Thursday, September 9, 2010

What Do I Blog About?

In case you didn't know, Jennifer Daiker, Alex Cavanaugh, and I are blogging about blogging this week. Before we go any further, I feel impressed to share this poster from despair.com.



I LOVE THIS. Sometimes I really think it's true. Sometimes I'm sitting in my writing lair (aka at my lame card table), writing blogs, and I think, "There's no way anyone cares about this."

I worry about the post for days. I edit it mercilessly. I postpone it. Then I finally let it go live, and it becomes my most popular post in weeks.

So. Just know that we all go through the holy-brown-cows-what-do-I-blog-about?

Well, my take on this is simple. ANYTHING.

No, really. You can blog about personal things. Writing things. Outlining. Revisions. Causes. Your dog. Your fears. Even nothing. (Hey, they made an entire sitcom out of it. Ever heard of Seinfeld?) Blog about whatever you want.

The fact is, what you bring to your blog that no one else can bring, is YOU.

Y-O-U.

So let's move on to what the real problem with blogging is. In my opinion, it's not knowing what your purpose is. Let's examine.

Question: Why are you blogging? To get the word out about your book? To meet new people? To build a brand?

*cue personal stuff*

Here’s why I blog. Name recognition. If I held up a blue bag and said the items inside this package go great with milk, would you know what it was? We know. They have a brand. We can sing songs from our childhood about brand names. (Oscar Meyer, Big Mac, etc.) It’s all name recognition.

I want someone to be in a bookstore, browsing books and go “Oh, I’ve heard of this girl.” simply from seeing my name (and/or my title) online. That’s why I blog.

I want people to know me.

Now that doesn’t mean I tell them everything. I don’t name my children by name, or talk about my job that much, or discuss anything too too personal (unless it relates to writing). That’s not what people want.

Have you seen that Seinfeld where George is talking about all his worlds colliding? You can probably separate the parts of your life too. Teacher-Elana. Mom-Elana. Cook-Elana. Sister-Elana. Etc. Well, there’s a Author-Elana too. And that’s who people want to see. I dispel writing advice. I give query letter advice. I give blogging advice.

I let people inside my life. I show them my fears about publishing/writing. This is how friendships are made. It’s how relationships form. Through the emotional. Let people in a little bit. Not much, just a little.

You can share what you like. Things like TV shows and artists and stuff like that. It really only takes one or two things to make you distinct. Me? I talk about dying my hair a lot (Monday, baby!). And Adam Lambert. And Glee and Survivor. Don’t be afraid to do this.

I just want to pause here for a minute. I think this is a truth, through and through. You can disagree. But I think when you're blogging, you’re selling yourself, not your books. And when you stop and think about blogging like this, you should have a million things to blog about.

Okay, moving on. Other things you can blog about:

1. Books you’ve read – this is a great way to show support of the industry. Note that I do not get very many comments on book review days. Doesn’t mean they’re a waste of time – especially if the author of the book knows I’m doing it.

2. Things you’ve learned – I’ve been blogging about outlining recently. Not really giving advice, just things I’ve learned. Topics like this are great conversation starters, and that’s what you want. A place where people feel like they know you and can talk to you.

3. WIP Wednesday/Truthful Tuesday – if you can’t think of anything, fall back on these. At least they’ll help you get your content up for the day.

4. Blog chains – find or form one, and participate in it. For new bloggers, this is a great way to learn how to blog and how to respond to comments.

One more thing: If all else fails, POACH. That's right. If you see something you like on another blog, adapt it to yours. Don't copy word for word (duh), but adapt and give credit.

Okay, I've gone on long enough. Jen, Alex, and I are going to be conducting a little experiment. We'd like as many people to participate as would like. We're calling it The Great Blogging Experiment (yeah, we're that lame) and it'll take place on Friday, September 24. We're assigning a topic, and all you have to do is post on Sept. 24 on that topic.

The point? We'd like to see just how different every post is. We'd like to see what YOU bring to the topic. (Which is YOU, of course.) I'm willing to bet one kidney that there will not be two posts exactly the same, just like there are not two bloggers that are exactly the same.

