Book Blogger Appreciation was started by Amy Riley of My Friend Amy in an effort to recognize the hard work and contribution of book bloggers to the promotion and preservation of a literate culture actively engaged in discussing books, authors, and a lifestyle of reading.The first Book Blogger Appreciation was observed in the fall of 2008 and occurs every September. The week spotlights and celebrates the work of active book bloggers through guest posts, awards, giveaways, and community activities. Book Bloggers are encouraged to register their participation for inclusion in a database of book bloggers.
It is the last day of this illustrious event and we've barely skimmed the surface! But all things must come to an end (except HP!) So may I present my last post for this year's BBAW:
BloggingThe world of blogging is continually changing. Share 3 things you are essential tried and true practices for every blogger and 1-3 new trends or tools you’ve adapted recently or would like to in the future.
It's only a year since I've started blogging. One would say that it is enough time to learn Master Jedi skills of blogging. Sorry, I hate to burst your bubble, but I am still learning.
However, I have discovered things that essentially helped me in my blogging experience:
- Network: Blogs are not islands. This is a community - especially THIS community. Go, read and comment on other blogs (but don't flame them!). Follow them when you like their content. Join blogging networks/groups and be active in them. You could learn a lot from other people not only about books or blogging but of other things as well (thanks for telling me about Pottermore!). Interact with your readers and reply to their comments.
- Branch out: With your topics, I mean. It is great that you love books and reading to the point of obsession but sometimes it is also good for the sanity of the blogger himself/herself. I don't mean you would have to do a complete turnaround and make this a i.e. political satire blog. You could expand or extend beyond the books and talk about things that might be connected to the books you are reading (i.e. movies, the actors/actresses that you want for the characters in the book, vampires vs. werewolves, dystopia vs. urban fantasy). The sky is the limit.
- Have fun! Blogging is not a chore nor is it a competition. I started to blog for one reason and that is to share my thoughts about books and reading, my opinions on certain topics, to rant, to expand my horizons and to learn. Also, God knows I spend so much time online I might as well make it productive.
I'm about a year into actual blogging in earnest and being part of the community, and I can attest to the fact that such time does not make one a Master blogging Jedi! I think your advice is great, though. I second all of it :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat advice!
ReplyDeleteAnd I think it's okay to have a "non-book" post once in a while... keeps things interesting, you know?
Great advice, especially the last one.
ReplyDeleteI hear you! I was on my computer all the time, too, so I might as well do something like blog. :)
ReplyDelete