Coveted remunerations from writing . . .

 

Disclaimer: Monsta Reader is affiliated with bookshop.org and Waterstones. If you should make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I might earn a small commission from the sale. However, this does not affect the prices of the items, and it does not influence the content of this blog.

I harbour hopes and dreams of making money from my writing. Not just that, but making a career out of it too.

In my teens, I was racked with anxiety and, perhaps consequently, an almost complete lack of confidence and self-esteem. And I didn't even begin to make sense of that until I was in my twenties, so I was kind of distracted in my younger years. I didn't figure out what I wanted from life, including the career path I wanted to take. So, in adulthood, I drifted into jobs that meant very little to me, and I never found myself at the bottom of any ladders that I wanted to climb.

From my youngest years, I had been an avid reader, but I didn't know how to do anything with that. The thought of being a writer didn't even occur to me; books were magic things, created by otherworldly beings, a sort of divine thing that I could never hope to touch! In my council house home, hand-me-down world, such hopes and dreams weren't even considered.

It's no coincidence that this blog concerns itself with books. It is driven by a love for the written word; my love for writing is an extension of my love for reading. And I am addicted!

When I started this blog, I had very few motivating factors, just that I wanted to write and a blog seemed an avenue wide open for exploration. There was, in the back of my mind, thoughts of how I might exploit an online presence in the future, but they were the vaguest of thoughts, not even half-formed. They were but wisps of mist, hanging over the main body of the idea - to write!

This blog, this space, is where I come most to write. I also write poems and little stories, but none have gotten me recognition or remuneration yet. There have been a few filler pieces in magazines published but, overall, in terms of money and recognition, it has to be said, I am a rather unsuccessful writer!

Now, partly, I must shoulder some of the blame for this. Like many writers before me, both great and mediocre, I am prone to procrastination - the great enemy of every writer! And, I am an embarrassingly ineffective self-marketer. Rather than striving to understand algorithms and all that jazz, I have been immersing myself into "How to write . . ." books, and trying to perfect technique and style. I research, write, proofread, edit, rewrite . . . and by the time I get to the marketing, sharing all over social media, and whatnot, I am ready for coffee, cake, and not much else.

Here's the problem - I am a writer, and so, I am trying to perfect my writing. And, as much as I read all about how one can go about being a more effective creator of content for social media, and improve chances of being found through online searches, my heart is only half in all that stuff. The problem is, I don't want to sell, I want to engage. But, we live in a world of CEOs and influencers, I suppose . . . One has to diversify to be successful, don't ya know.

I enjoy writing. It exorcises, it invigorates, it quiets the ego, feeds the soul . . . And I will continue to write, despite the lack of money and recognition. I will write because of all that deeper and richer stuff, and I will write just because I enjoy writing. But I will also continue to hope for, and work towards, a career as a writer. I think I deserve it. I think I am a good writer. Not the best - though I certainly see others whose work I could surpass getting the recognition that I covet - but I am getting better.

Will you do me a favour? If you read a piece, and if it's well written, and well researched, will you share that piece with your friends on social media? If the writer asks for a donation, and you are able to do so, will you give that donation? If you are able to offer a little time, effort, or money to support their efforts, will you do so?

Because, here's the thing; if that piece is well written, and well researched, it might have taken you minutes to read, but it has probably taken that writer hours of their time and effort. And you know, I look around, and I see the articles and the headlines that are obviously just there to get clicks - we all resent them! - but they exist because they work. Because they get the clicks and the support. Like I said, it's a world of CEOs and influencers, and the quality of the writing takes a backseat. But, if we support the good writers (and I don't know if I can lay claim to that title, that's up to you to decide), they rise - when you pay for good writing, you get good writing.

Anyway, if you do that, I swear that I shall try to be a better writer, worthy of the hopes and dreams I hold to me.

Thank you.

Just before you go, can I ask that you please consider supporting this blog with a coffee from ko-fi.com - the caffeine keeps me getting better . . .

Though I am affiliated with booksellers, I resist ad space where it is unnecessary because I would prefer to generate conversation and engagement, rather than sales. Plus, them ads are annoying! Disrupting the flow and what have you . . . !

With writerly ambitions, I throw myself on the support of readers for this blog, and so, if you can, please visit ko-fi.com, where you can offer support, find links to other blog posts, and read other writing efforts.

And, thank you again, readers and supporters!

Want to come behind the scenes of my rather bookish blog?

 

Disclaimer: Monsta Reader is affiliated with bookshop.org and Waterstones. If you should make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I might earn a small commission from the sale. However, this does not affect the retail price of any items, and it does not influence the content of this blog.

Behind the curtain . . .

This blog is just over two years old. It's two years and three weeks old, to be precise.

When I published my first post, I had no idea what I was doing. But, I was putting myself out there because I wanted to write, and find readers, and blogging was an another avenue to explore in trying to reach that goal.

But, like I said, I had no idea what I was doing . . .

I didn't know how to promote the blog, or play the game that you're supposed to play for the algorithms and whatnot. I just wanted to write. And, preferably, to be a writer good enough that people would want to read what I wrote.

The readership has grown, but I am not playing with the "big boys". My readership is minuscule compared to what some bloggers see in their analysis figures. Part of that is to do with my still, two years later, not knowing what I am doing. But only partly, because it's also because I still don't want to play the game with the algorithms, and all that nonsense.

You know what I want to do?

