Writing a blog

To complete our quartet for building a successful author platform and online presence we come to the world of blogging - and I have to say I LOVE blogging.

It's "writing freedom", a form of escapism, pushing the boundaries and saying things the way you want to say them without having to worry about RULES.

Keep this foremost in your mind as we discuss how to go about becoming an expert blogger over the next few days.

I've got 5 pointers I would like you to consider in today's post:

1) Write about what you love and write for YOU.
At least to begin with to ease you into the blogosphere.

2) Treat blogging as a writing exercise.
Especially if you're trying to write some words every day.

3) Keep it short and punchy.
People don't have a long attention span when they web surf. Get to the point quickly and do it in a way that grabs the reader instantly. Research shows you've got 5 seconds...

4) Freestyle your writing.
The beauty of blogging is nobody is going to judge you, and if they do - who cares! Blogging is a personal thing. It's showing who you are - to the world. But don't be scared about that. It's actually wonderfully refreshing. Imagine - your work being read around the globe. I bet you never dreamed it. Blogging makes it happen. Just like that.

5) Share writing wisdom.
Between blogging and Twitter, I've learned so much and got my writing buzz back on track. There are millions of writers out there all reachable through blogging communities, and if you can't get to a writing group and you desperately need some inspiration and human contact, this is a godsend. So don't be afraid to network and share thoughts and ideas.