tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post1678115576611814738..comments2024-03-27T01:07:03.944-04:00Comments on The Roses of Prose: Blogging as a Promotional Tool by Jannine GallantAlison Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725250883303287946noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-82902183044153352252014-04-19T11:21:46.734-04:002014-04-19T11:21:46.734-04:00Sandra, we all feel your pain. Another point--I do...Sandra, we all feel your pain. Another point--I don't host guests on my personal blog because I don't want to waste anyone's time. I know I'm not going to get them any exposure. Thanks for stopping by and venting!<br /><br />Rolynn, yep, I'm good at picking topics that get authors all riled up! LOL That's why I like our group blog--lots of support!Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-47491535542808649362014-04-19T10:34:05.771-04:002014-04-19T10:34:05.771-04:00You got the group jawing about this topic, Jannine...You got the group jawing about this topic, Jannine. Good on you! Ditto everyone's comments. I'll add...writing is a lonely business, so it's nice to have a cadre of on line friend authors to share with...that's the fun of blogs for me. I know I'm not alone in this crazy business because of conversations like this! RolynnRolynn Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09504770204968969467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-58231419647479081542014-04-19T10:22:46.152-04:002014-04-19T10:22:46.152-04:00I agree with you and so many others here. I've...I agree with you and so many others here. I've tried everything. I write a post for my blog, no one visits. I write a post for someone else's blog, (hoping for new readers), but they don't announce it to their friends. I host blogs, but I can't believe how many people are no shows, even hen I've sent several reminders. Facebook only shares the announcements to like 7% of my friends. Most loops have strict rules about what you can announce, then doesn't share live links. I copy and paste links into the search bar, but it brings up every blog in the world except the one I'm looking for. Erggg!<br />Sorry for the rant. <br />The book looks great. I'm ordering it. Good luck!Sandra Daileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08061923642210002206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-89056894527651503782014-04-19T09:42:41.131-04:002014-04-19T09:42:41.131-04:00Maureen, I think you're right. I know my mom r...Maureen, I think you're right. I know my mom reads this blog every day (not just my days) because she's enjoyed "getting to know" the various contributors. But she doesn't comment because she doesn't have a Google account. Just like your friends and family! Makes me wonder about the point of contests where you have to leave comments to win. It eliminates most of the "readers" from entering, and just the "writers" end up as contenders.Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-11033117785495484722014-04-19T08:12:27.530-04:002014-04-19T08:12:27.530-04:00I have a sadly neglected blog and a group one I po...I have a sadly neglected blog and a group one I post on. Initially I posted funny stories about my twins. It gave me a chance to write them for my girls (since I didn't fill out baby books) and friends and family loved them. But they took a lot of time, my writing time and I still didn't get a lot of followers or comments- I asked people why and it was cause most didn't have accounts to be able to post and no desire to make one to do so. <br />Plus my blog really has no 'theme'. thanks for the great post, lots of great insights!Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03785560971517152290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-64411254820417643382014-04-18T17:50:19.795-04:002014-04-18T17:50:19.795-04:00I agree about the warm fuzzies, Ally. It's nic...I agree about the warm fuzzies, Ally. It's nice to get comments from all my author buddies. I also like hearing that other blogs also get more hits than comments. It means someone is out there reading them!Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-90155629849858186822014-04-18T17:28:44.298-04:002014-04-18T17:28:44.298-04:00Excellent post. I have no magic answers nor do I h...Excellent post. I have no magic answers nor do I have anything to add. I've also come to enjoy blogging, and even though having other authors comment on your post doesn't attract readers or book sales, it gives me a warm fuzzy that I have that kind of support. :) I get a LOT more hits than I do comments, so someone is reading. And, you never know when something is going to click. I do try to do a few niche kind of blogs, but it's not easy thinking of the NEXT GREAT IDEA. Thanks for the thorough commentary, Jannine.Alicia Deanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12003539473772776004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-38700607986081145412014-04-18T17:19:00.811-04:002014-04-18T17:19:00.811-04:00That would be interesting, Susan. Lots of people a...That would be interesting, Susan. Lots of people are out there organizing tours and hops for a fee, but I'm pretty sure no one guarantees any results. Now I wonder why that is...Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-72180758414453080122014-04-18T16:44:52.473-04:002014-04-18T16:44:52.473-04:00Well--I must I have thought all these thoughts abo...Well--I must I have thought all these thoughts about blogging myself and I Think you are spot on with every point. Any way to make the work of blogging pay off in sales? Maybe a professional blogger if there is such a person, could answer our questions as writers.Susan Coryellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04700818086229953333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-89502194911291104162014-04-18T14:42:04.349-04:002014-04-18T14:42:04.349-04:00Melissa, I think you hit on it. Packaging, price a...Melissa, I think you hit on it. Packaging, price and content. Now that sounds like a worthy blog topic to interest--who else--other writers!<br /><br />Thanks for dropping by, R.T.Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-91532478991450664282014-04-18T14:38:17.616-04:002014-04-18T14:38:17.616-04:00Such good points. Thank you!