I want to write about a subject, a subject about which I feel passionate, and I want it to generate conversation. However large or small that conversation might be. I want a reader to nod their head in recognition of a thought, a feeling, a situation. I don't want to generate sales. I don't want to spend my time poring over the analysis figures, trying to see what performed well, and how many people followed what link. That's nothing to do with writing, and it has nothing to do with books.

"So, why are you blogging? And, why are you telling us about this?"

Good questions. You should come here more often!

Well, as I said, I blog because it provides me with a space to write. I can research a subject, write about it, proofread, and edit the piece, and have it in front of readers' eyes the same day. I don't have to go through a magazine editor, I don't have to navigate a publisher's budget, and all those things. I can present my piece to readers and get feedback from those readers almost immediately.

It's a joy. It really is.

The problem is that it's not very lucrative . . . It pays nothing. Especially if you're a small fry in a pond of big fish. The one's for whom it's all about generating income, feeding the algorithms, and playing the game.

But, I'm not going anywhere. 

Even if only twenty people read this post, and none of those people generate any remuneration, I will still be back at my keyboard, tapping away about books I've read and loved. If two people like this post when I have shared it across the social media platforms I allow into my world - why the hell would I sign up to all of them? Who has time for that? - I will share my words with those people again.

I want connections. So, if you read this, or any other post here, and there's somebody that you think will get it, share that post with them. If you think this is all nonsense - and, this is a bit of a ramble - then don't bother. It's all good. But, whatever you do, do it because it feels right, because you care. Or whatever.

There's so much bland shit out here, the crap that we just scroll past, and sometimes the good stuff just gets caught up in that, and we lose it too. I'm not saying this space here is like that, part of the good stuff that's being unfairly lost in the stream of banality, but I am saying I'm striving to be a better writer and produce good work on a subject about which I feel passionate. Chasing the algorithms will always come second to that. So, maybe I will lose out. I dunno.

If you made it down here - jeez, have you nothing better to do!? - thank you. I guess it's for you that I am writing. Maybe that means something. Maybe it doesn't. I don't know. But, you take care. And maybe come back soon.

Seriously, thank you. If you enjoyed this post, please consider supporting this blog with a coffee from ko-fi.com - the caffeine keeps me writing, and maybe it'll wake me up one day to chasing the algorithms, and embracing the fact we're all just lost in the Zuckerverse anyways . . .

Thank you, every reader and supporter!

A day in the life of the Monsta Reader!

 

Disclaimer: if you should make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I may earn a small commission from the sellers. However, this does not affect the cost to the consumer, and it does not influence the content of this blog.

I start the day, as I imagine many people do, by reaching for my phone. I can tell myself that I am just checking the time but, as I scroll the notifications, I am aware of the pull they have on my attention. The desire to indulge for a while in everything the algorithms want to feed me. But I resist, ignoring the suggested topics in which Google thinks I might have some interest, and instead I do a search on a conservation charity I had made a note of some time ago (Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust). It's a tiny little act of rebellion, to resist the algorithms and instead follow my own interest - maybe it's an empty little act too. I don't know.

My bedroom is not tidy, and it is small. A few clothes are strewn on the floor and a coffee mug that has found its way here, empty and the bottom stained with the residue of yesterday's caffeine fix. I remove some of the mess and make some room. When I have done this, there is space, between the bed and the chest of drawers, where I can workout on the turquoise-ish rug. The room is cold and I am not particularly keen on the idea of exercising, but I have made the promise to myself and my body could definitely do with the attention.

"Hiya, and welcome to Lean in Fifteen . . . "

Joe Wicks, The Body Coach, is talking to me from the screen on my television. Not me specifically, but anyone that might have bought this DVD and - I am willing to bet that not everyone who made the purchase necessarily made it this far - actually popped it into their player. Joe is an advocate of HIIT (High-intensity interval training), a form of exercise that alternates short periods of high intensity exercise with short periods of rest. For the most part, I can keep up with Joe. But his lumps and bumps are in all the right places, whereas mine stick out in all the unattractive places. This is why I can't go to a gym - all the pretty people that actually look good working out, and not like some dying mess.

I am wearing vest and shorts, despite the room being cold, because the workout is pretty intense and, as the exercise progresses, I work up a sweat. I feel exhausted but good during the post workout stretches. And I am glad it's over, and I look forward to a hot shower.

I have a copy of Veggie Lean in Fifteen by Joe Wicks amongst my small collection of cookbooks. I wish I could say that I only eat healthily and mindfully but, I'm afraid, I love pizza and making noodles just a bit too much. Still, this cookbook is a nice addition to any shelf, whether or not you are trying to lose weight or stay in shape. The recipes are good and the food is tasty. 

Damn him for being good looking (Wikipedia tells me he is two months older than I am - for f**k sake!), a nice guy (the "PE with Joe" videos he made for kids when the schools closed during the lockdowns), and also his range of cookbooks full of delicious recipes!

Not that I am jealous or anything . . .

*ahem*

You can buy Veggie Lean in 15 : 15-minute Veggie Meals with Workouts by Joe Wicks here.

Showered, I make myself a coffee. I boil the kettle. Meanwhile, I make sure that my cafetière and mug are clean, washing them and drying them off. I then spoon three teaspoons of ground coffee into the French press. By now, the kettle has boiled and has been sitting for a minute or two. I then pour the hot water into the press, over the coffee grounds. I stir a little and then I put the top on, pressing the plunger down so that it just touches the dark brew. It already smells delicious. Then I leave it for four minutes, watching a YouTube video on my phone. When the four minutes is up, I pour the coffee into my mug, topping it off with coconut milk. A stir, a little honey, and I am done.

