G Williams wrote an interesting blog entry about how blogging, while useful, needs to be more than simply a public venue to talk about our writing. It's one aspect of marketing, but not the only one.

People read blogs to learn about an author, and yes, even build a relationship. Blogs have allowed that, whereas before, readers were limited to fan mail. More often than not, a response was either a form letter, or written by an underling. There was no guarantee the reader connected with the author on a personal level.

Author blogs now give readers that chance. They also give the author an opportunity to find out who's reading, and what they like or dislike. I believe because of potential relationships developing, the author is more likely to work harder at creating solid work so as not to disappoint and end up losing their readers.

Writing blogs now for three years, I've learned blogging isn't just about me. It's equally about the reader. I always consider before I publish an entry what the reader will think. I'm not talking pandering (readers can see right through that), because honesty in everything we write is key. I'm talking about variety, written well enough to be understood no matter the subject, provoke thought and emotion, and entertain.

Readers want to know they can relate to their favorite authors. By writing personal and philosophical entries as well as writing-related entries is necessary for a successful blog.

Even so, subject matter isn't enough to garner multiple and (God willing) return visitors.

This is no "Field of Dreams" where "If you build it they will come." We have to present ourselves first to other readers. That means finding other blogs read and comment on. They need to be well-written and thoughtful comments, though, not a mere "Hi. Read your blog. Liked it." That's not a conversation starter. Like G Williams said, blogging is a conversation. Start one, or jump right into an existing one.

More than likely, if our comment is engaging, the blogger will return the favor and read and comment on ours.

That said, what will my next entry be about? No idea. You'll have to come back to find out.

In the meantime, I have a few blogs to read.