1. Read other people's blogs.
When I first started blogging, I was obsessed with reading other people's blogs as well. It was how I got most of my followers.
I don't have the time to read blogs the way I used to, but the times when I make the time to, I usually get more page views and comments than the times when I don't.
People want to get to know you when you take an interest in what they have to say first.
Also, sometimes you get the opportunity to link to your blog post in comments (when it's relevant) and that can drive more traffic to your blog as well.
2. Tweet your blog posts and post them to facebook.
No one will know you updated your blog unless you tell them about it.
3. Exchange Links.
Exchanged links is an easy and passive way to advertise your blog to other people's followers.
In fact, if you'd like to exchange links with me, just add a link to this blog on your site and e-mail me at deathauthor@live.com with the link you want to exchange and I will add you as well. There are directions about it if you scroll down and look at the menu to the right of this post.
4. Write about relevant issues and popular entertainment.
If you write about things that people are already discussing in other areas of life, your words will be more real to them. Because they want to read more information about that popular movie or that item on the news, they will be more likely to read your blog posts. Also, people searching for those things on google might get your blog as a result.
And if those popular movies or news items are similar to what you try to blog about regularly, then that's even better!
5. Find your audience.
Know what type of people you are blogging for. When you know your audience and what they like, it will be easier to hook them and know where to find new readers.
6. Be quick and don't repeat yourself.
Sometimes when we want to explain a point and feel it's very important, we'll reword our thoughts over and over again. The less words you use to express your ideas, the more people are going to read your entire blog post.
7. Make lists.
If I had written all this information as one giant chunk of paragraphs, your eyes would be glazing over right now. Because I made it a list, its quicker and easier to read (because there's so many breaks between each idea!)
8. Use pictures and memes.
Pictures are a quick way to entertain people. Most people have shorter attention spans on the internet than they do other places, so inserting images randomly can help keep them focused and reading.
9. Be personal.
Talk about yourself when you blog. Give examples from your own life when explaining information to people.
I used to try to keep personal stuff out of my blog as much as possible. I wrote about writing and how to do it without involving anecdotes or feelings
When I changed all that, by far, people started reading my blog more. In fact, the post that blogger tells me is my most viewed post is the one I wrote about Ten Random Facts About Me.
10. Participate in other blogs and host other bloggers on your own blog.
Don't just read other blogs-participate in the activities they have going on! Whether it's contests, guest posts, or interviews. I've formed friendships with other bloggers when we've exchanged interviews with each other or guest posts.
Being featured on another blog will expose you to readers you wouldn't already have and when you feature other bloggers on your own blog, they often post links to it on their social media sites, which also drives traffic to your blog.
They often start to read my blog on occasion as well.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Parents and Publishing
On Thanksgiving of 2012, I decided to self-publish my novel and here was how I announced the news to my parents:
"I self-published my Medusa novel. It's called Medusa's Desire, but you're not allowed to read it."
It was similar to what I said when I created a blog, a twitter, and a facebook.
"Guess what? I have thousands of followers on twitter, but you're not allowed to read anything I tweet."
I made my mother promise that she wouldn't allow my Dad to read my novel. My Mom and I have had honest discussions about sex, so it wasn't as bad if she read it as if my Dad read it. Although I was pretty sure I would die if she did because guaranteed, she would come up to me later and say something humiliating about it. She might even start mentioning a scene over and over again in public places just to embarrass me because she thinks its funny.
Like,"Haha! Remember when Perseus and Medusa fooled around under that table?"
And then I'd die a little inside.
The reason I don't want my parents to read the stuff I write is because I would start censoring myself and not being true to my writing style if I felt they might read the things I wrote.
But still, my Dad is so proud of me that he monitors my book's page on Amazon every day. He checks it more than I do! He always knows when I have a new review. He even looks at my ranking. Sometimes he comes up to me and says,"You just sold a book today, didn't you?" And he's always right about it.
The day I got my first one star review, I was fine. I read it and felt like I could sympathize with the reviewers points. I had prepared for awhile for my first one-star review and it really wasn't that bad.
But then I thought about it for a moment and remembered that my Dad reads all my reviews. He's always bragging when I get a five-star or four-star review to me the next day. So how is he going to handle it when I get a one-star review? I panicked.
