If you've been following the Edit This® blog for the past few years, you've likely noticed I'm a big fan of blogging. I blog a lot – whether for my writing business, for fun, or as a ghost blogger for my loyal clients. I also convince others to start their own every chance I can get.
The benefits are endless. And perhaps the biggest reason I'm so sold on it is that having a blog led to my book, Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion for the Written Word.
It's true ... Write Like You Mean It started as shorter, single-topic blog posts.
I started my company blog in 2016 and have consistently posted a new entry every week since. Naturally, the topics have all had something to do with the writing and editing industry. You name it; I've probably written about it in my blog.
That's well over 350 blog posts!
And while I didn’t start writing them as fodder for a future book, that’s what they became.
How Having a Blog Helped Me Write My Book!
It gave me a massive head start – The blogs were nowhere near what I needed to write a book. But they were great conversation starters and raw material that I could expand on and use as inspiration for a book. I didn't feel like I was starting from scratch.
Having a blog gave me confidence – I was used to publishing my thoughts and opinions on writing, editing, etc. So, turning all of that into a book wasn't scary.
It helped me understand what my audience wanted to read about – By the time I committed to writing a book, I had a firm grasp on which topics resonated with my audience and would be the most helpful.
My blog made me a better writer – All those years of writing consistently helped me refine my craft and look for additional ways to improve. So, by the time I was ready to write a book, I knew how to write in a way that would resonate with my audience.
I was more versed in the writing world – Since I've written on many topics about writing, writers, the industry, etc., I had a firmer grasp of the writing world and could speak on it from my professional experience.
Having a blog helped me realize I needed to be consistent with my book, too – As weird as it may sound, writing a blog post every week for all those years showed me that I'd need to have the same diligence and commitment if I wanted to write AND finish my first book. Many people start writing books, but not all of them finish. I wanted to finish, and having a blog helped cultivate that mindset.
Tell Me More About Write Like You Mean It!
With Write Like You Mean It, I talk about the writing world from my experiences. I expand upon the conversations that other writers like Stephen King, William Zinsser, Anne Lamott, and so many others started well before I came along. I also expanded upon ideas I had years ago in my blog and challenged myself to speak to all writers and share what I’ve learned on my journey to mastering my passion for the written word.
That includes journalists, bloggers, fiction and nonfiction writers, creative writers, and those who want to start a writing business. It also includes up-and-comers who aren’t quite sure if they have the chops to write or question if they are brave enough to put their work out there.
Just a few of the topics discussed in this book include:
Overcoming your fear of writing
What writer's block is telling you
How to become a successful freelancer
Tips on how to write fiction and nonfiction
How to be a better editor
The art of quality storytelling
How to get published
And so much more ...
If You Want To Write a Book Someday, Consider Starting With a Blog.
Having a blog was the best thing I could have done for myself, personally and professionally. And out of all the benefits of blogging that I've rattled off over the years, the one I haven't (until now) talked about enough was how it ultimately led me to write my book.
If you're considering starting a blog, I urge you to do so. And if you're still on the fence about it, check out my other blog posts and book. You'll be convinced in no time!
You can grab a copy of my book wherever books are sold, including:
Patchouli Joe's in Denton: https://www.patchoulijoesbooks.com/book/9781612545271
In the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact Edit This® for any of your writing and editing needs. We bring more than 25 years of content writing and editing experience to the table. That means we've been in your shoes. We take great pride in ensuring our copy looks great, and we want the same for you and everyone in your organization.
Our writing and editing services cover clients nationwide but are local to anyone in Denton, Corinth, Lake Dallas, Shady Shores, Hickory Creek, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Argyle, and the rest of DFW.
Thank you for reading!
STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This®, a writing and editing services company in Denton, TX. He is also a consultant and coach and the author of Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion for the Written Word. Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.
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