans in the loop on their progress as a writer is through the use of a web log or ‘Blog'.
"This notion of self-publishing, which is what Blogger and blogging are really about, is the next big wave of human communication. The last big wave was Web activity. Before that one it was e-mail." - Eric Schmidt
This online tool has allowed many writers to share thoughts, humor, politics, and more with any and all who would visit. Since the Internet is a device of connectivity it also allows for immediate feedback in ways standard publishing cannot offer.
Essentially the web has created a means for someone who has not been discovered to find an audience who is interested in what they have to say.
For some, a blog is intended to be private in that they do not promote the blog for mass consumption, however with the growth of blogging it has become more difficult to ensure your blog will remain essentially a private journal.
As Eric Schmidt pointed out, blogging has become a form of self-publishing. In this case the author becomes the editor and publisher and has total artistic control. The use of Google Adsense can also provide residual income to help pay for any costs associated with your blog.
A blog can be very useful to a writer. It provides an outlet for regular writing, but it also allows people who enjoy your work to take in your regular posts and feel a greater connection to you. Some random blog-thought has been transformed by their owners into long form articles and stories.
"At its best, blogging is all about change. The format suits writers who want to move fast." - Naomi Darvell
Many blogging sites allow the use of photographs and audio. For instance, if you had a book signing you could use photos from the event in the body of your blog. If you have a recording of a portion of your book that you are authorized to rebroadcast it also can be placed in your blog. Links can be provided to encourage visitors to check out similar blogs by other writing friends - and best of all a blog can assist visitors in finding where they may find other work you've produced along with information on how to purchase any available books you may have.
People who enjoy reading blogs will find a circle of blogs that entertain, inspire, and make them think or laugh. Having a blog that is tied into a personal website can go a long way in connecting with those who may already have an appreciation for your work.
Related Articles
Doctor, Doctor, Give Me The News
By: Scott Lindsay | 24/09/2006 | Careers
You may have heard of the term, "Book Doctor" in your writing career. Maybe you've wondered what a Book Doctor does and if it's a good idea to utilize their services.
Have Pen - Will Write
By: Scott Lindsay | 24/09/2006 | Careers
The term freelance has been described as "A person who sells services to employers without a long-term commitment to any of them." This is essentially the truth of freelance writing. In many ways a freelancer works as a subcontractor.
Get Blog Jobs - Fun And Profitable If You Love Blogging
By: Angela Booth | 19/05/2008 | Internet
Do you blog? I hope you do, because blogging can do a lot for your freelance writing career. For a writer, blogs are not only an instant-publishing tool, they're also an opportunity to find great writing jobs.
Blogs are a phenomenon. Although many "A-list" bloggers have been publishing for years and...
Exploring All Paths
By: Scott Lindsay | 30/09/2006 | Careers
I suppose it is the dream of every writer to have a book published with a major publishing house, well known and well respected in the industry. With such publication one might encounter fame and perhaps a bit or fortune.
Cover Letters
By: Scott Lindsay | 30/09/2006 | Resumes
I will routinely advise new writers to make sure their cover letters are professional in tone. All additional correspondence with an editor should be similarly professional.
I Think I Need An Agent
By: Scott Lindsay | 30/09/2006 | Careers
Your initial manuscript is complete. Maybe it's even been shelved for a period of time. You may have sent the manuscript to a publisher, but it never really went anywhere.
Appealing To The Reader
By: Scott Lindsay | 30/09/2006 | Careers
You've worked hard on your manuscript and are prepared to send it to a publisher. You realize your manuscript was not something the publisher asked for specifically, yet you feel it matches their stated purpose.
What To Expect At A Book Signing?
By: Scott Lindsay | 03/10/2006 | Careers
One of the most thrilling moments for an author is when they are invited to participate in a book signing. This is often the stamp of approval many writers need, especially with their first book.
More from Scott Lindsay
Of Frogs And Visionaries
By: Scott Lindsay | 06/02/2007 | Business
It begins as an idea. Once fully developed, the idea takes on a life that has roots in marketing, research, customer service and personal vision while wrapped in a unique blanket of promise.
The growth of the entrepreneurial spirit has much to do with creativity. The following quote is not attributable...
Entrepreneurial Research And Testing
By: Scott Lindsay | 06/02/2007 | Business
"Experience is that marvelous thing that enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again." - Franklin P. Jones
Becoming an entrepreneur is about taking an idea and making a successful business from the sale of the idea. If the idea is a product, the sale of the product...
The Disappearing Silver Bullet
By: Scott Lindsay | 06/02/2007 | Business
Many individuals interested in a business startup are under the assumption that there is a magic silver bullet (or formula) for success. They are convinced that the successful businesses they have encountered gained access to this formula and are simply unwilling to share the knowledge with other aspiring business owners.
Somehow...
Improving The Odds Of Success In Ecommerce
By: Scott Lindsay | 05/02/2007 | Internet
Technological advances have allowed a series of potential revenue streams in the world of ecommerce. Certainly the technological revolution has allowed brick and mortar commerce to open its doors to international clients. And while this is a rather large tip on a rather large iceberg it's not the sum total...
Entrepreneurial Transitions
By: Scott Lindsay | 05/02/2007 | Business
Once you undertake the development of a business you utilize a variety of entrepreneurial skills. You find yourself working hard to keep things going, but there's a real sense of satisfaction in the work.
Recently I was told of a woman who had started her twenty-first business. In each case the...
8 Traits Of The Perfect Entrepreneur
By: Scott Lindsay | 05/02/2007 | Business
If you've considered the possibility of becoming an entrepreneur there are eight traits that are important in describing the perfect entrepreneur.
1. Risk Taker - Entrepreneurs understand that in order to make a profit they will need to assume a certain level of financial risk.
2. Business Manager - Entrepreneurs have a...
Social Entrepreneurs
By: Scott Lindsay | 05/02/2007 | Business
Many will view the world of entrepreneurialism as a means of developing a business to supply the financial requirements of household needs. The prevailing dream of most aspiring entrepreneurs is to work for themselves without the need to answer to a boss.
There is, however, a culture of entrepreneurs who not...
Entrepreneurialism: Research Vs. Intuition
By: Scott Lindsay | 04/02/2007 | Business
In the development of a business there is a certain amount of research that must be conducted. Most entrepreneurs find themselves immersed in some form of research whether they like it or not.
For many burgeoning entrepreneurs there is a question of whether intense research or personal intuition is the...
Careers 