-R.T. WolfeSuch good points. Thank you!<br />-R.T. WolfeRT Wolfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17407416281145166148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-60011737874639683302014-04-18T14:01:47.989-04:002014-04-18T14:01:47.989-04:00Jannine,
I'm inclined to agree with what every...Jannine,<br />I'm inclined to agree with what everyone else is saying. Blogging seems to increase your visibility/familiarity in the local author community but sales seem to be more about packaging, price and content.<br /><br />I say blog for fun. Enjoy yourself. If someone happens to buy your book, bonus!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01433820284181839320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-83727504944317546942014-04-18T13:43:48.692-04:002014-04-18T13:43:48.692-04:00Madeleine, good advice. I avoid controversial topi...Madeleine, good advice. I avoid controversial topics (politics, religion, etc.) like the proverbial plague. Definitely guaranteed to alienate at least half your readers! Writing topics do get old after a while, but they do seem to interest writers--who are the only one leaving comments! A dilemma indeed!Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-91235923688313975912014-04-18T13:34:36.910-04:002014-04-18T13:34:36.910-04:00I was a newspaper columnist for 15 years, under my...I was a newspaper columnist for 15 years, under my own name, and never had any difficulty expressing an opinion, libelling my family, or complaining about life in general in 500 words. I suspect such topics will not hook readers of romance and help sell books. However, the advice I read is not to blog about controversial subjects. Blogging about writing feels bland and that translates into uninteresting prose. As Jannine says, it's a dilemma. Madeleine McDonaldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11414953342029303620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-37060734972517603632014-04-18T12:56:36.369-04:002014-04-18T12:56:36.369-04:00There you have it, Alison. A theme specific blog h...There you have it, Alison. A theme specific blog helped net you a sale. But even with a specific topic, how many times can you talk about one subject--whether it's a historical setting or a serial killer? I have a new historical I intend to publish soon. I can come up with a few posts on the topic of Salem witches, but the well will run dry fairly quickly. Then what? And how do I find blogs with followers devoted to that topic? Google I guess. It's a dilemma.<br /><br />I agree wholeheartedly about the Roses. This blog rocks!Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-10147895475845268912014-04-18T12:46:59.729-04:002014-04-18T12:46:59.729-04:00Barbara, name recognition is a big reason to blog....Barbara, name recognition is a big reason to blog. It's the reason I keep at it. I hope that when I have a sale or a free book, a potential reader will remember seeing my name before and be motivated by that to download.<br /><br />Frances, I think editors and agents and other authors are such proponents of blogging because they don't know what else to tell us to do. I think we're all scratching our heads when it comes to how to attract readers.Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-5638803610784550482014-04-18T12:26:55.630-04:002014-04-18T12:26:55.630-04:00I'm with you all the way. The only time I'...I'm with you all the way. The only time I've seen actual sales result from a guest appearance was when I visited a specialty blog just for Western romance with my first book. Otherwise, zip. I know for a fact that many (most?) non-author visitors have no reason to have a Blogger account so don't comment. Conclusion - a lot blogging is simply wasted time. HOWEVER, I love the ROP and wouldn't give it up for anything! It may not sell my books, but it gives me something at least as valuable.Alison Hendersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12725250883303287946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-30806772289098652852014-04-18T12:19:21.700-04:002014-04-18T12:19:21.700-04:00This makes so much sense. Are the people out there...This makes so much sense. Are the people out there telling us to blog just media types selling their wares? Do blogs help build email lists and does that help sales? How can we tell? Someone, please do a PhD on the subject! But