I do a little research into SEO (search engine optimisation) on my phone whilst drinking my coffee. SEO is all about the ways in which one can improve the quality and quantity of traffic to a website or webpage from search engines. Handy to have some understanding of these things when you write a rather bookish blog!

(Remember, dear reader, that if you have any bookish friends that might enjoy my little ponderings, I would very much appreciate your sharing my humble little blog in the relevant places.)

Two packages arrive today. Books, of course. The first is The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and the second is Summer by Ali Smith - they are added to the ever expanding TBR pile and the ever expanding guilt of spending money I don't have on this bibliophilia of mine. But it was my birthday not too long ago and, thanks to some kindnesses I am not sure I deserve, I had a few quid to spare.

You can purchase The Help by Kathryn Stockett here.

And, you can purchase Summer by Ali Smith here.

I spend most of the day in my bedroom. I like it here, where I can read and listen to music. The Clash. Bob Dylan. The Cure. David Bowie. Eminem. Example. Foo Fighters. Garbage. Green Day . . .

And, as the music of these various artists fills the room, as does the aroma of the coffee, I immerse myself into the pages of a book. I am reading The Age of Extremes : 1914 - 1991 by Eric Hobsbawm. From wars to the beginnings of a new millennium, this book is a review of both the creative and the destructive powers of the twentieth century.

I will write more on this book soon, in a post dedicated especially to this non-fiction work, and if you would like to purchase The Age of Extremes : 1914 -1991 by Eric Hobsbawm, you can do so here.

I haven't eaten all day and in the evening, probably undoing all the good work I did in my morning workout, I have some chips and curry sauce. I chew away happily enough, watching Black Spot on Netflix (I recommend this supernatural thriller if you haven't seen it already). Now and then I look at my laptop, wondering what to write about in my blog post I today . . .

Thank you for reading. If you would like to support my writing, you can buy me a coffee on ko-fi.com - writing is hard, but the caffeine gets me through the day, and when I still have the energy left I drag myself to the keyboard and write all about my bookish wanderings and ponderings here! Thank you to every supporter!

Going through the comments . . .

 

Disclaimer: should you make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I may earn a small commission from the sellers, but this does not affect the cost to the consumer, and it does not influence the content of this blog.

The first thing I notice, as I take a look at the comments I receive on this blog, is that I don't receive very many comments on this blog. I mean, I have gotten some, but it's not like I am setting the internet ablaze with bookish conversation.

Is it me? I can chaaaaange!

*ahem*

The next thing I notice is that those people who do post a comment are usually the same five or six people. And I love those people (thank you for engaging!), but I can't help but wonder whether the rest of you are left bored by my bookish blog posts? Did you close the page down before you got to the end? 

If you've made it this far I'm impressed. The internet has, as Bo Burnham put it, "a little bit of everything all of the time"; there's a lot for a humble little book blogger to contend with!

Thirdly, I notice the posts which have been commented on most are review posts. But, they don't take the title in a landslide. Instead they only just edge out the other posts with comments. The other posts being discussions with myself on book related topics (bookish social media accounts to follow, bookish controversies, tips on book blogging, etc.).

My book blog is a bit like my bookshelves - a varied and haphazard assortment of diverse contents.

Sometimes I write a post about a classic novel by Jerome K. Jerome, sometimes I write about controversies in the book world, and sometimes I write a review of a non-fiction book on psychology. I sometimes wonder if I haven't crippled myself a little bit by not focusing on one genre. That way people would know what they are getting and I might have guaranteed myself a larger readership.

But, to be honest, I kind of like the freedom in writing about any and all bookish interests, in writing about all of the books I enjoy reading. It does make it harder to create something of a brand/identity though, something to which people can respond with, "Oh yeah, that's the blog where . . . "

I suppose I could set up a number of blogs, each one concentrating on different aspects of my bookish interests. But, to be even more brutally honest, unless I start making money of of this writing lark, I don't have the time or the energy to invest in all that!

When I started blogging, I had no idea what I wanted to achieve. I enjoyed writing and I wanted to make something out of that. I still do. I think I am good at writing. I am not great, and there are others out there in the great big void that is the internet who are struggling away just as much as me, and getting perhaps even less attention than I am. But, there also people out there who are getting engagement I have been dreaming of and  . . . well, I'm better. I said it.

Okay, so I like writing about classic novels, poetry, and bookish topics of interest. But, what do you like reading about? When you come to a book blog, what do you like to read? What is it that makes you feel compelled to become a part of the conversation?

I would love, love, LOVE to build a something of a little community here, in this little humble corner of the digital space we all come to for comfort, entertainment, and information. Wouldn't that be fun?

Please do leave a comment, share a post with your friends, and come back again soon. I'd love to have you back for more bookish discussions and whatnot!

Links to posts that have received comments from readers . . .

(This is not an exhaustive list)

How to get people to read your bookish blog . . .

A Good Man in Africa by William Boyd - review and analysis

You're a book lover? You need to see these!

Reading Challenges - Part 2

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro - review and analysis

Thank you for reading. Please do leave a comment and some feedback if you have any, it is very much appreciated. And if you've any questions, I shall do my best to answer them. You can support MonstaReader on ko-fi.com with a coffee - the caffeine keeps me writing and reading through the comments! Thank you for your support and your time!

A day in the life of a book blogger

 

Disclaimer: if you should make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I may earn a commission from the sellers, but this does not impact the cost to the consumer and it does not influence the content of this blog.

