Blog Writing

[WisdomSeekingW…]

I have just been introduced to a Blog which has piqued my interest in the possibility of trying my hand at  writing  my own Blog.  Is there anyone who would be kind enough to offer advise on what resources I might look to to educate myself on the subject?

Thanks for any help you might offer.

[shadowcat80]

I use blogspot.com  It's pretty easy if you use template or if you want you can custom build the blog as well all depends on how much you want to do.  Probably best thing to do is start with a template and then put a few personal touches on it instead doing your own design from the ground up, be faster that way too.  

http://stephanieshadowcat.blogspot.com/

[Shopaholic]

I also use blogspot and it was so easy!  I started with a basic template and have changed it up as the months have gone by and I become more familiar with the available tools and options.  I am not a computer whiz by any means and I thought the whole process was very simple, as well as a lot of fun.  Good luck with your blog!

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http://willowwriter.blogspot.com

[WisdomSeekingW…]

Thank you so much for your response!  Even with internet search and reading it's always comforting to hear it from a "voice of experience".

I am playing around on 'Blogger' at the moment.  Is 'blogspot' associated with the 'Blogger' site?  It seems that I have read of these two in unison. 

Thanks again for your help. 

[WisdomSeekingW…]

Thanks for adding your experience also, Shopaholic.   Could you also answer my questions about 'Blogger' and 'blogspot'? 

Thanks again!

[Brandi_R]

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WisdomSeekingWriter wrote:

Thanks for adding your experience also, Shopaholic.   Could you also answer my questions about 'Blogger' and 'blogspot'? 

Thanks again!

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Yes, when you set up a blog using Blogger, you end up with a url with a personalized name [dot] blogspot [dot] com. See shadowcat's as example. Since "blogspot" appears in all the urls, the two names are often used interchangeably.

What are you going to write about on your blog? Are you also looking for advice/tips on the writing part of things?

[lvcabbie]

I also started my blog a couple of months ago and am getting a surprising number of daily hits - but NO comments so far!!!

It can be a little daunting at first, especially if you're an old guy like me who started out on an old manual Remington typewriter.

One of the secrets of having a good blog is sharing what you know with your visitors. You also need to find blogs to follow so they will follow you in turn. And it never hurts to comment on posts.

I STILL haven't figured out to insert those little icons that direct you to the various blog directories.

Oh yeah, that's something else you need to do, register your blog on them. Here are the ones I've found:

http://www.blogcatalog.com/

http://www.bloggapedia.com/contact.php

http://www.milblogging.com/activation.php

http://www.blogged.com/login.php

http://technorati.com/blogs/directory/

I'm certain Google searches will find a lot more.

[Shopaholic]

Yes, Blogger and Blogspot are interchangeable.  You can create a blog on www.blogger.com and then end up with a .blogspot.com url.  It's really easy and a lot of fun to play around with.  What are you planning to blog about?  Can't wait to read what you have to say!

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http://willowwriter.blogspot.com

[WisdomSeekingW…]

Thanks for the information, Brandi!  Yes, I most definitely would appreciate any wisdom in regards to writing.  I'm doing as much reading as possible in relation to this exciting new venture.

I didn't start out with the intention of beginning an "actual" blog; I was just playing around with the templates to see what a blog would look like.  But then...when I finished my trial entry and experienced the release that came with putting my thoughts on paper in such a visually pleasing way I was hooked!  I thought it would be worth a try and I've really enjoyed the result. : )  I'm still "learning the ropes" so please feel free to offer direction. 

I have journaled since I was a young girl in many different ways but, for this time in my life, I am finding this a very satisfying (and efficient!) way to keep a personal day by day account of the things I contemplate. 

I look forward to checking out your blog!  And any advice you may have to offer I am open to.  Thanks again for taking the time to respond! 

Although I am not expecting many "views" I would be glad for you to check at my attempts at wwwwisdomseekingwriter.blogspot.com. 

[WisdomSeekingW…]

Thank you Ivcabbie!!  This is really great information.  There is SO much for me to learn!  But with a little help from my B&N and Blogspot friends I get better with time.  Thanks for giving me some of your time.

[WisdomSeekingW…]

Thank you, Shopaholic

I look forward to checking out your Blog!  My writing (which I didn't realize I would actually turn into a blog!) are really more of what I would call a "Personal Journal" with reflections on my search for wisdom.  I guess that's not too surprising! lol

I'm still trying to understand just how to go about sharing my writing (or even if anyone would even be interested).  Ivcabbie's post seems to have several resources to check out.  Any more advice? 

[lvcabbie]

Another great way to learn about blogging is visiting varuous writing discussion forums. You might want to check out Writer's Digest 101 Best Sites for Authors.

My blog.

[Brandi_R]

People keep up blogs for many different reasons, so take your motivation to write a blog into consideration as you think this through. Also, who do you hope will read your blog? Aspiring writers? Only people in your immediate circle of friends and family? Your intended audience will have a big impact on what you choose to post. Many great blogs have a specific slant or theme and stay focused on that. Your blog seems to have that--life's challenges and changes and the knowledge gained along the way. (Again, how you write about these issues will depend upon your intended audience.) Check out other blogs that are similar in theme or idea to what you want to do. What works about those blogs? What fails? You might consider, too, what makes you uniquely qualified to write on this topic. I'm not necessarily talking about academic degrees or publications (although those are certainly legitimate qualifications). This may be more about life experience and a unique outlook. Consider those elements--what makes your voice a unique one on this topic--as you write.

I hope that's helpful and please let us know if you have any questions as you journey into this new venture. Good luck!

[_mOonSeeKer_]

http://whisperinglostwords.blogspot.com/

Like everyone else here I use blogspot.com too!  It's a pretty good site to start your first blog.