Happy Blog-iversary to us! 

We’re Celebrating the Big 1!

By Natalie Bright

We are a diverse group of writers actively writing and critique together. We started WordsmithSix Blog on August 1, 2011 with the goal to share our love of the written word.

I have to admit that I was very reluctant to start blogging, mainly because of the commitment. I’m of the opinion that if you volunteer to do something, you follow it through to the end and you give it your all. I wasn’t sure if I had enough topics on writing, but I have to admit it’s been fun, and there are a few things about blogging that surprised me…

Blogging Surprises

1) Exercise that writing muscle. Stuck on your WIP? Write a 500 word blog and just get your words out there. Don’t focus on the number of hits. Focus on the craft of words, make it your very best, then go back and tackle that 100,000 word novel.

2) Develop your “write brain” and your “idea eye”. You’ll begin to see ideas for posts everywhere, and eventually conversations, sights, sounds, tastes will give you more ideas for blogs, articles, stories, characters, settings. The overload is wonderful.

3) Deadline looming, means you must get something written no matter what or you’ll let your critique partners down. They’re just as busy as you are, and they don’t want to hear excuses.  Just do it.  You’ll turn into dedicated writer who can consistently produce new material and meet a deadline.

3) Creative people are inspiring, and it’s fun to be involved in a group effort.

4) People are nice. I’ve made wonderful connections on Facebook and Twitter and Pinterest. And vice versa, I’ve discovered a lot of talented writers and their books through social media. There’s a whole world out there of interesting people. Learning about the things they are passionate about is interesting, and being part of a vibrant community is fun and stimulating.

5) Focus, Focus, Focus. If you’ll notice, the most popular blogs are based around a common theme whether that be cooking, marketing, history, home decor, modern mommy’s, politics, etc. Writing a complete novel works in much the same way. You must have that common theme running throughout which ties your plot and characters together.  Establish your blog around a common theme rather than random posts, and when you post, make it the best. The most popular blogs have built that huge audience over a long time through quality and consistent posts.

Thank you for following us at WordsmithSix!

by Natalie Bright

http://www.nataliebright.com