As of today, I have blogged for one year and  written 55 blogs. I started my blogging adventure when I established my website “Every Life Has a Story.”   Why did I chose that name for my website? Because it sums up my brand – Lynda Pflueger, biographer.  That is who I am.  That is what I like to write.  And every life does have a story.

Some writers look at me like I am crazy when I tell them I blog once a week.  Sometimes, when I have trouble coming up with a topic, I think I am crazy, too.  But, all in all, I like blogging.  It keeps me sharp.  I have to write and polish something every week to post.

Does blogging take away from other writing?  No.  I think it adds to it.  Through blogging, I have learned to write faster, concisely, and to stay on my topic.  I can pull together a rough draft much faster.  Does it help the editing process?  No.  But I get to editing much faster.

I am a late bloomer.  I should have established by website in 1997 when my first biography was published.  In my own defense, publishing was much different back then.  Now, I feel a website and a blog are a necessity for an author – particularly someone who writes for young people.   We need to be brave and bold and use every opportunity we can find to promote our books and reach our readers.

If you are interested in blogging here are some resources I found helpful.

Blogging for Writer’s by Robin Houghton.  This book is packed full of tips, advice and inspirational stories.  Houghton focuses on the two most used blogger platforms:  Blogger and WordPress.  I refer to her book often.

Create Your Writer Platform: The Key to Building an Audience, Selling More Books, and Finding Success as an Author by Chuck Sambuchino who works for writer’s digest books and edits the “Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market” guide. His book helped me realize that my platform is the outlets I use to sell myself and my books.   What are my outlets?  My website, blog, and social media presence (Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.)

Everyday Book Marketing: Promotion ideas to fit your regularly scheduled life by Midge Raymond.  This book sits on my desk.  Her chapter  “Start A Blog” is excellent.  But, the best part of Raymond’s book is her “Everyday Market Tips” you can do in a short amount of time like thirty or fifteen minutes.  

If you decide to join me and blog, please let me know so I can follow you.