The topic: Writing Compelling Characters.

Sign up below!



Whew. With all that out of the way, what do you like to read on a blog? What don't you like to read?

108 comments:

Jessica Bell said...

Great idea! Um .. Elana ... I thought you didn't like blogfests? ;o)

Natalie Aguirre said...

Interesting that you don't get many comments on book review days. I really enjoy the Thursday feature and like you say, it's a great way to promote other authors.

I like to read shorter blog posts, like you've recommended people write. When people write too long ones, I tend to start skimming so that I can get onto the next blog I want to follow.

Laura Pauling said...

Fun. When a bunch of us did a How I Write series this past summer, it was neat to see how different all the posts were!

And for me it's the same as a book, if I see big long paragraphs explaining something I don't care about yet, I skim. I love emotion, advice, snippets of life - but most of all I enjoy getting to know the person.

Stephanie McGee said...

I'm with Natalie in not liking super-long posts when reading blogs. I'm guilty of said long posts in my own blog.

I'm not a huge fan of blogfests just because those entries tend to take longer to read. And when you participate in one, there's so much pressure to read every other post in the fest. And sometimes, there's just not time for that on top of everything else I do.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Oh, love that topic. I'll be hopping around. I blog for many reasons, but my ultimate purpose is to stir new thoughts in people--to get people to think about something in a new light.

~ Wendy

DL Hammons said...

I'll be away from home on the 24th. Let's hope the Blogger post scheduler works like it should. :) Great topic!

Theresa Milstein said...

I've had many of the same feelings as you when writing posts. Do I have anything to add to this topic? Does anyone read what I want to say? Now I have that feeling over writing a post about compelling characters!

I find the blog to be a great resource. My readers give me wonderful feedback, like on yesterday's post. They complimented my entry that won a snarky rejection letter contest + they gave me some query advice.

Look what happened to Kiersten White. The blogosphere promoted her book like crazy. Now it's #7 on the NYT bestseller list. The book just came out! It's all because of blogging.

I know the same will happen to you. When you have a book, your readers are going to promote you too.

Jayne said...

I don't get many comments on my occasional book review posts either, but I like to do them as a) supporting authors, and b) curious to see exactly what the gubbins I read! As for blogging - I primarily do it for me, and if folk like to join my ride then I pour them the tipple of their fancy, make sure they are comfy and then off we go!

Christine Fonseca said...

Another great post! Thanks...and of course I'll participate in your blog-fest thingy

Matthew MacNish said...

Great advice and great idea! But um ... can you delete number 7? Sympathetic characters? I totally screwed it up.

Thanks Elana!

Lola Sharp said...

I'll see you on the 24th. I'm a character driven writer and reader, so I'll enjoy this topic.

As for my blog posts...I have no schedule, no system, no plan and I don't pre-write or schedule my posts. The best part of blogging for me is the reading of everyone elses wonderful blogs, the connection with other writers/authors and people passionate about books. I love our writing community here in the bloggy world. :)

Love,
Lola

Bish Denham said...

Good stuff Elana. I've noticed that when I blog about something that is serious and I'm passionate about, like how we're drowning in plastic, those are the days I get the fewest comments. It seems as long as I keep it kind of light and about the Virgin Islands I get more.

And I think I'll step out there and blog about writing compelling characters. Gulp. (What am I thinking?)

Anonymous said...

This is a great topic. Nicely done. I agree when you say that there are jot two bloggers that are exactly the same. We could have the same topic, but hit things from completely different angles. That's what I love.

I love funny blogs. Ones what are short and sweet but talk about things like writing, movies, music. A sprinkle of personal stuff, too, so I can get to know the author as well is always nice.

Can't stand reading blogs that go on and on for pages. And I'll skim right over those in black backgrounds. Hurts my eyes.

Thanks for this, Elana. Have a great day.

Unknown said...

Elana this was brilliant as always!!! Realizing what to blog about is what's most important, once you realize you actually have something to say the posts seem to flow off the page. Not everyday but when you get that blog idea you go mad crazy until it's written down!!!

