Webby Tips for Writers #14: Use Blogs to Network

Posted by bridgid on | October 14, 2010 | 6 Comments |

This month we’re celebrating you, our fearless readers, by offering 30 days of reading, writing and networking tips. On October 31st we’ll conclude the festivities by giving one lucky reader a copy of the 2011 Writer’s Market book and a goodie bag. Learn how to enter here.

Tip #14: Use Blogs to Network

A great way to connect with other writers is to read and comment on their blogs. Leave a comment and you not only make a connection, but you help support another writer. What’s not to love?

Commenting on blog posts is also something that will help you in the long run:

Leave a comment, improve your writerly karma. Comment on someone’s blog and you’ll find that most writers will turn around and do the same — and there is nothing better than seeing that new comment message!
Commenting on blogs will help you flex your writerly muscles. Practice makes perfect, right? Comment on blogs and you’re one step closer to submitting your short story or sending your query. Take a deep breath and…
When you leave a comment, link back to your own site and drive some traffic your way. Although I don’t agree with commenting solely for self-promotion, if you are going to comment you might as well link back to your online self. You want to give people a way to find you. (That’s the whole networking part.)

Get started with a few of my favorite writerly blogs:

A Little of This & That — E. L. Schneider‘s posts with the NY Times Bestseller lists are awesome. I’d never check the list otherwise…
Babbling Flow — Sara McClung is currently hosting a 7 ARC giveaway that YA readers won’t want to miss.
Between Fact and Fiction — Informative and fun, YA writer Natalie Whipple is a blogging ninja. (For real. Consider yourself warned.)
Carol In Print — Carolina Valdez Miller‘s book reviews are amazing.
My Daytime Drama — Check out Ricki Schultz‘s Spooky Story contest for some extra writing motivation.
The Write Stuff – Brittany Roshelle‘s ten book giveaway is great for those who enjoy Women’s Fiction.
Yingle Yangle — Regular writing prompts and great posts from writer Paulo Campos.

Do you have writerly blogs that you would recommend?

If so, leave your recommendations in the comments and earn *three* extra Anniversary Giveaway entries!

Comments

6 Responses to “Webby Tips for Writers #14: Use Blogs to Network”

Megan
October 14th, 2010 @ 2:12 pm

Recently I started reading a great blog – http://marianlibrarian.com/. Marian Schembari is a social media consultant for authors and she gives wonderful tips for how writers should be using social media, including lots of info on blogging. I highly recommend her blog.
Ian
October 14th, 2010 @ 2:18 pm

I’m tooting my own horn here. I have two blogs, one for my fiction at http://www.ianthealy.com and one for a non-fiction project at http://www.writebetteraction.com where I work with writers on improving their action scenes to better appeal to modern readers.
bridgid
October 14th, 2010 @ 2:33 pm

Thanks for the tip, Megan. I’ll check it out!
bridgid
October 14th, 2010 @ 2:37 pm

Thanks for sharing your recommendations, Ian. I love the banner on your fiction site! Very cool.
Brittany Roshelle
October 15th, 2010 @ 10:10 am

I agree 100%. Using blogs to network is the best way to connect with other writers and authors, it’s a small world after all

Your blog is especially fantastic for writers!
bridgid
October 15th, 2010 @ 6:27 pm

Thanks for the comment and the compliment, Brittany!