I like blogging. I enjoy doing my posts and visiting others to see what they’re blogging about. I like the interaction with readers and other authors. Initially most of my blog stops were writing related and I visited other writers plus agent, publisher and reviewer blogs.
I’ve learned I enjoy posts that give me visuals as well as the post and have started implementing this at my blog. (although this one has nothing to do with my post! It’s just a nice shot of New Zealand) Most of my posts also end with a question to give visitors something to comment about if they want.
Recently I’ve started branching out because blogging is one form of promo that I enjoy. I’ve visited blogs on cooking, travel, handicrafts, photography and farming. My exploration started as research for a story idea, but it also turned into a personal analysis of what I think works in a blog.
Some of my recent discoveries include Pioneer Woman, I Live on A Farm, Coco & Kelley.
I’ve also discovered a phenomenon called the Blog Carnival. This is where one person acts as host and sets a theme. Different bloggers then send them links and the host does a post showcasing all the links. Here’s a more detailed explanation. I thought this was a good way of reaching potential readers and decided to join some of the carnivals.
The first one I chose was the Pet Monthly Carnival
I think I might even set up my own blog carnival soon, probably writing or romance related, although I might venture into new territory and connect the blog carnival with an aspect of my research.
Do you like blogging? What are your favorite non-writing blogs to visit? Have you heard about the blog carnival before and would you be interested in participating?
Related posts:
July 31st, 2009 at 4:41 am · Link
‘Blog carnival’. What a great idea.
And I love the pic.
Have a great weekend, Shel.
July 31st, 2009 at 5:33 am · Link
I do like blogging but can’t manage to find something to blog about every day (even though I try!!) The blog carnival sounds like a great idea and I’d definitely like to try it out!
July 31st, 2009 at 6:40 am · Link
If you’re holding a carnival, I’m there! I love carnivals.
Got you on my sidebar now. Thanks for letting me know.
July 31st, 2009 at 7:30 am · Link
I love blogging. I think on the internet you can feel impersonal, but a blog brings you into a nice comfort zone where you really do feel connected with others.
Carnival blog…never heard of such a thing, but I love the idea.
July 31st, 2009 at 9:11 am · Link
I’ve never heard of a blog carnival. I would love to play, however.
July 31st, 2009 at 9:06 pm · Link
Great! I’ll put my thinking cap on and sort out a blog carnival.
August 1st, 2009 at 10:16 am · Link
I’m not a blogger, that is, I don’t have mmy own blog. But I often read blogs and leave comments. Talking via blogs is an important part of today’s society.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
August 1st, 2009 at 9:10 pm · Link
I don’t mind blogging but it certainly cuts into the time I could be writing and working on my novels and articles.
August 1st, 2009 at 11:33 pm · Link
Benita – I agree. I love visiting blogs and happily hop from one to the next. I’ve met some lovely people online by doing this.
Barbara – I have a list of ideas and will often do posts ahead of time as reserves. If I have a day when I’m short of time or I’m braindead, I can use one of these.
August 2nd, 2009 at 4:57 am · Link
I’ve done lots of blog carnivals, but haven’t heard of many of late. I miss them; they’re a great way to meet new people. Beyond the promo, it’s FUN to meet new people.
In other words, you’ve got a carnival partner, my friend.