To Blog or Not to Blog

My last blog post was September 13 and it was a book review. Prior to that, I had been fairly regularly posting to this blog, and I had been keeping up with my blog subscriptions. All that has changed however, and I'm wondering if I want to get back into it now or not.

I truly enjoyed all the blogs I followed, but I found it to be a tremendous drain on my time. Maybe I subscribed to too many, as I did enjoy reading a variety of posts and interesting tidbits from various authors. It just began to take too much time.

And so did writing posts. And I always questioned if it was interesting enough to justify the time it would take for anyone to actually read the post. But I so enjoyed it! So I'm contemplating.

I've read about a zillion books (OK, a slight exaggeration), and could have a ton of book reviews to post. Not sure about other content though. Anyway, anyone want to weigh in. . .?

Why I Blog and Read Blogs

I am an avid fan of blogging - both reading blogs and writing blog posts. Here's what I like best about blogs and why I keep at it:

• I love reading interesting posts by people with a personality. I particularly enjoy blogs that leave you feeling like you're actually getting to know the author(s) personally. Posts that might be a little controversial or that show the human side of the author are best.
  
• Having someone add comments to one of my posts. It's nice to know someone really does read the post, but especially care enough that they add a comment.
  
• Learning new things, or hearing different perspectives on topics. There's no right or wrong, no black and white. Only lots and lots of gray and vivid color in blogging! Every idea and thought counts, particularly when it triggers active communication.
• Reviews of movies and books are always fun to read.
• To me, it's also a great place to capture my feelings and share them with like-minded (or not) individuals. 
• Some day, my kids may look back and see why I did some of the things I did.
• It's great writing practice.
  

What do you like best?

A Few Favorite Blogs

In no particular order, following are my three favorite blogs to read (not including any in which I contribute):

1. Supernatural Fairy Tales - fun to read short stories and articles inspired by fairy tales and with a supernatural twist. This blog is by my friend and fellow HFC member, Dorlana Vann. I never miss a post.
   
2. Michael Hyatt Leading With Purpose - interesting posts on blogging/social media, leadership, writing and publishing from the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, a large Christian publishing company.
3. copyblogger - all about copywriting, blogging, and writing compelling content.

There are so many good blogs, and I subscribe to quite a number. Blog posts are my primary source for new technology and gadgets, social media marketing, blogging tips, entertainment, and sometimes even inspiration. What are your primary reasons for subscribing to and reading a blog regularly? What good blogs would you recommend (here's your chance to plug your favorite blog, but keep it limited please. The system will identify comments with multiple links as spam.)

Blog Reader Feedback

While I am away on vacation, I thought it would be a great idea to invite a fellow writer/blogger to guest post on WordProverb. But then I started thinking, what do they write about? What exactly is WordProverb? What do you most like to read here?

I’ve troubled myself with this for some time. I’ve studied the analytics, but it’s confusing and discrepant between sources. For instance, if you go by Post Rank Publishers (which you can view on the right sidebar), my most popular posts have been:

• Hooky Day – A Mother/Daughter Tradition (family/parenting)
• Announcing a New Blog (announcing a new business blog)
• Nine Reasons I Love to Work At Home (work/lifestyle)
• Lest I Forget Friday (misc information incl local events & blog info)
• A Week of Giving (family/parenting)
• Have You Read it Yet? (book review related)

According to Feedburner, the most popular posts are:

• Have You Read it Yet? (book review related)
• Psalm 100 for a 100th Post (spiritual)
• Book Review – Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer (book review)

And finally, Google Analytics has a complete different view, with these listed as the most popular posts:

• Jesus Didn’t Tap – A Sermon Remembered (spiritual)
• I’m an INFJ – What about you? (life/writing)
• Upcoming Book Reviews & Contest! (book review related)

So what’s a blogger to think? I’ve decided the best thing to do is go directly to the source – you! You tell me, what is it that you most enjoy reading on this blog and what kind of posts would you like to see more of? Feel free to post anonymously if you would like, my hope is to get lots of good feedback that will help me to make this blog more enjoyable for you.

I look forward to reading your responses when I am back from vacation!