I'm afraid my first thoughts today were not bookish ones. No, my mind turned toward more horticultural matters.

I have come to stay at my parents house for a while because plumbers have been putting holes in the ceilings where I live. It's been a bit unpleasant, and I would have been left without a bathroom for days, so I threw myself on the mercy of mum and dad.

However, I have had to leave my potted plants behind. So, this morning, when I awoke, some of my first thoughts turned towards my flowers and my strawberry plants. I hope that they are doing all right.

I made up some egg fried rice and turned my thoughts towards my entrepreneurial endeavours. You see, I am starting up as a freelance content writer/copywriter. After losing work during lockdowns, and getting bored of waiting around for somebody else to give me a job, I decided to go for it and pursue an idea I had had for a while. I mean, I am already blogging (creating content/copy) for pleasure, and there are mofos (do people still say mofos? Should I ever have been saying mofos?) that get paid to do it!!

This is my second bookish blog post of the day. I wrote this one earlier. As you can see, I am not writing review posts today. One of the reasons for this is that I have left some notes on the last book I read, and could review, back at the flat . . . Not much use there! The other reason for the lack of a review post is that the last book I read is a book on grammar and I am not entirely sure there'd be much interest in that . . . Still, that concern hasn't stopped me before!

As well as my bookish blogging, I write a nature blog here. Nature and wildlife are, in many ways, more important to me than my love for books. I hope, if you'll give my little nature blog a chance, you won't hold that sentiment against me!

As I navigate the rest of the day, I will mostly be considering my blogging and my efforts in copywriting, in trying to start up my own business. But, because I don't want to be a dull boy, I shan't be all work and no play - I see a little lazy television viewing and a glass or two of something naughty in my not too distant future.

I hope your day has been a good one, and I hope that you enjoyed this read. If you did, perhaps you could buy me a coffee on ko-fi.com - the caffeine gets me through the day and brings me back to my keyboard where I can write all about it! Thank you!

Life and book blogging . . .

 

Disclaimer: If you should make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I may earn a small commission from the sellers, but this has no impact on the cost to the consumer and it does not influence the content of this blog.

It has been about a month since I last posted here. And it's been a pretty draining month.

For my family, the last month has consisted of a funeral, two birthdays, and holes in the ceiling. A lot has been happening and sometimes things fall by the wayside. Blogging doesn't seem all that important when you're trying to be there for family, or you're trying to juggle the everyday stuff.

But, books are still present in my life. They have been one of those constants . . .

A little bookish concern . . .

The other day, my mum told me a little story. She had had an exchange with my niece via one of the social media platforms, I forget which one, and my mum asked my niece whether she was still as avid a reader as she had always been. But, as it turns out, my niece feels that she cannot read as much as she used to because the schoolwork that she is given keeps her from doing so. And, to me, that is pretty sad . . .

I just thought I would bring that up because, well, here we are on a book blog, and it seemed an absurdity to me that school, of all things, should be keeping kids and teens from reading! What do you think? Sound familiar?

Book blogging self doubt . . .

I think that I am a good writer. What do you think?

I don't think that any of the greats are under any threat of being knocked from their pedestals because of what I am doing, but I think that I am decent enough. And, to be honest, I look at what I am doing, what I am capable of, and I think I am quite a bit better than others who get more recognition than I . . .

Perhaps I should stop there on that one, before I move completely and unforgiveably into bitterness!

I think though that the lack of recognition might be one of the reasons that it's so easy to let this whole blogging gig slide for a while when life throws me some challenges. I look at some of the figures other bloggers report for their visitor numbers and I think, "Shit! Really! Halve that, halve it again, and we're still not hitting the embarrassingly low number of people that are visiting my rather bookish blog!"

So, tell me, is it me? Am I doing something wrong? If you are reading this, what can I do for you that will improve the chances of you sharing these little rambling and rather bookish ponderings?

And, as for monetising my efforts? Jeez, don't get me started! I see people paying for articles that are not as well written as my own. And, I think that some of this stuff I tap onto my screen and throw out into the ether of the internet is enjoyable, entertaining, or informative. Some of it is just filler, I'm aware of that. But still, decent filler is still worth something.

Maybe I should stop giving anything away for free? But I don't want to do that because this is also about reaching out, finding a community . . .

Oh, I don't know . . .

Fill in this clueless bookish blogger in the comments.

Life, and books, and writing, and other things . . .

I'm trying to start up a business (copywriting). A funeral (I'm not going into it here - I don't feel the need and, to be honest, I'm not going to write about it purely for engagement). Two birthdays. Holes in the ceiling (pipes and plumbers) . . .

Books and writing are still there in my life. Even when life is throwing shit at us, books are still there. And I don't know exactly why I can't let them go. Maybe it's just a habit. Maybe it's a crutch. Maybe if I really threw it under a lens I would see it for what it really is and learn a little more about myself. But, I can't be bothered with all that right now. I've got enough going on. 

I am just happy that I have the time and space in my life for books and writing. Even when life and doubts and questions are flying around me, books and writing are there. And I guess I will keep them even if no one is paying attention.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading; I am truly appreciative of your time and your attention. If you enjoyed this piece, you can buy me a coffee on ko-fi.com - the caffeine keeps me reading, writing, and navigating all of life's highs and lows.

How to Get People to Read Your Bookish Blog and Keep Coming Back For More!

 

Disclaimer: should you make a purchase through any links in this blog, I may earn a commission from the sellers, but that has no impact on the cost to you as the consumer, and it does not influence the content of this blog.

