My writer productivity skyrockets when I set monthly writer goals, and it’s time to share…
Writers Helping Writers: New Blog Direction
A decade ago when I got serious about writing, I found these amazing blogs by authors who shared tips and advice. I learned so much about the craft of writing, how to network, what to look for in a critique partner, the whole “build a platform” hoopla, as well as insight into the publishing industry. I’ve been blogging for nine years–wow, nine, really??–and my posts have always had a healthy dose of writing-related information.
This year the blog’s been quiet. Instead of my previous twice a week posts, I dropped to once or twice a month. There are a few reasons.
- I decided to challenge myself to write more this year. (The challenge is working!)
- The advice to “use a blog to find readers, not other writers” never resonated with me. Maybe it’s because blogging has taken a sharp downturn in the past two or three years. Or because smartphones make commenting more difficult. Maybe it’s because we’re all really busy! I don’t know, but readers never flocked to my blog, and I lost my ambition to come up with engaging content specifically written with readers in mind.
For three months I’ve been getting the internal nudge to get back into blogging. I still have these obnoxious writing goals, so rather than resuming my twice a week schedule, I’m dropping to once a week. And because I am so thankful for all the writing blogs that helped me, I’ll post something writing-related every Wednesday.
I love helping writers–aspiring, debut, multi-published–and I want to provide a spot for us to get new ideas, brush up on craft concepts, share platform strategies–you get the idea! A decade of writing hasn’t dampened my desire to get better. I’m always learning, always asking questions, always striving. I hope you are too.
If there are topics you’re interested in exploring, please let me know!
Writers, what are your concerns right now? What are you trying to improve?
Leave a comment or email me at jill(at)jillkemerer(dot)com.
Happy writing!
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As an aspiring writer, I love this idea! Can’t wait to check out future posts. I’m interested in topics regarding agents, finding critique partners, where to go if you have a writing related question (whether directed toward a publishing house, an editor, an agent, writing research, etc), like what do you know about this publishing house, have you worked with this editor or agent before. Depending on what you write, what agents would be on your list to query? For the collection stories that come out, how do authors get put in those collections? Are requests sent out through agents? Can unpublished writers submit? I am just full of questions lol. One more: when is it going to snow? I want a lot this year!
Sally! You are amazing! Thank you for all these great topics. I’m happy to tackle them as well as I can! Thank you!!
Can’t wait to check out your answers. With 2 completed manuscripts, and 4 in various stages, I need help deciding what the next step should be.
I am almost finished writing my current WIP. I am not sure what to do next. Should I try to indie publish or try to find an agent to help me? So much to learn about writing and publishing. I appreciate your wisdom. 🙂
Congratulations, Melissa!! This is a great question. I can tell you I personally submitted my first novel as soon as I finished writing it. While I waited to hear back from the editor, I started writing my next book. If I had to do it over again, knowing what I know now, I would have learned more about revising before I sent it. I got a form rejection from the publisher on both books, but I loved writing so much, I just kept at it. I’ll email you! And I will definitely be writing about this topic in the future!
Thank you Jill. I look forward to hearing from you. 🙂