Snap Shots from Snap.com

I recently installed a tool on this site called Snap Shots. It enhances links with visual previews of the destination site, interactive excerpts of Wikipedia articles, and more. Sometimes Snap Shots bring you the information you need without your having to leave the site, while other times it lets you "look ahead," before deciding if you want to follow a link or not.

Please let me know if this is an enhancement to the site, or if the screen shots get in your way. You can also opt-out by clicking the Options icon in the upper right corner of the Snap Shot.

Thanks for your feedback!

<h4>Introducing Snap Shots from Snap.com</h4> I just installed a nice little tool on this site called Snap Shots that enhances links with visual previews of the <a href="http://www.snap.com" class="snap_shots">destination site</a>, interactive excerpts of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picasso" class="snap_shots">Wikipedia articles</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/askaninja" class="Snap_Shot_Profile">MySpace profiles</a>, <a href="http://imdb.com/name/nm0424060" class="snap_shots">IMDb profiles</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nokia-N95-Silver-Phone-Unlocked/dp/B000PEOLAG/" class="snap_shots">Amazon products</a>, display inline <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=7rEM_dN24S0" class="snap_shots">videos</a>, <a href="http://www.slashdot.org/" class="Snap_Shot_RSS">RSS</a>, <a href="http://wiredset.com/media/colin_macintyre/How-Bout-I-Love-You-More.mp3" class="snap_shots">MP3s</a>, <a href="http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o34/perspexspaceship/" class="snap_shots">photos</a>, <a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=aapl" class="snap_shots">stock charts</a> and <a href="http://shots.snap.com" class="snap_shots">more</a>.<p>Sometimes Snap Shots bring you the information you need, without your having to leave the site, while other times it lets you "look ahead," before deciding if you want to follow a link or not.</p> <p>Should you decide this is not for you, just click the Options icon in the upper right corner of the Snap Shot and opt-out.</p>

Announcing a New Blog

In a recent post, I mentioned I was working with a colleague on a new blog, one dedicated to business professionals looking for information on initiating new business. I am pleased to announce that New Business Pipeline is officially launched.

Still in its infancy of course, I do invite you to visit. Our vision is for an interactive blog where readers can go to share and learn about effective new business development techniques, particularly as they pertain to prospect calls (I so don't like the term "cold" call).

Please let me know when you visit the site and your initial thoughts. Thank you!

Lest I Forget Friday

A variety of information and topics to share with you

Most of you probably already know, but in case you don't, the Shell Houston Open is in full swing. Held at the Redstone Golf Club – Tournament Course, many charities benefit annually from this event. This year, parents and teachers from Maplebrook Elementary school are staffing the concession booth at the 16^th hole. The funds they raise will benefit the school, so stop by if you're in the area.

I'm very excited to announce that I recently signed up to participate in 31 Days to Build a Better Blog presented by Darren Rowse of ProBlogger. It's a 31 day project to improve your blog through theory and assignments, and it begins on April 6^th. Fingers crossed for some exciting upcoming blog enhancements!

Which leads me to my next topic. If you are a repeat visitor to this blog, you may have noticed a different look – and that is the addition of google ads. So tell me, like 'em or leave 'em? Are they a distraction or not? If I get feedback they're bad, then they're outta here!

If you haven't visited my newly launched blog Hope and Faith, then I invite you to visit and share your thoughts on novel prologues. Do you like them or not, and why or why not? I'd like to get some lively discussion and opinions on the subject, so please feel free to share.

Stay tuned for more information about a potential new blog launch containing valuable information that will help business development professionals, particularly when it comes to cold calling. Brrr, the word itself makes some professionals shiver. I'm in talks with some folks about making this happen, and I'll keep you posted here.

Finally, on a very happy note, I am pleased to announce that despite the heavy rains and hail hurled at earth and in Texas this week, our garden fares well. We've enjoyed radish that is so much tastier than the grocery store variety, and look forward to more tasty treats soon!

Have a great weekend!

Check it Out!