I think for many authors when they get their first one-star review, they seek out comfort for themselves. I immediately wanted to find my Dad instead and make him feel better.
"Dad! Dad!" I shouted when I found him.
He looked kind of confused. "What?"
"I got a one-star review. Did you read it?"
"Yes."
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, but only because I read that post on your blog that you wrote about how you were okay with receiving one star reviews. You're right. Without one star reviews, the reviews on Amazon aren't balanced."
That post is located here.
At first I was relieved, my Dad was okay and wasn't upset about my one-star review. But then realization hit me and I crossed my arms. "Dad! Are you reading my blog? You know you aren't allowed to!"
"I only read that one post, I swear!"
I eyed him skeptically and I'm still a bit skeptical about it, but I decided that I have to stay true to myself as a writer regardless and still write blog posts uncensored.
But being a writer and dealing with your parents definitely complicates things.
"I self-published my Medusa novel. It's called Medusa's Desire, but you're not allowed to read it."
It was similar to what I said when I created a blog, a twitter, and a facebook.
"Guess what? I have thousands of followers on twitter, but you're not allowed to read anything I tweet."
I made my mother promise that she wouldn't allow my Dad to read my novel. My Mom and I have had honest discussions about sex, so it wasn't as bad if she read it as if my Dad read it. Although I was pretty sure I would die if she did because guaranteed, she would come up to me later and say something humiliating about it. She might even start mentioning a scene over and over again in public places just to embarrass me because she thinks its funny.
Like,"Haha! Remember when Perseus and Medusa fooled around under that table?"
And then I'd die a little inside.
The reason I don't want my parents to read the stuff I write is because I would start censoring myself and not being true to my writing style if I felt they might read the things I wrote.
But still, my Dad is so proud of me that he monitors my book's page on Amazon every day. He checks it more than I do! He always knows when I have a new review. He even looks at my ranking. Sometimes he comes up to me and says,"You just sold a book today, didn't you?" And he's always right about it.
The day I got my first one star review, I was fine. I read it and felt like I could sympathize with the reviewers points. I had prepared for awhile for my first one-star review and it really wasn't that bad.
But then I thought about it for a moment and remembered that my Dad reads all my reviews. He's always bragging when I get a five-star or four-star review to me the next day. So how is he going to handle it when I get a one-star review? I panicked.
I think for many authors when they get their first one-star review, they seek out comfort for themselves. I immediately wanted to find my Dad instead and make him feel better.
"Dad! Dad!" I shouted when I found him.
He looked kind of confused. "What?"
"I got a one-star review. Did you read it?"
"Yes."
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, but only because I read that post on your blog that you wrote about how you were okay with receiving one star reviews. You're right. Without one star reviews, the reviews on Amazon aren't balanced."
That post is located here.
At first I was relieved, my Dad was okay and wasn't upset about my one-star review. But then realization hit me and I crossed my arms. "Dad! Are you reading my blog? You know you aren't allowed to!"
"I only read that one post, I swear!"
I eyed him skeptically and I'm still a bit skeptical about it, but I decided that I have to stay true to myself as a writer regardless and still write blog posts uncensored.
But being a writer and dealing with your parents definitely complicates things.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Cover Reveal: Pandora's Mistake
Just thought I'd share the cover with you guys for my next book (a novella and prequel) called Pandora's Mistake. It will be available for free.
It's about Pandora and the real reason she opened the box-to save her true love.
It's about Pandora and the real reason she opened the box-to save her true love.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Interview with Georgina Hannan
I'd like to welcome YA Horror Romance author, Georgina Hannan to our blog.
1. When did you first start writing?
I started writing when I was about fourteen. I started a romance story in a collection of notebooks and my friend joined in with me for a bit. Unfortunately a lot of that story was lost so I have been re-writing it and updating it ever since.
2. Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
No, I used to want to be a teacher!
3. What drew you to writing young adult stories?
Well as I started when I was fourteen it was my age group and still is just. I like writing about the way younger people see and feel about relationships and situations as it’s a lot different to an adult.
4. Where does your inspiration for these stories come from?
Good question! I’m not really sure, sometimes it’s just a random idea or its adapted from a dream or an advert or something in my life.
