Three Great Reasons for Writers to Blog

Do you blog? If you're reading this post you probably do, or at least you're thinking about blogging.

It seems that the whole world is blogging these days. How many blogs are there? The most recent statistics I found are from 2008. In April of last year, there were approximately 110 million blogs with another 175,000 new blogs added each day. Tally the number of days since April 08, multiply that number by 175,000, add it to 110 million, and you'll have a pretty good idea of how many people are currently blogging. (If you read "The Walrus and the Carpenter" regularly, you know how math challenged I am. So, YOU do the math.)

Apart from following the crowd why should writers blog? There are many good reasons, and here are a few of the best:

1. Writers should blog to practice writing.

A writer's blog can be much more than a journal of everyday life. It can show off a writer's unique style and expertise. A well-planned blog serves as a collection of solid writing samples. Don't be afraid to mix things up a little. Along with personal narratives, throw in an essay once in a while, a review, or even a short piece of fiction or a poem.


2. Writers should blog to market themselves and their work.

A blog is a valuable marketing tool. I often direct potential freelance clients to my blog so they can see samples of my writing and also learn more about me. Sometimes, if I know that specific clients will be reading my blog I include a few posts tailored to their interests. One of the biggest mistakes a blogger can make is forgetting that the whole world is watching. Once you blog something, you can't take it back. Everything on your blog should be well crafted and work toward promoting you and your writing skills. Think of the blog as an extension of your resume and make it work for you.

3. Writers should blog to practice deadlines and stay motivated.

Working writers always face deadlines. Turning in work on schedule is an important part of the job. There will be times when you don't feel like posting on your blog, but again I remind you that the world is watching. Posting on a regular basis, whether daily or weekly, shows potential employers that you are self-disciplined. Setting writing deadlines also helps unpublished writers to stay motivated. Think of the blog as an editor assigning you a due date.

Is blogging worth my time? This a question most writers ask. The answer is yes if you use the blog to your best advantage. If you blog just for the sake of blogging, you will most likely lose interest. But if you blog to grow as a writer and promote your work it can be well worth your time.


WIN a copy of The Kids' Bible Dictionary!

Thanks to Susan J. Reinhardt for interviewing me on her "Christian Writer/Reader Connection" blog. Visit her blog, read the interview, and enter a drawing to win a free copy of my latest book, The Kids' Bible Dictionary. Contest ends Saturday, September 26, 2009 at midnight. The winner will be announced on the "Christian Writer/Reader Connection" blog on Sunday, September 27, 2009.