I love reading some blogs, like this one, so keep going please xxxAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11007766251364466722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-91864248088020829062014-04-18T12:13:01.142-04:002014-04-18T12:13:01.142-04:00Blogging truly is a mixed bag. It helps us get the...Blogging truly is a mixed bag. It helps us get the word out and keep out names before potential readers, ostensibly. I try not to go overboard, but I do try to do some. Thoughtful post. Barb BettisBarbara Bettishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16540961829243251471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-19797027505354510262014-04-18T11:24:29.558-04:002014-04-18T11:24:29.558-04:00Vonnie, blogging is out of style? What next! LOL D...Vonnie, blogging is out of style? What next! LOL Don't worry, like hip huggers and bell bottoms, they'll come back eventually.<br /><br />Darlene, I'm glad you feel like you're in good company! We're always happy to have new visitors.Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-38832133656607322432014-04-18T11:16:35.019-04:002014-04-18T11:16:35.019-04:00It is so nice to learn that I am not the only one ...It is so nice to learn that I am not the only one who is "blob" illiterate! Now, I don't feel so alone. I had to join y'all because I can relate. It's really nice to know that I am not alone!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16687238945770678494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-77217800738383877392014-04-18T11:09:52.434-04:002014-04-18T11:09:52.434-04:00When I started this writing journey about 5 years ...When I started this writing journey about 5 years ago, I visited blogs and left a comment as a way to get my name out there. Sadly, I now have time to read more than one blog a day.<br /><br />I love blogging. Love twiddling with the appearance of my blog, but I lack the "theme" experts talk about. I've had my blog for 4 years and only have 286 followers--and God love everyone.<br /><br />I've paid for blog tours with zero results. I've asked other writer friends if I can come blog on their sites to do promo and am always welcomed, so why spend the dough?<br /><br />I love blogging. I've met so many delightful writers that way. Not so many readers though. But I feel most of my readers are other writers and I love 'em to death for their support.<br /><br />Some experts claim blogging is now out of style. Gee, I hope not. I feel I'm just now getting the hang of it.Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07360480832587538895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-12620333055688255752014-04-18T10:39:31.016-04:002014-04-18T10:39:31.016-04:00Thanks for the support, Kathy. I have a sneaking s...Thanks for the support, Kathy. I have a sneaking suspicion many of us feel this way!<br /><br />Melissa, great attitude! Yes, we attract other writers, so why not just go with it. Writers are readers too.Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-44298260850822928712014-04-18T10:37:34.351-04:002014-04-18T10:37:34.351-04:00J.C., thanks for stopping by. That is a concern wi...J.C., thanks for stopping by. That is a concern with blogging vs. FB or twitter promo. It takes a lot of time, which could be spent writing. Glad you're enjoying yours, even if you're on the fence about the value!Jannine Gallanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17692098634695675967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9023937099212820339.post-56093106612748418662014-04-18T10:34:02.740-04:002014-04-18T10:34:02.740-04:00Hi Jannine,
I started a blog for the exact same re...Hi Jannine,<br />I started a blog for the exact same reason--because you're supposed to. But then I found that I enjoy blogging. I like writing funny stories and having a sort of professional journal and I like having other authors on their as well because I love books.<br /><br />I realized some time ago that my audience is other authors and I've decided to just accept it and move along. It's not going to stop me from blogging but it does influence the types of content I post. Lots of writing and promotion articles in addition to the book stuff.<br /><br />Anyway, sorry for babbling. Great post! Thank you for discussing it. :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01433820284181839320noreply@blogger.com