Okay, so, if you have made it beyond the title, I can probably assume two things about you; you like books quite a bit, and you either blog or you're thinking of blogging about books.

Still with me? Okay. Cool So, what do you want to know first. Who the hell am I? Um, right, well, I am a rather bookish blogger. I don't have years of blogging experience behind me, and there are bloggers with larger readerships than my own humble little blog. But, since I started my blog, the number of people visiting has been steadily on the increase, and I really enjoy engaging with my followers. So, here I am, Mr. Self-Appointed Advice Giver, ready to impart my wisdom!

First things first, why do you want to become a blogger? 

If your primary reason for wanting to blog is to try and make some money, a source of residual income, there are probably easier ways. To be honest, I've not made any money from this blog in the year and a half, or so, since I started using it as a way to try and foist my opinions on unsuspecting internet users. And, I expect that that will be a trend that will continue, at least for the foreseeable future.

I use affiliate programs, being signed up with bookshop.org and Waterstone's. However, that hasn't come to much for me yet. And, I've not received any donations via the page that I have set up at ko-fi. It would be nice if I did; I put a lot of effort into this blog, and I consider it to be more than just a hobby. Apart from that, having lost work last year, it would make a real difference. But, there are things more important than that - if there weren't I would have abandoned this space a number of blog posts ago!

For starters, to be honest, I enjoy it! I enjoy the reading, I enjoy the writing, I enjoy proof-reading what I have written, doing the edit, reading it back again, tweaking it here and there, and publishing it when I think it's as ready as it is going to be. I enjoy taking that post out to my other platforms, on social media, and sharing it with followers. I enjoy engaging with other book bloggers. I love coming back a little while later and being surprised by how well, or how poorly, a piece has been received. How many people have taken the leap and clicked on my little piece of writing. It's a little thrill.

And, it's that, the enjoyment of the whole thing, that keeps me coming back to bother you with all this content!

Love reading, and be yourself

If you are going to blog about books, and this next part may sound like I am stating the obvious, you are going to have really like reading books. 

The great thing is, after that, you can pretty much do what you want. You can discuss any genre, any author, any way you like. You can even publish nothing but blog posts about your favourite typeface, if that's your thing. I am sure someone will read it. I mean, I don't know them personally, but I am sure they are out there . . .

But, if you want to find an audience, you will probably want to stand out at least a little. And, my best advice there is, just be yourself! Because, there's nobody quite like you, baby!

So, if you want to blog about books, start immersing yourself into the books you love to read. Because that's your passion, and nobody else is going to bring that passion to readers when you start to blog. And, no one else is going to have read that book through your eyes, with your experiences.

Find other bloggers, and read about blogging

One of the best things you can do as a blogger, is to step away from the blog, and go fritter away some time on social media. Now, that may sound a tad counter productive, but trust me.

There is a wonderful community of book bloggers out there on Twitter, and they often give each other little boosts, and there's friendly conversation too. And, being a part of that community is part of the reason we went from just reading about books to writing about them online, isn't it?

I mean, I know that for myself, that that is a major part of why I blog; I welcome the discussion, the exchange, with people with whom I share a passion, a pleasure.

And, though personally Twitter is my go to platform, there are spaces on Facebook for book bloggers, and there are a huge number of bookish profiles out there on Instagram too! Again, you do you!

For further reading, a quick Google search throws up a number of books you can check out on the subject of blogging.

Start a blog

Go to Google, type into the search bar the words "blogging platforms", find one you like, and off you go.

There are a few to choose from, but I have noticed that most use either Blogger or Wordpress. 

As a blogger, I use Blogger and that seems to fit my purposes pretty well. The only issues I have had with it have been because of my own wariness around any piece of technology that doesn't require I wind it up to make it work!

As a reader, I read blogs by those who use Wordpress, and they always look well formatted and easy to read. But, I couldn't really tell you anything about how to use the platform as a blogger.

When I came to Blogger, I just experimented, and you can tell that when you look at those early posts (go on then, go have a look, I will wait . . .), and I think that that might be all you can do really; find your own voice, find what you want to say, how you want to say it. Don't be afraid to ease into it.

If you are looking for ideas on content, the different ways that you can present what you want to say, you could consider making a video post; make picture posts (as I say, there's lots of bookish content on Instagram, if you are looking for ideas); you could write a post that responds to readers' comments; you could conduct an interview . . . There are lots of ways that you can write blog posts, and they don't all have to be straight ahead reviews and analyses of books you've read. Sometimes, we just don't have the time or energy to give to a book that it deserves, so other bookish content, instead of wide spans of time between blog posts, can be the answer to that!

Consider your ambitions

At some point, you will probably come to realise that a blog can lead to other things. Whether you harbour ambitions of other writerly endeavours, or you want to use the space as a means to engage with others, a blog can achieve things beyond the blog.

Remember in the second point I made, about finding other bloggers and reading about blogging? Remember how I mentioned a Google search throwing up a number of results for books about blogging? Yeah. Well, a lot of those books are written by bloggers. Because, when you think about it, bloggers are the ideal people to write about blogging. If you get good, people will want to know how you did that!

Also, don't forget, as a book blogger, you're an authority on those books you have read! You have given your attention to those books with an analytical eye, a critical eye, so that others might benefit from your experience. If you can write well, there are probably newspapers, magazines, online spaces, etc., who will pay for your writing.

