There’s quite a few questions on today’s topic – so I really thought I’d go through and answer the relevant ones to me and my blog one by one.
- Would you like to be involved elsewhere on the interwebs or possibly start writing for your local paper?
As much as I’d love to do something like this, I really don’t view myself as a writer – although this last semester in my Creative Writing course I discovered I have a bit of a passion for writing poetry and, in that vein, will be taking a Poetry Workshop this upcoming Fall. What it also inspired me to do was to look into purchasing books of poetry and begin to read and discover, new and old alike.
- Perhaps you’d simply like to start drawing an income from your blog?
One of the most common questions I get when I tell people I run a book blog is, “Do you make money from that?” My response is always “no.” Frankly, the pennies I earn annually from the clicks through to Amazon and my other affiliates have maybe amount to $10 in over two years of book blogging. That’s definitely not doing this for the money. I blog because, frankly, I love it. I love connecting with other people, sharing my love of literature, and most of all, having a site where I can go to remember what the name of that great book I read a few years ago was – and why exactly I loved it. I also love spreading the word about other bloggers and make an effort with every review to link to 2-3, so that those visiting my blog can get an idea of what others might think as well of the title being reviewed.
- How do you make connections outside the book blog community on the internet?
This is a tough one, and one I sort of touched on with yesterday’s topic. It’s pretty difficult, in a small town, to try to branch out and make those connections. Twitter and Facebook have been irreplaceable tools for me – through them I’ve met authors, publishers, learned how to acquire titles that I’m passionate about which translates into months of promotions for books that lived up to every expectation. I make connections on GoodReads, LibraryThing, and Shelfari – and even on Amazon with feedback I get from posting reviews there. Then there’s the professional connections I’m cultivating with going back to school as a Literature major – last semester I was fortunate enough to meet Cathy Smith Bowers (Poet Laureate of North Carolina) – an incredible poet and beautiful person, inside and out. Not only was I able to meet her, but I also met with her and we went over two of my poems (works in progress). The feedback she gave to me was invaluable and moments like those are why life is worth living.
In short – I have a lot of things going on outside of the blog. It’s the blog that inspired me to go back to school, to pursue a degree in Literature and now I’m looking into Masters and PhD programs as well!
While you are here, check out my giveaway!
Going back to school because of blogging? Wow, that is big. And meeting the Poet Laureate of your state is really cool.
I’m glad it inspired you to get back to school! Good luck with that.
I love when things inspire us like that. Affiliates is definitely not a fast way to earn some money, but it’s a good start for those wanting to try it out! I’ve been considering ads myself, but I don’t know…
Congrats on going back to school! I really wish that I could!
Best of luck with your studies!
Amanda
It’s really nice that your blog inspired you to go back to study. I’ve been vaguely thinking of studying Literature, but I’m not sure yet.
My blog doesn’t earn me anything either but like you, I just love doing it anyway.
I think that the blog inspires you to reach higher is even more important than getting actual $$ for it.
That’s fantastic that you went back to school! I’ve always wondered what could’ve been if I had gone back to finish.
I’m sensing a pattern in these posts, and that is that most bloggers are not in this for the money. Some have managed to monetize successfully, and that’s awesome, but I think we’re mostly just here for the love of books. I think that rocks.
Great post! Thanks for stopping by my Armchair BEA Beyond the Blog Post!
It’s wonderful that through blogging you decide to get a defree in English Lit and may get your Masters and PhD. I admit to a little bit of envy
)
I got my BA in English and then succumbed to family pressure and went to law school. I loved it and I’m very happy I have a JD. But back then I used to think a lot about getting my Masters and maybe a PhD. I still think about it, occasionally
Good luck! I hope you enjoy and enjoyed your classes!