Blogging is alive and well.
I’m surprised by how many writers feel they’re wasting time by building connections within the writing community. Where do they think book reviewers hang out?
As a reader, I’ve found many fantastic new reads thanks to the reviews I’ve read on blogging sites.
As an author, I follow blogs like Writers in the Storm and Story Empire to learn my craft. I’ve also learned the blogging community is open and friendly- always happy to welcome newcomers into their midst.
It’s a good way to build SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for your website, too! By commenting on other blogs, you’ll soon find your own stats will grow, along with your connections, so… win-win 🙂
A good way to do this is to make use of the WordPress Reader- you can find this on the top left of your website.
You can choose the posts you follow or do a search for those you’re interested in. I even follow the local news stations from there!
One of the best benefits to blogging are the friends you can make from all over the world. I’ve met people from South Africa, Sicily, England, France, the U.S and Canada. And the amazing thing is- we all love books!
One such friend recently read my new release, Skating on Thin Ice, and posted an amazing review. Here it is- in part from Staci Troilo’s awesome blog:
When a romantic suspense (one of my favorite genres) set in the hockey world (one of my favorite past times) was released by one of my favorite authors (Jacquie Biggar), I had to bump it in the queue. And like Letang’s slapshot through a goalie’s five-hole, I blazed through it. Here are my thoughts:
★★★★★ She Shoots and Scores!
Jacquie Biggar has done it again. I have yet another new book boyfriend—Mac Wanowski, captain of the Victoria WarHawks hockey team.
Mac is the perfect guy—a body that won’t quit, a quick wit to match, intelligent, chivalrous, and just damaged enough to tug your heartstrings without wanting to bash him over the head for his stupidity. (Well, not too often, anyway.)
Sam is his perfect match—strong, smart, quick-tempered, sassy, big-hearted. And she has a past with true heartache and a present with secrets that make her just a little mysterious.
If they gave a Stanley Cup to authors, Biggar would deserve one for this story.
Blurb:
Sam Walters has made a deal with the devil.
In order to win a much-needed contract as physical therapist to one of the NHL’s leading hockey teams, Sam must delay the recovery of their sniper, Mac Wanowski. The trouble is, the more she gets to know the taciturn hockey player, the more she aches to help him.
Mac ‘The Hammer’ Wanowski chased the Stanley Cup dream for too many years. Last time he was close it had cost him his wife. As injuries continue to plague the team, Mac works to catch a killer and keep the woman he’s come to love from the hands of a madman.
Hockey can be a dangerous sport, especially when millions of dollars are at stake.
As you can see, the blogging community is a valuable resource. One you, as a writer, cannot afford to ignore!
You can also read Skating on Thin Ice in an upcoming anthology published by authors from The Authors’ Billboard- A Night She’ll Remember
Available March 31st!
Lives change as passions flare when nine USA Today Bestselling Authors share tales of intrigue, hints of suspense and new romance guaranteed to keep you reading.
Second chances, broken engagements, accidents, misled information and opposites attract are just some of what you’ll find within the passion-filled pages of A Night She’ll Remember.
Be sure to check out our Authors’ Billboard Monthly Contests for free ebooks, gift cards, and paperbacks.
Join the Authors' Billboard Newsletter mailing list and get a newsletter filled with new releases and books on sale every Friday.
Start out your subscription with a free book!
JACQUIE BIGGAR is a USA Today bestselling author of Romantic Suspense who loves to write about tough, alpha males and strong, contemporary women willing to show their men that true power comes from love.
Jacquie lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and loves to hear from readers all over the world!
Free reads, excerpts, author news, and contests can be found on her web site:
http://jacqbiggar.com
I couldn’t agree more about networking, Jacquie. I, too, have made contacts and valued friends all around the world.
I’m pleased my review meant so much to you. Wishing you much success with the novel and the box set.
Thanks, Staci. Your lovely review blew my socks off (or should I say skates? lol)
Meeting you all, even if it is only online, has brightened this introvert’s heart <3
I feel the same way. <3
The internet is so fantastic for making connections around the world. Like you, I value those friendships immensely. I’m thrilled to hear you find the Story Empire blog so helpful. I too follow Writers in the Storm as well as many others. Best of luck with your writing and your books, Jacquie 😊
Thanks, Harmony! Story Empire is a fabulous blog, congrats to all of you!
I only wish I had more time to read blogs since so many have helpful and informative topics. Wish I could read more reviews on blog sites too. Glad you find Story Empire helpful!
Yes, if only there were more hours in a day! I’m lucky in that I’m retired and can devote large chunks of time to the marketing aspect of writing (which blogs help with immensely!). I know many have full-time jobs and have to prioritize their time- and still get more done than I do, lol
I love the blog world. I’ve made so many friends there, and met some fantastic authors. Thrilled that you mentioned the Story Empire blog today.
It’s one of my go-to’s, Craig- like your site 🙂
Yes, there are some fantastic writers in the blogging community and it’s awesome that they’re willing to share trade ‘secrets’, too! It just goes to show how wonderful bloggers are 🙂
Pingback: Author Inspiration and This Week’s Writing Links – Staci Troilo