Woohoo! I'm looking forward to our experiment! I'll be posting about it tomorrow!!

Mara Nash said...

Great advice...I often stare at a blank "new post" screen and think, what the heck do I write about today?! Coming up with stuff to write can be a challenge!

Golden Eagle said...

I really like posts on books reviews! It's fun finding out about things to read out there. :)

I think I'll try writing about compelling characters. I'll have to start thinking about what I want to say!

Anonymous said...

Hi Elana. This will be fun. Thanks again for a great idea and for carrying it forward:-)

Meredith said...

I love this post--such good advice! You're right that you connect to people through emotions, and that applies to the blogging world as well as the "real" one. And everyone will certainly know your name when they see your book on the shelves, Elana! I've signed up to write about compelling characters--so excited about the experiment!

Faith said...

This sounds like fun! And a great way to discover new blogs and meet new people.

Plus, it means one day when I don't have to come up with a topic on my own! Haha.

Serena said...

Looking forward to the 24th! sounds like fun

Elana Johnson said...

This IS NOT A BLOGFEST. And it's not that I don't like them, it's just...yeah. This is a blogging experiment to see if we can all post on the same topic and find something unique about each post.

I repeat, this is NOT a blogfest!

Cheyanne said...

Excellent post! And your blog has worked as far as I'm concerned.. I totally know your name and would pick up a book by you any day.

But mostly, I've gathered tons of excellent information from months of reading your blog.

I'm excited for the Experiment! Should be fun to read everyone's take on the same subject.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like fun--count me in! :D

Summer Ross said...

This will be fun. I will be doing both of these the experiment and a birthday blogfest lol So my post should be more than interesting. Maybe I'll double post that day...hmmmm

DL Curran said...

Should be an interesting experiment - and I'll look forward to reading everyone's take on writing compelling characters. But I'm only two (or so) weeks in to the blogging world so I'm still bumbling around to find my way. Uhm... what's the difference between 'blogging experiment' and a 'blogfest'? Anyway, am looking forward to crawling around your site here - lots of great stuff here!

Unknown said...

Whew! That's a relief. I was worried that it was a blogfest! *scratches head* (What's a blogfest?)

Excellent advice on what to post. Currently, my blog is kind of random. Then again, I am kind of a random person. *just snapped out of a stare into space*

I am going to take on the challenge of the Sept. 24th post. *teeth chattering* (OMG, another deadline!)

Stina said...

I like variety. Some blogs I read because of the writing advice. Others I read because they have a wicked voice, and I'd read them no matter what the subject matter. I wish I were the latter, but I'm not. So I try to do more of the former--but with a touch of me.

erica m. chapman said...

Thank you!

What a great post ;o) It will be interesting to see how we all interpret the topic! Thanks for the info and for always having such awesome posts ;o)

Jennifer Hoffine said...

Great post. I've been struggling with this so much, knowing content and personal boundaries are important but not knowing where to go with it. Now I know I need to share more of me.

Look forward to participating!

Erica Mitchell said...

I love all the advice and will take away the idea to maybe form a schedule of sorts. I don't do well on schedules in real so why I think it will work on my blog...I'm not sure. But I do need to organize a bit for the days when I am lacking in ideas and this was a great post to get said ideas.
I personally like connecting to the blogger/the person and of course the writing tips, reviews, and interviews are great but I really enjoy the personality of each blogger and when they really shine through their post.

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Great advice, Elana, as always. I totally agree with the idea that we are selling ourselves and not our books or future books. And if name recognition is what you're going for, you are an uber-success!! :-)

Olivia J. Herrell, writing as O.J. Barré said...

Elana, great post! I dislike preaching posts. Occasionally these are okay, but when the 'preacher' goes on for days and days about this thing or that thing that I have no interest in, I lose interest and stop going back.

Another peeve are bloggers who are so in love with their own personal opinion that they crap on commenters who have a different one. I once found a blog I really liked. I commented. I followed.

She reciprocated by visiting my blog. She didn't follow, which in and of itself is fine. But she left a rather scathing comment. Which was her opinion, in her own little world. I gave her the benefit of the doubt and left her comment, handled it with kid gloves. But I never went back to her blog.

