Blogging, Coffee, and Growing As a Writer

                                                             

Although the hearts of all the members of the South Jersey Writers’ Group are still heavy over the loss of our Patron Saint of Blogging, Glenn Walker, we continue to meet. Blogfest is a monthly ritual that is held the third Sunday of every month at Treehouse Coffee Shop in Audubon, NJ. Why are we so loyal to working on our blogs? Find out after the jump

The Art of Blogging

It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced blogger, or just starting out new; everyone is welcomed at the Blogfest. There are many reasons to have a blog if you are a serious writer. One day, that book is going to be written. One day, you’ll be sending out Query letters to publishers: traditional and independent, or you may choose to go self-published, but whatever road you wish to travel…you need an audience who already follows you because you write cool blogs.

After Glenn and his wife moved to Florida, our group was blessed to have Erika M.S. Timar and Victoria Marie Lees take over the monthly blogging meetings, and luckily for all, both women are generous with their time and expertise.

Why blog?

Blogging helps you focus on your writing style. It is a great way to get into the habit of writing regularly and if you share your blog on social media, then you get instant feedback on the article that you’ve posted. When you know that people are waiting to read your next post, you become more conscious of your writing and your topic.

Blogging helps you to express yourself and share your passions, and it’s a great vehicle for sharing your knowledge on a particular cause or skill. Blogging should be fun and it should be about things that you are interested in.

Who Are You?

I have two personal blogs: Gilbertcuriosities and Gilbert Speaks, but I also write for a Canadian Pop Culture site, Biff Bam Pop. On my personal blogs I display my love for movies, television series, zombies, ghosts and family by displaying a distinct page for each of my loves. By having separate pages, I can write about many diversified topics while still keeping true to the core of my blog. It’s like having a split personality, but one that works as a team. If people are interested in ghosts, I have a page for that. Zombies, there’s a page for reviews on “The Walking Dead” and “Fear the Walking Dead” and, if you are interested in Steampunk, I have a page for that.

                                                         

Benefits

Publishers and literary agents usually search the blogosphere and social media searching for successful bloggers. If you are a successful blogger then that publisher or agent will be more willing to take a chance on you because you will be bringing along your own followers (book readers who will buy your book).

                                                          

Conclusion

Erika M.A. Timar and Victoria Marie Lees both have popular blogs which you can find here and here. Blogging can be fun even if you’re not interested in being an author. Everyone has a story to tell and, there are people out there who want to read what you have to say. Start blogging now, and if you live in the Philadelphia or New Jersey area, you can drop by the Treehouse for great food and coffee and meet some awesome bloggers. The South Jersey Writers’ Group is the largest writer’s group in New Jersey. You can learn more about them here.