Apr20

Don’t Waste Your Time Setting Up a Blog!

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Don’t Waste Your Time Setting Up a Blog!

I’ve noticed a recurring theme orbiting in blogo-sphere that applies to new writers (I still consider myself a new writer). That is, don’t waste your time setting up a blog. Rather, one should concentrate on learning the ins-and-outs of how to write, and then place fingertips on keyboard or put pen to paper and write a sizzling book.

Those points are valid, but imagine what would have happened if I didn’t set up a blog. I wouldn’t have…

The reason I blog isn’t just about building a platform to sell books or products, it’s about building relationships.

I would love to link every blog that has impacted me, but the list would be exhaustive and I’d forget someone important. To those of you who have opened portals and provided golden opportunities—thank you! 🙂

Tracy Campbell - Thank You

Along with my “Thank You” whimsical work of art, I offer two disclaimers of gratitude.

Dear Readers,

I admire and appreciate all of you! Your encouraging comments spur me to keep-on-bloggin’.

Dear Bloggers,

I admire and appreciate you too! You work tirelessly to write fantastic posts. Although I may not comment on each one, I read THEM ALL. Your posts encourage, inspire, inform and challenge me, and they make me howl with laughter and bring me to tears.

To those of you who read my fluffy posts and don’t comment—thank you! 🙂 I sense you’re reading though. Heck, I know you’re reading because I receive emails. Here’s one I must share. Don’t worry I won’t blow your cover. You may never send me another email. In fact, you might delete my blog. I’m willing to chance it.

“I just read your fur baby blog. I think I’m going into diabetic shock. If you don’t get all the awards for cutest, friendliest, most feel-good blog, then I’m Martha Stewart. And I know that you have won awards and have a decent growing following, and I think it’s great and justly deserved. This is why my blog would never take off. I can’t bring myself to do that. Also, with some of the people I know, well, they’d never let me live it down if I was so, so, happy is the word, I guess. Hell, none of my friends even know I have a blog (other than yourself).

They should link our blogs together as Black & White, Yin and Yang, Polar Opposites, or some such thing. After they get a load of my blog they can wash that bitter taste it leaves with your sparkling, refreshing and joyful blog.

You tell anyone I said all that and I’ll deny it.”

Have no fear, I received permission to post this feel-good, make my head not fit through the door, email.

So for little old me, I’m happy I started a blog! 🙂

Are you happy you started a blog? Why do you blog?

If you want to receive my free posts by email, just enter your email address in the box under “Sign Me Up!” or check off the box after you leave fabulous comments! I’ll never share your email address. 

Don’t forget to join me on my Facebook page.

P.S. Click the arrow on the sweet flower button, and you’ll be swept into My Whimsical Shop!

WHIMSICAL SHOP BUTTON

P.P.S. You can also leave comments about my Whimsical Works of Art over at my Fine Art America site. You’ll make my day!

LogoFineArtAmericaPallet

46 Responses

  1. OH Tracy, you almost had me this time. Nah, I just lost focus again. I am so very proud of your accomplishments and your encouragement. You are that wonderful little sugar cube that makes the bitterness of life more palatable. <3

  3. Hi Tracy…Reading your blog is like a good candy…so sweet and stays with you awhile…What’s life without some good candy?
    Blogs are fun and I use mine as an outlet for my artistic aspirations…Somehow, it gives me a release for my art rather than keeping it all bottled up…Blogs are whatever you want them to be…Keep writing and creating and sweetening up the world…
    karenlee recently posted..Plunge into Oblivion…My Profile

    • Hi Karen, I’m going to get a toothache from all the sweetness poring in, but I love it!
      Blogs are fun and your blog certainly shows your sparkly personality and your awesome artwork. Blogs are a lot of work as well, but anything worthwhile takes work. 🙂

  4. Hi Tracy, I quit blogging recently and it was such a relief! I think it needs to be said that blogging is not for everyone. Just like in other forms of writing, some people are better at writing columns (which is similar to blogging) and some people are better at feature or news articles. Some writers excel at fiction, some at poetry, etc. I have a couple of family members and a friend also who prefer hand-written letters, something I find difficult to do. I love to choose beautiful cards (like Tracy’s) and enjoy sending gifts but a letter feels so intimidating to me. It takes all kinds of people to make up this wonderful world and it takes all kinds of writers in our virtual world also. PS: I tweet @DoreneMeyer

    • Hi Dorene,
      I hear the relief in your words. Yes, blogging doesn’t suit everyone and we all blog for different reasons. I also find it difficult to write letters, the keyboard is my pen. I’m glad you’re putting my cards to good use. I’m chuckling at your PS. I’m not on twitter, but if I ever take the leap I’ll be sure to look you up. Are you on FB? Even though you’re not blogging, I’m so glad you left your thoughts and encouraging words. 🙂

  5. Thanks, Tracy, for your encouraging words. A random comment has left me struggling with doing a daily-ish blog. It was called unnecessary. I realize now it is really for me to ground my day. If I am able to bless someone, so much the better! Keep blogging! I love your posts!
    S

  6. I agree that blogging is about building relationships. And in a sense, it does help build a platform, because even though many of your blogger buddies may not me the ones to purchase your books, they can still help get the word out and promote them. Plus, its a great way to keep up your writing skills. I for one, am very glad to be a blogger!
    Sherry Ellis recently posted..Knuckle BarnaclesMy Profile