Another rule in blogging: Be nice. Dont hurt people.

Hmm, how'd I get off on that rant? Sorry.

I joined your experiment. Though I feel very unqualified. We'll see what happens.

Thank you for all you do!
~that rebel, Olivia

Zoe C. Courtman said...

Totes joining the great experiment :D The blogs I find myself reading are those with writing insights that are unique and compelling, enthusiastic book reviews and blogs with big ol personalities on display.

ali cross said...

Another great post, E! And hey, not like you need it or anything, but I left you a gift on my blog today! http://alicross.blogspot.com/2010/09/you-like-me-you-really-like-me.html

Colene Murphy said...

Great ideas! Excited to participate in the blogfest!

Lindsay said...

Great post, Elana.

I know I like the blogs where I can connect with the person. It's not about getting in with every corner of their life. It's about connection.

Connecting to the writing community, learning new things and not just selling our books. I like feeling that I'm visiting friends, not a marketing campaign. :)

Carol Kilgore said...

Why is it the posts we think will be duds are so popular? I haven't figured that out either. Great ideas here. Thanks.

Nichole Giles said...

Okay, so I signed up. Will be out of town on that day, though, so will have to schedule it in advance and probably won't make it to comment for a few days. But this is a great idea, as always.

Arlee Bird said...

I like to learn about people and what they think but not in daily everlasting detail. I don't want too much information about kids and pets and such and only if it is written in an interesting way and can somehow be connected to an idea that has more universal interest.

I blog about many things. I like having a daily schedule of themes where the approach of each day is sightly different, but each week follows a similar pattern of features presented.

I do find the blogfests to be huge consumers of time if they are done properly. You can really gain some followers but at a considerable cost of time spent doing it.

The week that includes 9/24 is when I will be celebrating my one year blog anniversary and I have scheduled features for every day to coincide with that. Maybe I'll do it if I can figure out how to make that topic fit my postings for that week so perhaps I'll sign up later. I've already committed myself to Alex's Top 10 TV Shows on 9/20.

Lee
Tossing It Out

~Jamie said...

uhhh can you remind us like a day before :)

That's right, people... I use Elana as my personal calendar now. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Considering the extreme variety of blogs I follow, it's obvious I enjoy reading about many things. I don't read offensive, though.
As far as my posts - I'm sure I have one of the oddest author blogs out there. I'm an author ninja!

Melissa said...

For me, I love it when people shine through. When I get to know them more. I mean most of the people I connect with are writers, we're all at different stages but we're going through the same kind of stuff. I find a kind of understand and support for writing and all that entails online that I can't get in real life. This is so important to me. I also love the tips and though I, unfortunately, lack a little on the commenting on the book reviews, I do love reading them because I tend to find a lot of books I'm interested in that I may not have found otherwise.

Nicole Zoltack said...

Name recognition is key. It's why I blog and why I'm trying to grow my followship. And all the more reason why I love that you three are blogging about blogging this week. I'm trying to grow as a blogger and you all are helping me so much.

Daron D. Fraley said...

I read your blog because you are funny. And you come up with cool words like awesomesauce. And I would like to be just like you except that I would have to spend more time at the salon and then talk about my hair. And my hair just isn't that interesting. So I agree with you on this one. I'll just have to be me.

Southpaw said...

I really like personable posts. I personally don’t know how to write one. LOL I’ve written hundreds of informational/technical articles for this and that and it seems hard for me to break that tone….
W i l l try harder…

I like the idea that we are selling ourselves, making our name recognizable to someone.

Southpaw said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Janet Johnson said...

I always enjoy your excellent advice. And interesting experiment. Should be fun.

I like reading stories. Especially funny ones. The blogs I like best always have a bit of personal. Definitely makes it more interesting.

Angela McCallister said...

I like blog posts that either make me laugh or make me learn, and not necessarily about writing. I enjoy learning about the other writers I follow. I actually prefer it when they offer variety, a sprinkling of personal in with the writerly stuff. You get to know people better that way.