I am pleased to announce the origination of a new blog dedicated solely to my novel, tentatively entitled Hope and Faith. I invite you to check it out at http://sheryltut.wordpress.com/. Please visit, feel free to comment, and ask questions. I appreciate your help in keeping me focused on getting the novel rewritten and manuscript ready! Thank you.

Psalm 100 for a 100th Post

This is my 100^th post to my WordProverb blog, which started back in June of 2007 with a post about our too busy lives. Many musings later, and still busier than ever, I'm tickled with the wonderful ride this blog has provided. Thank you for your readership, and for contributing your thoughts and comments. I hope you'll join me for another 100 posts.

A Psalm for giving thanks
In confirmation classes at our church, my daughter must pick out and share with her class one of her favorite Psalms. I like Psalms 100, and what better time to share it than with my 100^th post.

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Do you have a favorite Psalm I can share with my daughter?

Lost Subscribers - Feedburner to Google/Feedburner Transition

Due to Google's acquisition of Feedburner, I recently had to change my RSS feed to the new merged site. I'm not technical and am not sure the why, but suffice it to say it was a required move. In the switch, it appears I lost subscribed readers. My apologies if you were dropped in the switch. Please feel free to re-subscribe if you want to be sure to continue receiving these posts. And as always, your comments are welcome.

Insomnia

Last night, I tossed and turned fitfully before succumbing to insomnia. Even though the rain typically produces a lulling melody that makes sleep come easy, I was too excited and in a state of agitation and worry. Finally, I got up and headed for the word processor.

First, the excitement. Recently Dorlana Vann of Humble Fiction Café gave an informative presentation on pacing and tension, and I am delighted to be reading a book that vividly reflects those teachings. More on the book in a review once it's finished.

Through Dorlana's lesson, I realized how important constant tension is to the overall enjoyment of a book. The writer not only has to make the reader care about the character and what happens to him or her, but be concerned about what happens next. When the character has overcome one challenge, the next adversity must already be set up. The presentation was very insightful.

As far as the agitation and worry, I love to blog, but of recent, my blog postings have fallen off in frequency. Partly due to my incredibly busy life, but I also wonder where to go with the blog. I feel like it's time to notch it up a bit, take it to the next level, but how and what is that?

And if it isn't enough that I've let my blogging posts fall off, I have been equally remiss in setting aside sufficient writing time for my novel. Oh, I'm working on it. Slowly. I complain about not having the time to work on the novel, yet I realize we all have the same amount of time – 24 hours each day. What we do with that time is what counts. My fault is in not making writing a higher priority.

In a nutshell, my worries stem around writing and the goals I've set for myself for this year.

I may or may not do a facelift on the blog. It hasn't been so long ago that I gave the blog a new look, but I am thinking about exploring a three-column layout. The reason is so that I can post my 2009 writing goals in plain view as a continual reminder of the things I hope to accomplish this year, and for my readers to hold me accountable. I want people to ask how the novel is progressing and keep me to task.

How are you doing with your goals for this year?
Do you think it is helpful to have your goals in front of you on a constant basis?
Is it helpful for others to know your goals?

NaNoWriMo Here I Come

I've done it and I'm so excited… and nervous. I've registered for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)!

Like last year, I don't have the time. And believe me, I've debated as to whether I should do this or not. But unlike last year, no more excuses! I feel like if I don't do this now, I just may never write a novel.

Last year's decision not to do NaNoWriMo was tough. And yes, while my month of November was certainly easier as a result, I did have regrets. So I'm going to bite the bullet this year, and just do it. Anyone else who is participating or wants to participate, please be my writing buddy. Look for sheryltut in the Authors section.

In my final few days before NaNoWriMo kicks off, I'm looking for tips and tricks for success. Here is a blog posting that I found helpful and wanted to share.

Paperback Writer: Pro-to-NaNo: "Pro-to-NaNo
Twenty Bits of Advice from a Pro for the New NaNo'er"

My blog posts may fall off in frequency this coming month, but I will get back to blogging as fast as I can. Do stop by the blog anyway, as I plan to add a word count widget. I appreciate everyone's support (and thank you Chrissa for the "Go Sheryl Go, You Can NaNo!" cheerleading card)!