5. What has your experience been like publishing with Fast-Print.net?
They have been very good and very helpful. There have been a few teething issues but mostly they have been very accommodating and I would recommend them.
6. What was your favourite chapter to write and why?
My favourite chapter would probably have to be Chapter 8 as I enjoyed writing it from different views. I won’t say any more than that J
7. Where is your favourite place to write?
My favourite place is my bedroom at my desk, which I just recently set-up J
8. Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? i.e. You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?
My only routine is I sit at my desk and I have to listen to music otherwise I become distracted by the TV programmes.
9. Do you use a computer/laptop for your first draft or are you a pen and paper writer?
I used to use pen and paper as I knew I’d always have it with me, however I hated typing it all up so I use my laptop now.
10. How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
The characters are usually a mixture of names I like and surnames of random people or first names of people I know with different surnames.
11. Did you learn anything from writing your book? What was it?
I learnt more about the Dartmoor area and the places available to visit there. I also learnt that editing is very hard but very rewarding.
12. How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
Not that long a few months or so really. It’s the editing that takes the longest for me.
13. Can you describe the feeling you had when you saw your published book for the first time?
I was ecstatic! I was so very excited and I kept touching it and showing it to everyone.
14. Who are some of your favourite authors?
Lauren Kate, Karen Mahoney, JK Rowling, and many more.
15. Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?
Yes I have, not sure there are many writers out there who can say they haven’t! I tend to do a few things; mess around on Facebook for a bit, text a few of my friends and family, make a nice hot chocolate and re-read what I have written. If that still doesn’t work then I put a film on and go back it after it. There has only been one occasion where I had to give up trying for the day as it just wasn’t happening.
16. What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?
Keep at it. Try editing your own work before giving it to a professional as it makes you so much closer to your own work and teaches you a skill.
17. Would you share a deep dark secret about you with us?
A deep dark secret, gosh I’m not sure I can think of one! Let’s see... I once tried writing a raunchy scene but I made myself feel embarrassed so deleted it!
Georgina Hannan's novel, Cursed, is available in both paperback and ebook formats. It's worth taking a look at.
Blurb:
A young adult story about a group of four friends who embark on a holiday together to the gorgeous countryside of Dartmoor, Devon. Each of them hoping for an adventure, something they will always remember. However it isn’t long before they get want they want.
The group are plagued by noises after hearing the myths and legends of the area. Is it just their overactive imaginations or is there a visitor in the spare room who is trying to get their attention?
Join the group on a spectacular journey as they discover what Dartmoor has to offer.
Purchase on Smashwords or Amazon.
Ebook:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cursed-Series-ebook/dp/B00BH2KRVM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361265359&sr=8-2
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/287374
Paperback:
www.fast-print.net/bookshop/1247/Cursed
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cursed-Georgina-Hannan/dp/1780355289/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360614266&sr=8-1
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Cursed-Georgina-Hannan/9781780355283
Visit the author online.
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9718655-georgina
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorGeorgina
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Georgina-Hannan/418399218236108?ref=hl
Blog: http://authorworld.wordpress.com
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/authorgeorgina/
1. When did you first start writing?
I started writing when I was about fourteen. I started a romance story in a collection of notebooks and my friend joined in with me for a bit. Unfortunately a lot of that story was lost so I have been re-writing it and updating it ever since.
2. Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
No, I used to want to be a teacher!
3. What drew you to writing young adult stories?
Well as I started when I was fourteen it was my age group and still is just. I like writing about the way younger people see and feel about relationships and situations as it’s a lot different to an adult.
4. Where does your inspiration for these stories come from?
Good question! I’m not really sure, sometimes it’s just a random idea or its adapted from a dream or an advert or something in my life.
5. What has your experience been like publishing with Fast-Print.net?
They have been very good and very helpful. There have been a few teething issues but mostly they have been very accommodating and I would recommend them.
6. What was your favourite chapter to write and why?
My favourite chapter would probably have to be Chapter 8 as I enjoyed writing it from different views. I won’t say any more than that J
7. Where is your favourite place to write?
My favourite place is my bedroom at my desk, which I just recently set-up J
8. Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? i.e. You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?
My only routine is I sit at my desk and I have to listen to music otherwise I become distracted by the TV programmes.
