I have two thoughts on this subject. The first is of course! The second is heck no! In the end I decided to put together some pros and cons discussing the matter. Feel free to jump in with more ideas!
5 Pros for Authors Owning a Blog:
- You are the editor. You can treat it like a newsletter or diary. You get to decide what goes up and what doesn’t. Want to talk about your sex life? Go ahead, but it may be a little TMI (too much information).
- You’re easy to write about. Who knows you better than you? There’s so much you can take from to inspire others with: your writing schedule, writing process, writing life, future books, etc.
- Your fan base gets a regular update on your life. They came to you, they want you, if they wanted someone else they’d go look them up and follow them.
- Everything is somehow about you. Even with guest authors, they’re your friends and acquaintances, mentors, fellow authors, publicist, etc. so while you’re sharing the floor, you’re still in the spotlight.
- Increases Your Book Sales. It’s searchable and drives traffic to your main website and your books and can very easily increase your sales.
5 Cons for Authors Owning a Blog:
- Providing constant content. How do others do it? How do they provide fun quirky content day after day to keep readers interested and coming back? It’s a heck of a lot of work and can be stressful. You could be devoting that time to writing more books or personal time.
- Building a readership for a blog is tough. Why struggle getting noticed when readers and reviewers would gladly share their blog readerships with you? When something comes to you as a great blog idea, ask one of them to host it. Chances are they’ll jump on it (see last point). You’ll get coverage (and pro point five) and they’ll get good free content. It’s a win-win deal.
- Do you really want to get that close to your readers? You love them and hearing from them, but do they really need to know what you’re doing all the time? Where’s the line between the public you and the personal you?
- You’re not internet savvy. The idea of writing a blog gives you chills. You just master Google for research and now it’s time to start a blog? Which platform should you use? Is it easy to use? Does it look professional? You wouldn’t even know where to start!
- It doesn’t sound like fun. You would much rather read other people’s blogs than write one yourself. There’s no shame in that and really there are plenty of ways to get out in front of readers. Channel your time and energy into those and relax.
Middle Ground: if options one or two aren’t for you there’s always co-opting. You can easily share a blog with fellow writers in your genre or under the same publisher. That would cut out the time you’d have to devote to upkeep in both content and promotion. Plus it gives you another way to network and reach readers.
I wanted to highlight Isabel Roman because she's always around commenting and emailing me with insightful observations. If you haven't read my review of her erotic romance novel The Dark Desires of the Druids 1: Murder and Magick you should check it out.
Keira: What is your secret guilty plot or character trope that you love beyond reason?
Isabel R: Not the thumb screws! Not that rack! Not the water! I confess! Several, if you insist on threatening me with tongue pliers or whatever it is you call them. And quit with the evil laugh!
In no particular order:
- Alpha men
- Kick-ass Heroines
- Falling gracefully to the floor as the couple kisses
- Hot mate marking—you know, werewolves/vampires marking their mates
- The wall flower at the ball with a secret
Keira: Hehe. Yes give me hot vampire/werewolf mating! Where were you when you got your first kiss?
Isabel R: My first kiss was when I was 11 under a slide I had in my backyard. He was a neighbor kid, also 11, and we'd been friends since we were in kindergarten. He moved away when he was 13 and I never saw him again.
Keira: What do you look for in a heroine? Do you like her to be similar to you, or do you want someone completely different?
Isabel R: I like both. I like someone who can make up her mind without being wishy-washy. Oh, but…gee, I don’t know…well, hmm. On the other hand, weighing pros and cons is important, too. Over all, I think I like my heroines to be strong and know what they want, but the weaknesses, that’s important.
Maybe not weaknesses, but their inner selves. Are they responsible for family members, old or young? Did they lose family and closed themselves off? Do they stop to help turtles cross the road on a major highway? Donate time and money to worthy causes? Cry at the end of The Way We Were
? Want to save the world? Change the world? Get through the next day, minute, hour in one piece and hope tomorrow is better/ Stop and stare whenever a young Marlon Brando is on, or Brendan Frasier, or Orlando Bloom? (back off, he’s mine. *G*)
Keira: Holds hands up in the air... backs away slowly. What makes up your idea of the perfect hero?
Isabel R: Can make me laugh without being an idiot jokester. Can give space when needed and stay close no matter how often the heroine pushes him away. He is there when you need him.
Keira: What is your favorite romance novel right now?
Isabel R: I try not to read romance novels when I'm working on a story. But right now, Victoria Alexander’s A Little Bit Wicked. I just read it, and it’s completely character driven (which I can’t write) and very good. Man, she’s funny! I heard her speak once at a New Jersey Romance Writer’s Conference and she’s just as funny in person. Funnier, since in her historicals, she doesn’t have to worry about contemporary language.
Keira: What romance novel are you reading now?
Isabel R: I don't read when I'm writing and at the moment I am writing all the time. But I just bought and downloaded Blood & Sex Volume 1
, Volume II
, and III by Angela Cameron. Vampires Mafia style. I’m intrigued! I just don’t know when I’ll have the chance to read them, lol.
Keira: Which book do you plan to read next?
Isabel R: I like books with action and romance when I do read for pleasure. I’d love to have a moment to read John le Carre’s back list, he’s a good writer, but his ideas are utterly fascinating. Or The Girl Who Played with Fire
by Stieg Larrson who’s debut was excellent. Hmm, I’m behind in my David Baldacci, but on the romance side, the rest of Abigail Reynolds’s P&P stories, Linda Howard’s Burn
(haven’t read her in a while). There are so many new ones, OH! Diana Gabaldon’s newest out in September I can’t remember the title. I’ve been a fan since Outlander
in what, 1991 or so. I prefer the first 3 in the series, but have to continue reading. 
Keira: How big is your TBR pile?
Isabel R: Huge. Seriously, don’t even ask. I’m a “Ooh, this looks good” reader and will buy it, or buy it for the library, and then time slips away and “Ooh, this looks good”. On the other hand, I have reference books I go through all the time and am always looking for new ones. Also, historical non-fiction is of interest.
Keira: Don't worry, you're not the only one with a big TBR pile! How do you define love?
Isabel R: Steadfast and forgiving. Accepting of all life’s quirks even if it drive you bonkers and you want to strangle the other person. Not a push over but not stubborn for stubborn sake.
Keira: What’s your favorite feature at Love Romance Passion? What do you wish was here or that there was more of on the blog?
Isabel R: Love Romance Passion is a great site! I wouldn't change a thing! I like the author interviews and the reviews of romantic movies. I’d like more book reviews of recent books, only because (see above) I’m always looking for new reads!
Keira: Thanks Isabel for sharing about yourself. I hope your day is a great one and that you continue to contribute as much as you do to Love Romance Passion!
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