Three Reasons That I Blog

While most authors who are looking to write for publication would be well-served to have a web presence of some kind, if nothing else so prospective editors/publishers can easily contact them, not all writers want or need to have a blog. However, I have found that blogging has been a very useful part of my writing life. Here are three reasons why:

1. It provides an opportunity for communication with other writers and readers. This was the initial benefit to me when I was just getting into writing again last summer. My timing, in a way, was perfect. Rachel Harrie's Platform-Building Writing Campaign was just about to kick off when I started blogging; the events and challenges relating to that helped keep me motivated while I was getting used to being back in the writing world. The challenges, in particular, provided some early positive feedback on my writing. I also met some of my first critiquers through that Campaign. Since that time, though I've mostly declined blog tours/hops/etc., I've been able to continue to use my primary writing blog as a place to talk about my own writing journey and writing in general. The discussions which sometimes come from these posts are valuable and enjoyable.
2. It provides an option for my daily writing chain. This, in theory, could be considered a con rather than a pro. Ultimately, writing blog posts isn't going to earn me money directly and it seems likely that it would earn my very little indirectly. So when I write 500 words towards a blog post and that allows me to check off my daily writing chain box someone could argue that it's set me back a day where I could have been writing 500 words of fiction. Since I'm still accomplishing significant fiction productivity, I'm not terribly concerned about that, but it's definitely worth keeping in mind.
3. It provides motivation to think more deeply about some of my own writing practices and techniques. Some of my favorite blog posts are ones which have arisen out of my brainstorming around how to resolve certain issues in my own writing routine. It's also interesting to be able to look back over time and see how my thinking and my blog writing has changed.

Not every writer needs a blog. If the thought of having one makes you cringe for one reason or another, don't feel like you're skipping something important. If the idea of blogging isn't uncomfortable but you don't have one yet, perhaps it's worth giving it a try and seeing if you find it a helpful part of your writing life.