9. Do you use a computer/laptop for your first draft or are you a pen and paper writer?
I used to use pen and paper as I knew I’d always have it with me, however I hated typing it all up so I use my laptop now.
10. How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
The characters are usually a mixture of names I like and surnames of random people or first names of people I know with different surnames.
11. Did you learn anything from writing your book? What was it?
I learnt more about the Dartmoor area and the places available to visit there. I also learnt that editing is very hard but very rewarding.
12. How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
Not that long a few months or so really. It’s the editing that takes the longest for me.
13. Can you describe the feeling you had when you saw your published book for the first time?
I was ecstatic! I was so very excited and I kept touching it and showing it to everyone.
14. Who are some of your favourite authors?
Lauren Kate, Karen Mahoney, JK Rowling, and many more.
15. Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?
Yes I have, not sure there are many writers out there who can say they haven’t! I tend to do a few things; mess around on Facebook for a bit, text a few of my friends and family, make a nice hot chocolate and re-read what I have written. If that still doesn’t work then I put a film on and go back it after it. There has only been one occasion where I had to give up trying for the day as it just wasn’t happening.
16. What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?
Keep at it. Try editing your own work before giving it to a professional as it makes you so much closer to your own work and teaches you a skill.
17. Would you share a deep dark secret about you with us?
A deep dark secret, gosh I’m not sure I can think of one! Let’s see... I once tried writing a raunchy scene but I made myself feel embarrassed so deleted it!
Georgina Hannan's novel, Cursed, is available in both paperback and ebook formats. It's worth taking a look at.
Blurb:
A young adult story about a group of four friends who embark on a holiday together to the gorgeous countryside of Dartmoor, Devon. Each of them hoping for an adventure, something they will always remember. However it isn’t long before they get want they want.
The group are plagued by noises after hearing the myths and legends of the area. Is it just their overactive imaginations or is there a visitor in the spare room who is trying to get their attention?
Join the group on a spectacular journey as they discover what Dartmoor has to offer.
Purchase on Smashwords or Amazon.
Ebook:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cursed-Series-ebook/dp/B00BH2KRVM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361265359&sr=8-2
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/287374
Paperback:
www.fast-print.net/bookshop/1247/Cursed
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cursed-Georgina-Hannan/dp/1780355289/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360614266&sr=8-1
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Cursed-Georgina-Hannan/9781780355283
Visit the author online.
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9718655-georgina
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorGeorgina
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Georgina-Hannan/418399218236108?ref=hl
Blog: http://authorworld.wordpress.com
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/authorgeorgina/
Monday, February 18, 2013
Contest!
Visit T.J. Loveless' blog within the next four days to enter a contest to win a copy of my novel for free, a mousepad, and a mug!
Click Here To Visit TJ Loveless' blog to enter the contest
Click Here To Visit TJ Loveless' blog to enter the contest
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Four Tricks For Getting More Retweets
Besides making your tweets interesting, here are some tricks to get people to retweet you more...
1. Don't tweet the same thing over and over again.
I don't use any sites where I schedule tweets ahead of time, so they can be posted for me. If you see me tweeting something it means I was at my computer during that very moment typing it up. While I think there is nothing wrong with scheduling tweets, if you're going to do it, make sure no one can tell that you do.
There's this guy that I follow and I remember laughing at a quote he posted and retweeting it. The thing is, I saw that quote again the next day and the day after that and the day after that. He had obviously scheduled that same quote to be posted over and over again. I almost unfollowed him for it because I didn't feel like he was really there. I knew he used some web-site to post his thoughts, while I wanted to talk to a person.
I didn't unfollow him, but I never retweeted him again. He's already retweeting himself, so he doesn't need me to help him with it.
Even announcements of your book can be reworded every time. One day, talk about how cheap your book is and provide a link to it. Another day, post a link to a blog review. You can also post various quotes from the book or reviews, changing them daily. Or write a new short blurb every time. Write interesting facts about your book or announce a price drop.
Change it and don't do it too often, so people feel like they are talking to a person instead of a robot.
2. Tweet Quotes or Funny Thoughts
Liuks are nice and I click on them occasionally when I'm on twitter, but far more than anything, I enjoy reading a short sentence about people's thoughts or a funny quote they came across.