I agree that too-long posts are usually a bad thing, and I'm also guilty of that. Still working on the "cutting down" skills ;)

Travis Erwin said...

Great advice. i go in cycle with my blogging. Sometimes it is easy other times I struggle for a single worthwhile post.

Susan R. Mills said...

I love this post. I think we all struggle with what to post about from time to time. You've given great advice here. Thanks! Can't wait for the 24th.

Patti said...

I don't mind reading about anything as long as it isn't two pages long. Like I've seen you say, short blog posts are good.

I agree with you on name recognition. When I first started I wanted to name my blog something cute like "The Write Stuff" but my husband told me just to name it Patti Nielson, because that's what your promoting.

Terry Stonecrop said...

Good advice. I'm liking this series.

I like to keep my blog humorous for the most part. I keep trying to make my posts shorter. I only blog once a week but I know how hard it is to fit in the time to follow all the blogs, even weekly ones, so short is sweet:)

Jen said...

Sounds like fun! I'm in.

I love when people are real in their blogs. When they have a focus but they're not afriad to veer off on tangents to take you inside their world.

Lord knows I veer off a LOT!

Cheers,
Jen

RaShelle Workman said...

I started blogging because I was lonely and wanted to meet other writers. Isn't that sad? Stay-at-home-mom here.

But that makes total sense to blog to get your name out.

It's fun meeting others who have similar interests. For me writing and reading and movies and . . . did I mention writing?! LOL

Anonymous said...

This post is full of win.

I like to read most things on a blog, as long as posts are not too long. Length is important to me since I read several blogs a day.

Karen Lange said...

Such good stuff. You do realize this series gives me more ideas of stuff to blog about, right?

So many perks to blogging. For example, had I not started blogging, I'd not have met you. Unless we bumped into each other at the store while both reaching for the pretzel M&M's.

Sangu Mandanna said...

I love that you say we can and should blog about anything! There are so many rules about blogging - stick to a subject, don't talk about your cat, etc - that it's nice to be told you CAN talk about anything. Why shouldn't you, as long as you make it interesting?

(Okay, so it's hard to tell if I could make my nonexistent cat sound interesting, but I'd totally give it my best shot if I had one!)

Thanks for this post!

Sara B. Larson said...

What a fun blogging challenge! I will definitely take part in it. :) These are all such informative posts on how you blog, and I for one, am very grateful for them! I definitely have times where I can't think of what to post, I think we all do. I guess all we can do is hope that what we come up with will be worth something to at least one reader.

Kelly Polark said...

Excellent advice and post. And I am darn glad to know you!
Hmmm, first I need to make sure I can write a compelling post about Compelling Characters before I sign up for this...

Melody said...

*signing up* :) Can't wait!! Hmmm, what to say, what to say...

This was a really good post. It made me feel better about occasionally posting random stuff that is only writing-related by a very, very thin thread.

Krispy said...

I struggle with what to blog all the time. It's probably the thing I spend the most time freaking out about.

In any case, I'm signed up! It's been a while since my last non-random Friday! :) Excited!

Gail said...

Will some one remind me???

I am signing to list.

N. R. Williams said...

Very good post, now if I could just learn how to juggle it all.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Jan Markley said...

I offer tips about writing by blogging about where writing meets life ... or life meets writing!

Anonymous said...

These continue to be such great, informative posts. I've been blogging for a while and am just beginning to gain momentum, so this is the perfect time for me receive this information. I think The Great Blogging Experiment sounds like a marvelous idea!

Also, yay for Glee and Adam Lambert! I'm relatively new to your blog and happy to see that you like them.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm always a bit nervous about giving too much away about myself. Probably because I think I'm boring. lol. So I try to stick to writing tips. I give most of me in the comments. I'll try and put more of me in my posts and see what happens...eek.
Lyn
W.I.P. It: A Writer's Journey

Melanie said...