    • Hi Sherry,
      You are an excellent blogger. I don’t know how you find the time to blog every day. You’re like my friend Susan who also blogs everyday. And it boils down to what works for each of us. I totally agree, having an online presence opens doors and the people we forge relationships with will help us get the word out about our products. And for me, it also hones my writing skills. Thanks 🙂

  7. Tracy,
    I am very happy I blog. Here are a few more reasons:
    My writing is improving. I can write faster, clearer and plainer.
    I have met a zillion lovely new friends. – like you.
    I enjoy making crafts and enjoy the comments when people like them.
    This is just pure fun.
    Blessings,
    Janis
    Janis Cox recently posted..CRAFTING SATURDAYS – Woven Tadeo TurtleMy Profile

  8. Tracy,
    I’ve learned so much from blogging and I’ve had a chance to make new friends too. 🙂 I took a long time to get started. I wanted to have a theme, a focus. I’m glad I waited and read others’ for so long. I love your posts and Indy’s too.

    • Hi Linda,
      You have definitely carved out and created an informational blog that I love. Each month I look forward to your wacky holidays or happenings for each month and the interviews you provide. And I’m so glad we’ve connected too. I’ll let Indy know you appreciate his blogs too! 🙂

  9. I would love to chat as to how you started blogging-where did you start etc.

    • Hi P. Becky,
      Sure thing, I’d love to share my limited knowledge. By the way, I just jumped in with two feet and floundered around like a fish for quite a while. At first, I didn’t tell many people I blogged. I wrote to myself for the longest time. LOL 🙂

  10. Well said, Tracy. You’ve done a lovely job setting up a full blog; it’s a delightful space to show what you write and how you create.
    Actually, I believe the process adds to–instead of detracting from–our writing.
    Marylin Warner recently posted..STAYING LONGERMy Profile

    • Hi Marylin,
      I agree, blogging does add and enhance our writing. I truly love the posts you share about your mom. I’ve already read your latest post “Staying Longer” and I had to fight back the tears. Stop doing that to me. 🙂 I’ll be popping over soon. And thank you for your encouraging comments!

    • Hee hee, Diana. That was the point. Glad I pulled you in. The discipline to write helps me as well. I just wish I didn’t have to work a real job so I could concentrate more on my writing. 🙂

  12. Great post to inspire new writers out there to establish themselves in the blogosphere.
    I wasn’t aware you were on Fine Art America. How do you like it there? Do you get traffic directly there or is it mostly coming through your website first and then redirected to your store? I sell my photos on Zazzle but I’ve been thinking on setting up several shops with different companies, just in case. I’m not sure it’s worth the time if I’m the one driving most of the traffic, so that’s why I’m asking.
    Perfecting Motherhood recently posted..WordPress weekly photo challenge: UpMy Profile

    • Hi Tina,
      I’m far from an expert. I struggle as times trying to come up with blogs that might interest others.
      The best part of blogging is meeting so many wonderful people…just like you. 🙂
      And I really enjoy your blog posts.

    • Hi Dennis,
      Thanks for making me laugh. I think most readers don’t respond (even though they are reading) is because they may feel writers are dissecting their words which I know we are not. Keep on bloggin’. I’ll pop over to your blog very soon, my battery is dying at the moment and I hoping to finish this response before it dies. 🙂

  16. I blog for similar reasons, although sense of community and friendships have become the biggest perk. Unlike you though, I’ve not had much success with meeting editors although I have met some incredibly gifted writers. 😀

    I’ll keep plugging along til I figure it out. 🙂
    Jodi recently posted..Tracking SpringMy Profile

    • Hi Jodi,
      Isn’t it wonderful to meet so many outstanding people!
      I actually met my editor at a writing conference.
      Glad we’ve connected. 🙂

  17. I’ve been hearing the same lately. I’m so glad you listed all the wonderful things that come from blogging! You are so right. Initially I started a blog because I was told I needed to build a platform, but like you I’ve experienced all you’ve listed. My blog is no longer simply about platform. Besides, I wouldn’t have met you, Tracy!! How tragic that would have been. Even my kids refer to you now as my blogging friend from far away. “Where’s that place she lives, Mom?” “Canada.” “Right. Canada. That IS far.” LOL they’re from Australia 🙂
    Laura Bennet recently posted..What is Forgiveness?My Profile

    • Hi Laura,
      You’re so sweet. I’m glad we’ve connected too! Oh yes, Canada is far. You can let your kids know I grew up in Timmins, Ontario where the temperatures dipped to 60 below in January. Burr. I just got a shiver. 🙂

    • Hi Susanna,
      Sorry for the delay in responding. I know how busy you are and just knowing you’re reading my blog posts is enough. You have a terrific blog!!! 🙂

  21. Tracy,

    You far exceed me in wit. I love your posts. I might not read every one that you post, but the posts I read–I love! I agree, blogging is important, not just to sell books…but for all the reasons you mention. Connecting with your viewers is important, it is part of the experience as a writer.

    Hugs,
    -Virginia
    Virginia Wright recently posted..APRIL PRESCHOOL PROJECT ACTIVITY PAGEMy Profile

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