Good luck to everyone participating. Please remember to add me as a writing buddy. Experienced NaNo'er's? Please put your words of wisdom in comments!

The New (and Improved?) WordProverb

Announcing the long overdue update to WordProverb (drum roll please)…

Perusing templates galore, I have finally settled on a new look for my blog. I've removed some links, added a few widgets, and have hopefully made it more reader friendly and contemporized. If you are reading this post through an email subscription or feed reader, I invite you to visit the actual site to see the new look.

Well, what do you think please?

A Fun Meme

My friend and fellow blogger, Theresa at T.C. and the Muse, tagged me in a meme. I'm supposed to list six unspectacular things about myself, so here goes.

1) I don't get near enough exercise. For someone who taught aerobics in her twenties and knows the value of exercise, I sure do sit on the "fanny" an awful lot in front of the computer.

2) My husband and I married at Sandals in Ocho Rios, Jamaica (yeah mon)! It was a choice between a traditional wedding and reception OR a nice honeymoon – we chose the honeymoon.

3) My first concert was Billy Joel in St. Louis, MO.

4) I'm accused of having a cast-iron stomach and I didn't experience morning sickness with either pregnancy!

5) I am a huge worry-wort.

6) I hate to be told what to do.

My instructions are to tag six more bloggers, so here they are without further ado.

Dave at Link'n Log, http://linknlog.blogspot.com/

Joy at Moving Right Along, http://yellowrosez.blogspot.com/

Sue at Stay at Home Mom, http://www.sahmsue.com/

Linda at Just Out of Sight, http://wish-words.blogspot.com/

Oops – that's only four; oh well, I'm tagging in order to keep the meme going.

Be sure to visit Theresa's blog at T.C. and the Muse where you can find all kinds of interesting and useful writing tips.

Writer Blogs

I enjoy blogging. As a writer, it's only natural that blogging would easily become one of my favorite pastimes. It's an opportunity to practice the art of creative writing – and in my opinion, all writing is creative – in a quick, digestible format for my blogger readers. But, is a blog necessary for a writer?

The viewpoints certainly vary. On the one camp, writers are encouraged to maintain a blog and build a reader base. The theory is that for each new book the writer authors, they will have an immediate fan base of people that will rush out to buy the new book. Sounds logical.

But what constitutes a "good" blog for a writer?

The blogs I most enjoy seem to have a theme, i.e. they are about something. Take for instance Supernatural Fairy Tales, the blog of Humble Fiction Café member Dorlana Vann. In her blog, Dorlana posts a monthly short story of a modernized fairy tale with an added supernatural element. She also posts articles about mythical creatures, such as elves, fairies and mermaids. In addition to her own stories and articles, Dorlana features guest bloggers. But in the end, everything relates back to fairy tales with a paranormal twist.

Another example of a writer blog with a clear topic is Eavesdrop Writer Blog. Read What I Hear. by Vivienne. This creative blog describes situations and conversations overheard by the author. They are entertaining observations of true life that spark the imagination.

Having a theme works especially well for non-fiction writers who typically have a specialty or particular subject matter about which they write. These authors' blogs capture readers with similar interests and enable the author to position themselves as experts.

For writers such as myself, who haven't quite yet found their writing niche, it isn't so easy. Many writers blog about writing. Interesting, yes, but the problem … and this leads to the opposing viewpoint of whether or not all writers should have blogs… is that there are so many. With hundreds, probably thousands, of writer blogs out there, what can you possibly do to make yours stand out?

A central idea is good, but equally important is that the blogger writes about what most interests him or her. This gives the blog a more personal feel. Regular updates are also vital, but daily are much too frequent. Once or twice a week seems to work well. Finally, unless it is a subject near and dear, and the author has done an outstanding job writing about it, I personally prefer shorter posts. Ones that don't take too much time to read.

My own blog contains book reviews, viewpoints of current events, and snippets of what's happening in my writer life. While I love my blog WordProverb, I'm not so sure it has mass appeal.

What's your opinion? For the blogs you frequent and read, do they have a theme? How often are they updated and what is it that draws you back?