(sound of biting of nails) So.... Media maven and marketing genius Laura Barnes has graciously agreed to critique this blog. TODAY. I'm not really biting my nails (seriously, there's chocolate for that) because every other crit I've read from Laura is not only kind but savvy. I'm looking forward to hearing her feedback and putting it into practice. I'm also hoping there isn't a bit FAIL stamp all over my crit. Did I ever mention I have a writerly self-esteem issue? No? You look shocked. OK, let's hop over and see the damage...
Aaaand. I'm back. That wasn't too bad! Actually smart, smart feedback. But she does leave me with a question I have to noodle over - where do I want this blog to go? What is the 'next level'? Spending the rest of my Monday pondering that.
What about you? Are you happy with where your blog is? Do you find it useful or sometimes a chore or both? What do you want your blog to say about you? Who is it for? What is the meaning of life? Scratch that last question, I already know the answer to that one. 42.
Hi Alex, so nice to find your blog. Popped over from Laura Barnes's crit. I am pretty happy with where my blog is, after Laura critiqued it in January. It takes time to...figure out design and such. It seems like it would be easy! Yours looks nice. I usually read everything in Reader, so I often don't see anyone's actual blog except to leave comments.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes think blogging is a bit of a chore, but only because I'm trying to somewhat keep a schedule now, which is harder than it sounded. I *LOVE* getting feedback and the inherent interaction with other writers afforded by blogging, reading other blogs, and commenting. So I think it's worthwhile in that respect. Unsure if it helps anybody get published, but it's a useful writer network.
Hey Callie - nice to meet you. Thanks for stopping by. I think it will take me some time to implement Laura's good advice too. Especially the design elements. It's embarrassing because my husband is a graphic designer, but I didn't want to bother him with designing this. He very kindly has refrained from saying things like "Whoa! what a Mint Nightmare!' But i may have to get his help now!
DeleteI agree with you -blogs work two ways - to connect with others and to keep us (often isolated) writers involved every day in the writing world.
I agree with Callie. Blogging can be quite fun but also a chore. That's why I knew I had to limit mine to Mondays only. If not then I would end up hating it!
ReplyDeleteThat's smart to do - so you stay fresh and don't feel 'obliged' to write just anything. I find keeping (somewhat) to a schedule helps me too. My problem comes with blogfests - I have trouble saying no to them because they're usually such fun!
DeleteI have a hard time resisting blogfests, too. If it's a one-post thing, it's usually fine... that's why my schedule is "Tuesday and Surprise Day" haha. I don't commit to what that other day is going to be!
DeleteIt's gonna be nuts in April though because of COURSE I signed up for the A-Z Challenge. I'm trying to plan out posts in advance, but I still think it's gonna be hard work to not make it just like I'm spamming my followers with my daily "alphabet post."
When I got to the end of your post and read "42", I was scratching my head and wondering if perhaps I should stay off the computer tonight because I am so sleep deprived. But now, even I know the meaning of life. I am on my way to Laura's blog to read her critique. I feel the same way you do about her critiques. She always offers such useful suggestions. Blogging for me is normally fun, but when it begins to feel like a chore; I take a break. If I don't then my post reflect that I am burned out. And to answer the question about where I want my blog to go from here, I can only think of one reply: 42
ReplyDeleteI love your blog.
Hey Melissa - Isn't it a relief to know the meaning of life and the answer to everything? Phew! Now we can figure out world peace ;) Laura is such a great marketer- I love how she 'gets' blogs and author platforms. She's a pro!
ReplyDeleteI checked out Laura's review. Fun! : )
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThose are some head scratchers. Where do you see this blog? Mmuph...I will have to think on that for my personal blog. I am happy I strayed over here from A to Z lots of good questions to ponder.
ReplyDelete42...I thought it was 24. I am dyslexic though.