Interesting post. Never really thought about blogging in terms of "selling myself." That actually makes blogging a whole lot easier for me. I was concerned that people wouldn't be interested in joining my blog because I don't want to just talk about writing. There are so many people talking about writing who actually know what the hell they're talking about. This new perspective takes a lot of pressure off of me. I love all things art, writing being one of them and the one I'm pursuing at this time in my life, but I want to discuss television and cinema, art and photography, books and music videos because all those things are me.

What I like in a blog is one that from day to day, changes things up. Meaning, one day I'm offered some really great advice regarding writing, landing good agents, query and synopsis development and all that good stuff and then another day on someone's blog, there is something that makes me roar in laughter. Something that happened to them or an experience they had that doesn't necessarily have to do with life. I actually joined one girls blog because she had a post that showed a cup of iced Starbucks coffee with four straws connected on top of each other and her blurb about her standing on her chair in the middle of Starbucks to drink it and how patient her father was with her silliness and how the cup then spilled. It was a blog I wanted to follow. Not because of her writing, but because of her.

Anonymous said...

this is cool I have 5 daily blogs about music, movies, authors, entertainment, celebrities, tv shows and novels that I'm writing.

the idea girl says on word press

idea girl consulting on word press

the calamity girl on word press


the munroe mansion on word press

the munroe series on word press

those are 5, then I'm on all the social networks and squidoo.

My object was to create an author's platform, write novels, and get them published. I'm currently looking for a Literary Agent (sending Queries) for women's fiction and Historical Romance Fiction Novels.

Carolyn V. said...

Sweet! I'm #74. What a great idea Elana!

I think you had it right when you said we are selling who we are, not our books. It is so true. =)

Jai Joshi said...

Great thoughts on what to blog about.

I started my own blog after thinking a long time about what I wanted to do with it and my first post was a mission statement. I decided that I'd use my blog as a way to explore the power of storytelling, since that is what is most important to me about being a writer. I think about that mission statement with every post.

Jai

Jai Joshi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jemi Fraser said...

Fun stuff! What a great idea :)

I enjoy most blog topics - but the ones where folks rant and say things I know they're going to regret later make me really uncomfortable.

Ishta Mercurio said...

OMG, I LOVE that poster! I want one. Now I'm going to spend a whole bunch of time that I'm supposed to spend writing looking for that poster, darn it! *shakes fist* It's okay; I forgive you, because I LOVE THAT POSTER! I feel that way a lot, too.

This was a great post; bringing "me" to my blog is a big thing I'm working on, and you had some great suggestions.

And I am totally in on the Sept. 24th topic post.

I like the way you've actively employed all of the tips you've given so far in this series: asking questions at the end, organizing blogfests, etc. Nice subtle modelling for us. (Subtle, because you haven't at any point said, "Host blogfests, like the one I'm hosting in two weeks.") :-)

I like blogs I read to stay roughly on-topic. Not because I don't want to know people at all, but because I don't want to know everything. That said, a little bit of fun is always nice too. I don't like whole blog posts that rant, although a little bit of opinion-stating is good.

Ishta Mercurio said...

Oh, excuse me: Blogging experiment. Not blogfest. My bad.

Ishta Mercurio said...

Oh, excuse me: Blogging experiment. Not blogfest. My bad.

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

I'll play! looks like total fun!

Slamdunk said...

I tried to post a comment earlier, but blogger was not cooperating with me.

Good advice. I think blogging allows for so much creativity--we can all use it to play to our strengths while developing other areas. It did feel better once I got started and began trying different things as some work better than others.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I try for truth in advertising. WRITING IN THE CROSSHAIRS is my blog, so writing has to be part of the post in some fashion.

Like you, I want to create a true image of me as an author. (Dreams of Stephen King dropping by my blog, reading my post, and saying, "I've got to get this guy published!") Yeah, I also buy Lotto tickets.

I ask myself what would interest me as a writer, what would make me laugh or smile, what needs do I have or did I have as a beginning writer. Then, I write such a post.

I was a high school creative writing teacher and used the ghosts of famous writers to engage the students. I thought it'd be fun if I did it on my blog.

H.P. Lovecraft's ghost shows up tomorrow. Cue the spooky music.

I'm looking forward to joining your blogfest. Have a great weekend. And wish VR congratulations. She just got an agent!!!! Roland

Mary Grace said...