You might want to look into affiliate programs. As I mentioned before, I am signed up with bookshop.org and Waterstone's, and I am forever trying to find that happy balance between trying to convince people that they ought, if they are going to buy books anyway, make those purchases through links in my blog, and not feeling as though I am selling my soul. You know, that old chestnut!

But, it could just be that you want to find others like yourself, others for whom books and being bookish are a constant. In which case, I would say again, be yourself, and put yourself out there. You can find your people through social media, and there are a number of really good book bloggers already out there. Give them a follow. They'll appreciate it, trust me!

Write, proof-read, edit, read it back again, tweak it, publish it when it's good enough . . .

. . . and then keep doing that. Again and again and again.

If that sounds like a good time to you, you are probably going to be a half decent blogger. Also, I am a tad worried about you. But, who am I to talk!?

At the other end of the book blogger life, after reading the books, you have to write about them. And, your readers are, most likely, going to be much more grateful to you if you have made your content as good as you can make it.

I know, sometimes a mistake gets through, it happens to the best of us, but just putting in the effort to make it as good as you can each time is worthwhile. After all, I am assuming you are blogging about books, rather than just keeping a personal journal for yourself, because you have some hopes of readers finding your output.

You're a writer now, as well as a reader.

GET BLOGGING

So, what do you think? Am I talking nonsense? Ought I to get out more? Is anybody there? 

What are your blogging experiences? I would love to know. So, if you'd like to let me know your thoughts, you can comment below, or you can come and follow me on Twitter where I tweet and twitter about books, amongst other things!

If you found this piece useful or enjoyable, please consider following/supporting me over on ko-fi, a platform for creatives and their followers. If everyone who read my efforts donated but the minimum, it would make a huge difference. All support is gratefully received, and very much appreciated!

Thank you for reading. Stay safe. Stay well. Keep reading good books.

How Does a Master Procrastinator Get Down to Creating Bookish Blog Content?

 

The central theme of this blog was always going to be books, books, books. But, when I started, I was unsure as to exactly what I wanted to say. I came to the conclusion that I would simply write about the books I read. It was a simple idea, but whoever said things had to be complex to work?

I did, however, eventually decide to diverge now and then. Hence why I describe this little space of mine as my "rather bookish blog", as opposed to a book blog. I don't always discuss books, but instead have opted to, now and then, discuss bookish things. And, that approach seems to have served me quite well - my last post on bookish interests had a larger readership than some posts in which I've reviewed, analysed, and discussed books!

Our passion for books extends along the full spectrum of bookish things! And, I love chatting with you all about other book blogs, and that Etsy shop that sells bookish themed products, and concerns around the books we love.

Looking back at earlier posts, it's plain to see that I lacked direction. The posts ramble along, aimlessly wandering, until they tire themselves out. And, I sometimes wonder if I ought to go back and alter them, improve upon them. Not to fix broken links, or update the images. Not in the interest of improving the readership of those posts. But, just to improve the writing, bring them up to standard.

However, I sort of like that they are there. A reminder that things have improved, that this blog has grown and matured. It's like markers on a doorframe, marking the growth of a child. Or, perhaps, marking the height of floodwaters past. Whichever seems most appropriate to you.

I now believe that this blog has direction, and I have ambitions as a writer that inform that direction. It is those ambitions that get me to my laptop, get me typing. Those ambitions, and my passion for books. I do hope that that shines through everything else. Before this blog is about me trying to convince you to follow a link, or recommend a purchase to you, it is about my love for books. And yours too I hope. Because that's another reason we write and read bookish blogs, right? For the community, the friendship, the engagement with others who share our passion.

I write this blog because it is the sort of content I would enjoy reading! I sometimes try to tackle weightier subjects, such as how authors are paid, and sometimes I discuss reading challenges, just for fun. And, sometimes, as I originally intended, I discuss books that I have read. Whatever it is, I hope that it is enjoyable and interesting, both for me and you.

If you have found this post, or any others, enjoyable and interesting, please do consider following/supporting me over on ko-fi. Ko-fi is a platform for creatives and their followers. It makes supporting those folks whose work you enjoy super easy. All support is gratefully received and very much appreciated.

Thank you, and see you soon!

You're a book lover? You need to see these!

 

We're all book lovers here and we love bookish things. Book blogs, bookish gifts and treats, bookish places, and, of course, books themselves! So, if a round-up of a few bookish things were to come your way, there may just be something within that that piqued your interest. But, where might such a round-up be found? Well, funny you should ask . . .

If you're into book blogs, you could do a lot worse than checking out Linda's Book Bag, which is really what my own blog wants to be when it grows up and stops all its nonsense! 

Linda's book blog is well written, and offers reviews on books from various genres, including crime, thrillers, romance, and children's books. You can tell the content is written with a passion for the subject, a passion which is present in every published post. But, the real reason I include Linda's blog here is simple; it is the blog that has inspired in me most often the desire to make another book purchase.

But, maybe your "to be read" pile is already straining your bookshelves. What then? Well, you could take that desire for another bookish purchase and go see Team Asthers! With bookish products like bookmarks, journals, and tote bags you are spoilt for choice!

They make great gifts (or a little treat for yourself) for the self described bibliophile. I love the designs on their cool classics bookmarks, and think their site is well worth the visit. You can also find them on Twitter and Instagram.

However, maybe you just cannot wait to get another book on your shelves. And, who could blame you? We, all of us here, buy books quicker than we can read them.

Well, if that's the case, I urge you to consider visiting your local independent bookshop. If you're in my part of the world, that might mean a visit to The Eagle Bookshop. Now that businesses are opening up again, our smaller independent bookshops need our help. And, if the booklovers aren't going to do their bit, who will?