On twitter, everything happens so quickly that even someone with a great attention span has trouble concentrating on any tweet for long.
So don't post links all the time. Break it up with your thoughts or silly ideas you've come across. People will remember you more and be entertained by you. They'll be more likely to retweet you and read your links when those do show-up.
3. Make it into a game.
One way I get a lot of retweets is by making my tweets into a game. "Retweet this if you believe in ghosts, favorite it if you disagree." People love to give their opinions and it only takes a second for them to do so. So they'll love participating in this challenge and you'll get several retweets about it!
Relate the question to you as a person and what you are trying to represent on twitter. For instance, I am a writer and I want to reach readers, so I might ask something like "Retweet if you love e-books, favorite if you prefer paperback." I make the retweet about e-books because all I have available is e-books and I want people who like e-books and their friends to read my tweet.
Try it! It's fun to read people's opinions too!
4. Retweet other people
People are more open-minded to giving back to people who gave to them first as well.
And a list of things not to do . . .
1. Do not beg for retweets
It makes you seem desperate. Not only that, but people might judge you. Why should I retweet someone who has to beg to get retweets?
2. Do not demand retweets
If you demand that someone retweet you because you retweet them all the time (or feel that they owe you a favor in some way), then all you are going to do is lose a friendship. They'll think you have a bad attitude. Do things for others not expecting anything in return and they'll often give you stuff in return anyway. But not everyone will.
1. Don't tweet the same thing over and over again.
I don't use any sites where I schedule tweets ahead of time, so they can be posted for me. If you see me tweeting something it means I was at my computer during that very moment typing it up. While I think there is nothing wrong with scheduling tweets, if you're going to do it, make sure no one can tell that you do.
There's this guy that I follow and I remember laughing at a quote he posted and retweeting it. The thing is, I saw that quote again the next day and the day after that and the day after that. He had obviously scheduled that same quote to be posted over and over again. I almost unfollowed him for it because I didn't feel like he was really there. I knew he used some web-site to post his thoughts, while I wanted to talk to a person.
I didn't unfollow him, but I never retweeted him again. He's already retweeting himself, so he doesn't need me to help him with it.
Even announcements of your book can be reworded every time. One day, talk about how cheap your book is and provide a link to it. Another day, post a link to a blog review. You can also post various quotes from the book or reviews, changing them daily. Or write a new short blurb every time. Write interesting facts about your book or announce a price drop.
Change it and don't do it too often, so people feel like they are talking to a person instead of a robot.
2. Tweet Quotes or Funny Thoughts
Liuks are nice and I click on them occasionally when I'm on twitter, but far more than anything, I enjoy reading a short sentence about people's thoughts or a funny quote they came across.
On twitter, everything happens so quickly that even someone with a great attention span has trouble concentrating on any tweet for long.
So don't post links all the time. Break it up with your thoughts or silly ideas you've come across. People will remember you more and be entertained by you. They'll be more likely to retweet you and read your links when those do show-up.
3. Make it into a game.
One way I get a lot of retweets is by making my tweets into a game. "Retweet this if you believe in ghosts, favorite it if you disagree." People love to give their opinions and it only takes a second for them to do so. So they'll love participating in this challenge and you'll get several retweets about it!
Relate the question to you as a person and what you are trying to represent on twitter. For instance, I am a writer and I want to reach readers, so I might ask something like "Retweet if you love e-books, favorite if you prefer paperback." I make the retweet about e-books because all I have available is e-books and I want people who like e-books and their friends to read my tweet.
Try it! It's fun to read people's opinions too!
4. Retweet other people
People are more open-minded to giving back to people who gave to them first as well.
And a list of things not to do . . .
1. Do not beg for retweets
It makes you seem desperate. Not only that, but people might judge you. Why should I retweet someone who has to beg to get retweets?
2. Do not demand retweets
If you demand that someone retweet you because you retweet them all the time (or feel that they owe you a favor in some way), then all you are going to do is lose a friendship. They'll think you have a bad attitude. Do things for others not expecting anything in return and they'll often give you stuff in return anyway. But not everyone will.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Romantic Reading Challenge 2013 Canceled
For personal reasons, I have decided to delete my romantic reading challenge reviews for this year. I will not be posting anymore. But I will still keep reading and hope you read along with me!
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