Nice post! I am a new blogger, just started 2 months ago after a long time of absence from blogging. I just recently decided to do it seriously. And yes I am confused, but reading your post gave me a certain light. I would certainly remember your post! :)

The Writer said...

I *heart* despair.com. I think I could seriously decorate an entire office building with product from that site.

Genius. Thanks for the post.

Claire Goverts said...

I really enjoyed this post and am looking forward to the Great Blogging Experiment.

Unknown said...

You give great advice--which I'm trying to follow! :) I can't wait to read what everyone does for the Blog Experiment. Should be totally cool.

Unknown said...

I'm a gleaner. I enjoy reading other people's post more than I enjoy posting to my own blog. I'm a student of the world, and writing is a big part of my world, so anything I can read and take away to help me be a better writer is worth the time spent reading.

Bast said...

I just wanted to say thanks for all the great advice this week. I've been following your tips and am really enjoying blogging. Particularly, I've been going through the list of people who have signed up for your blogging experieince -- visiting their blogs, commenting, following. It's been great! Thanks!

Belle Wong said...

What a great post - and very synchronistic, as I've been just thinking about this very thing today!

Angela said...

What a cool idea, having everyone blog about the same thing! I can't wait to read what people do with it.

Beth Fred said...

1) congrats on debut novel! 2) Blogfest sounds interesting ;).

Len Lambert said...

Hello Elana...I got your link from Jen. I love your blog! I've joined the blogfest but I'm still unsure as to how to start my post, LOL. I don't think I'm qualified to write anything at all about compelling characters...but I'd like to try :)

Nicki Elson said...

Awesome! And I think the name is marvelous.

Elizabeth Mueller said...

I'm with Jessica way up there, but I'm proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone in holding a blogfest!

I can't wait to hear others' perspectives on writing compelling characters, too. I'll be sure to whip out my notebook and take notes!

*hugs*

Denise Covey said...

Great idea, Elana. Blogfests are one of my favourite things about blogging. We learn so much, and I use them as writing exercises. It keeps me fresh and experimental. However, I've just come across this one, so it'll be difficult to write this post so it may be lame, but I'm so looking forward to reading everyone else's..:)

C. N. Nevets said...

See, earlier in the post you advised poaching. Then in the experiment you wagered a kidney that none of us would post the same thing.

Soooo.... I've been debating whether or not to poach for the experiment just to see you pay up with the appropriate organ.

But, since I feel strongly about character, I'll give in and just participate the proper way. :)

Karen Baldwin said...

I blog therefore I am.

Allison said...

Now you've got me thinking about why I blog... uh oh! Haha. The blogging experiment sounds so fun! I've never done anything like that before, so I signed up!

Anonymous said...

I just signed up- sounds really fun!

Jen said...

I seriously need to add that picture to my blog. This is a really great idea and if I wasn't opposed to posting more than one blog a day, I would jump in!

Taffy said...

Thanks for getting this blog fest hopping.

I added to the post I already had scheduled. Then I went and "poached" followers!

Adina West said...

Okay I know I was late, but I backdated my post to 24th. Am I too late to be added to the list? My excuse is I happened across this blog (and this post) only today. Love your blog by the way.

Anyway, I've written a post on Creating Compelling Characters (how could I resist all those 'C's?)

http://adinawest.blogspot.com/2010/09/writing-compelling-characters.html

Adina West
www.adinawest.blogspot.com

Julie Musil said...

I love reading writing blogs because it reminds me I'm not alone on this crazy, wild ride. And I blog about things I'm thinking about or going through at the time, and I'm always amazed about how much we all have in common.

By the way, Seinfeld is one of my all time faves.

Anonymous said...

Hi Elana, I love blogs I can identify with, that make me think or laugh even. I too am not keen on over-long blog posts. I love colourful posts that are illustrated. I wrote my own 'why I blog post' recently too :O) http://scribbleandedit.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-blog.html

Liz Czukas said...

I hope you guys do another Great Blogging Experiment sometime! This was great fun.

- Liz

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