Still, it isn't always possible to get to the shops. So, in that case, consider visiting Bookshop.org (which also has a site for American book buyers). Bookshop is a fantastic site that supports independent bookshops; 10% of what is spent by customers goes into an overall earnings pool and this is then, every six months, shared between the participating independent bookshops. And, during Indie Bookshop Week (19 - 26 June 2021), that 10% is going to increase to 20% - sounds like a good week to make book buys.

If Jeff Bezos can afford to get in to space, I don't think he and his ilk will miss your contribution to their coffers. But, the local bookshops sure might be grateful you dropped by - especially with how independent businesses have been impacted by the pandemic.

As for books themselves, I am currently reading The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred Year Old Man by Jonas Jonasson, which I am thoroughly enjoying thus far, with William Boyd's A Good Man in Africa on the side, to keep me on my toes. I will be discussing both in future posts, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

None of the links in this post will take you to anyone that is going to pay me for sending you to them. There are no commissions involved this time. I just really like what these people are doing, and maybe you will like them too.

If you like what I am doing, please consider following/supporting me over at ko-fi where I update followers on many of my writerly endeavours, including what's going on here at my rather bookish blog. Every donation makes a difference, but if you can't donate right now, please do consider a follow.

Thank you, and see you again soon!

How to be a rather bookish blogger

 

Every blog is different because each blogger is different. And, presumably, every blogger starts blogging for different reasons. So, there is going to be plenty that you will need to figure out for yourself. You don't want to follow a formula, because then you end up with something formulaic. However, I can tell you a little bit about my own experience, and you can take from that what you will.

Beginning

When I started blogging, I didn't really have a clear idea in my head as to why I had started blogging. I have an interest in writing - writing stories and poetry, pitching to magazine editors, etc. - and blogging was just another avenue to explore in pursuing that interest.

Of course, as a writer, I have taken more than my share of rejection, and the great bonus of starting up a blog seemed to be that I could write, publish, and attract readers without having to go through an editor, publisher, or agent (this can also be considered a negative - having to go through this is something that must be learned at some point as a writer). And so, I started a blog.

If you look back at earlier posts, I think you can tell that they are a bit less well structured, a bit less well written. I was still experimenting, and I do believe it shows. I haven't altered them though since I originally published them. I kind of like that they are there, reminders of how I have progressed.

Aside from my still experimenting back then, figuring out what was possible and the identity of this space, I didn't, as I said, really know why I had started the blog. I settled on writing about books and bookish things because I love to read, as simple as that. But, there were no goals or ambitions beyond having a place to write, preferably with a few readers along for the ride.

Ambitions have developed though as I have progressed. I have come to see that having a blog can be a great way to demonstrate my ability as a writer for those other writerly pursuits I undertake. Also, I have joined a couple of affiliate marketing schemes. However, I have tried to keep advertising in this space tasteful - this blog will never be primarily about trying to sell anything, it will always be about books and bookish things.

My interest in using this space to try and gain some supplementary income was really instigated by my losing work during the first UK lockdown, last year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, as I say, making money will never be the primary goal. I suppose, having some sort of community is the goal, reaching out to people who share similar interests, values, and passions.

Writing articles

From the other book blogs that I have seen, I have noticed that a lot of bloggers have genre specific blog content. Whereas, you may have noticed, my content is more diverse. The original idea being that I would simply discuss those books that make up my bookshelves. I'm not sure if this holds me back - potential readers being put off by my lack of specificity - or whether the broad range of books I discuss might be a help in the long term. Time will tell.

Beyond discussing the books I read, I also decided to write and publish posts about bookish related topics. So, if you explore the blog, you might find posts on how to make time for reading (here), films based on books (here), or even on my experiences as a bookish blogger (this post you're reading right now).

It's hard to say which posts are going to be popular and which ones aren't. And, besides, posts tend to garner attention incrementally, or at least they do in my experience. However, my most recently published posts which have been relatively popular are ones on reading challenges (here), and a review of Kazuo Ishiguro's The Buried Giant (here). But again, other posts have gained attention as well and reader numbers increase incrementally.

Outside of analysing and reviewing books that I have read, I have written a few list pieces, "how to" pieces, pieces inspired by news items . . . Pretty much anything bookish related that captures my interest, is a joy to write, and hopefully of interest to readers. And, chances are that if it is a pleasure for you to write there will be someone for whom it is a pleasure to read.

I think my one piece of advice would be to persevere. Even if you are writing and you suspect that no one is reading, you started blogging for a reason. If you still have that reason, and the writing is good, and getting better, the readers will come. 

Of course, getting the readers to come may mean having to leave the blog for a while . . .

Followers/support

Social media, especially Twitter, has been great in terms of finding support, even something of a community.

On Twitter, I have felt embraced by the book blogger community. From sharing each others' blog posts, to tagging each other to boost awareness of your efforts, the Twitter book blogger community has been wonderful. They are gosh darn friendly bunch too!

Beyond Twitter, I don't really make much use of Facebook for my bookish/writerly pursuits, simply out of personal preferences, but you can sometimes find me sharing bookish things on Instagram, though my bookish interests there are nestled amongst other of my interests too.

Away from social media, I have also set up a ko-fi page. Ko-fi is a platform specifically for creatives, and it is designed as a way for those creatives to stay in touch with supporters and, yes, to try and garner some monetary support for their efforts. This I set up with a view to gaining some donations for my writing, and also as a space for sharing what I am up to and learning from others.

