As a fiction writer, writing anything that doesn’t drive a plot, build a world, or establish characterization can seem counterintuitive. Why waste precious time and effort writing something that won’t sell? While blogging may no longer be a large contributor to landing paying gigs, content creation that extends beyond your main character’s travels through orc-infested badlands can be an exercise in development, self-discovery, and problem-solving. Let’s discuss how these reasons and more support the notion that fiction writers should be blogging.
1. Work Through Problems and Share Knowledge
Blogs are a great way to work through problems you’re encountering, whether it’s combating writer’s block or determining which narrative style best suits your story. It’s also a good opportunity to rediscover your writing accomplishments and share your knowledge and opinions on certain subjects. Writers are interested in the writing process, and if you’ve found a unique way to solve a common problem, others are going to want to know.
2. Self-Promote and Increase Visibility
This reason is perhaps what draws most fiction writers to blogging. Sure, we all love to share our expertise and opinions, but the real reason a lot of us blog is to increase visibility of our works. A reader who enjoys your blog may be encouraged to support you in other ways—namely, by buying your books. The more blogs you write, the better your SEO and the higher the chance of a prospective fan stumbling upon your website.
3. Network and Build a Community
Writing about the topics that interest you will attract like-minded readers. Inviting them to join an email list will ensure they’re kept up to date with your latest blogs and book releases. You can also volunteer to be a guest blogger or host a guest blogger of your own to share your audience and capture new followers. If you build up a big enough fanbase, consider hosting a chat room on an instant-messaging application such as Discord to interact real-time. An engaging writer is one that will draw loyal readers.Â
4. Exercise Expression and Creativity
Oftentimes, blogging is a shout into the void. While no one may hear it, it’s cathartic. Blogging is a great way of unloading your mind, creating space for creativity to roam. And no one says that blogging has to be made up of tiered lists and essays. Turn your blog into a collection of short stories or poetry. A blog can be whatever you want it to be. Use it to gain inspiration and foster new ideas.
5. Establish a Brand
Building a brand is not just for businesses, and as tragically corporate as this phrase sounds, this is how to shape how your audience perceives you. Regularly blogging helps your readers recognize your voice and start to piece together your personality. You want to provide a full variety of what you are as an author. A blog shows that you’re more than the books you publish. Get your readers used to the idea that you can’t be put in a box.
I’m sure most of you are thinking that blogging is "no longer a thing" these days. While I would agree that it wouldn't be a way to land paying gigs or leverage book deals, it’s a way to keep your audience informed and give them a glimpse of the real you. Of course, if you ever stop enjoying blogging, then stop. There’s no sense in doing something that doesn’t bring you joy. But if you’re eager to share your knowledge, opinions, and experiences as an author, there’s no better avenue.