Unfortunately, ko-fi hasn't garnered any donations/support for me yet, money wise at least, but I have found other creatives on there who have been kind enough to offer support in other ways (following my page, critiquing work in progress, etc.) which is very much appreciated.

Going forward, I have made something of a little promise to myself. I will, in the not too distant future, and at least once a month, donate to other creatives on the platform. It is pretty tricky to get support as creatives, and I have come to the conclusion that you gotta give, even if you don't get. If you're not getting, you know how hard it is, right? Give someone else that little boost!

Search engine optimisation

Okay. I am not going to talk about this one very much at all because . . . Well, because I don't know very much about how to make use of it, to be honest!

However, I am aware of it, and I am trying to learn more about it and how to make use of it. This because a better understanding of SEO can improve readership numbers, and at a certain point a desire to see your blog grow will kick in. So, search engine optimisation is something to be aware of and, if you're not sure of how to make use of it, research.

Again, the community on Twitter has been a great source of support in my pursuit of trying to better understand SEO. If you are just starting out as a book blogger, just search "#bookblogger" on Twitter, and immerse yourself into the wonderful world of the book blogging Twitterverse!

This piece can be taken as a bit of a "how to" guide to bookish blogging, but really all I can tell you is how I went about putting my blog together. However, maybe you hate the look of my blog (how could you!?), and you want to do something totally different. And, of course you do! You're you, and I'm me, and you should make the blog that you would want to read. Whatever you do, I hope you found this post useful, or at least enjoyable.

If you did like this post, or any others, perhaps you would consider following/supporting me on ko-fi. Ko-fi is a platform for creatives, and it's a great way to stay in touch with followers and supporters. Any and all donations/support are received gratefully and are very much appreciated!

Stay safe, and see you soon.

Those books that make you want to live - a (rambling) thought piece

 

When I read The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of a Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson for the first time I took from the book a sense of how odd, unpredictable, and full of colourful characters life can be. Or, some of the biographies and autobiographies that I've read, they have left me in wonder at what it is some people are capable of accomplishing. How fully people can live their lives.

I come to the end of these books a little sad, but also wanting to live my life a little more fully myself. 

I doubt that anyone will ever write any books about my life. If they did it would be a wholly uninspiring read and, I suspect, readers would trudge through the book like walkers through thick mud as far as they could before discarding the thing for something more fun. Like walking on hot coals, or having pins jabbed into their knees. Something like that.

But, our lives are our own. And the successes that we count might not be inspiring to others, or apparently worthy of note. But, if they mean something to you, you should take pride in them.

At least, I think so anyway.

I am proud of this blog. I am proud that I am a bookish, thirty-something guy with enough wherewithal to put this sort of thing together and, apparently, even attract a few readers! (Yeah, you! You've no idea how grateful I am you're here!).

I take a lot from the books I read. So much so that it almost feels unfair. For ten pounds or so, I get pleasure, hope, knowledge, inspiration, and more! 

That's quite a bit, I think it's fair to say. And, being the sort of person who has, now and then, taken a look at himself and his life, not liked what he has seen and felt completely uninspired, I am grateful to all those authors that have created those works. The books that have lifted me up. The books that have inspired me.

I don't know if I can say that I am a successful person, but I do think I can say that I am a good person. I have been awfully confused sometimes. But, yes, I think I can say that I am a good person. And, the books I have read have quite a bit to do with that. I hope this passion for books never dies . . .

Thank you for reading, especially if you read this far.

Happy reading!

If you enjoyed this piece, or any others, please do consider following/supporting me over at ko-fi. Ko-fi is a platform for creatives that makes it super easy for creatives and their fans/supporters to keep in touch.

Bookish Thoughts of a Rather Bookish Blogger . . .

 

I have sometimes wished that I were a little more 'sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll'. You know, a tad more exciting, a few exploits and stories to tell. Alas, I am much more 'books, snacks, and country walks'!

That's not a bad set of ingredients, if you should ever wish to make up a decent enough sort of fellow, but it doesn't make for the sort of person you'd want to find yourself stuck with at a dinner party. Or any sort social gathering really. Trust me on that one.

Let me tell you a few things about myself, to see if you agree. Firstly, I would love it if my waistline could decrease in circumference without my having to give up the foods I love, or engage in any kind of strenuous exercise. I love long walks, and dogs, and, being the creative thinker that I am, I love combining those two loves into, yes, you guessed it, long walks with dogs. And, finally, if you couldn't tell already from the bookish theme running throughout this lil ol' blog of mine, I have a thing for books too!

Like I said, not a bad set of interests, but they don't make for an interesting sort of guy either.

Anyway, I am not that great with people. When I find myself in conversation with one, I often come away with the feeling that at least one of us has been about as awkward as being hit on at a funeral. Usually I suspect that it's me. I wish I were awkward in a sort of flustered, yet charming, Hugh Grant manner, circa Four Weddings and a Funeral. But, I fear, I am more Steve Carrell in  The Office type awkward.

It's far better for everyone if I just stick my nose in a book!

A book is a dream you hold in your hands.

- Neil Gaiman

Neil might be right, and a bookish guy like me (the sort that almost always takes a book almost anywhere) can often appreciate the way in which both books and dreams, when you have finished with them and you've come back to the real world, can remain with you in a sort of hazy, haunting way . . . Problem is, I do sometimes much prefer the books and dreams, and try to get to them as much as I can, sometimes neglecting my real life concerns in favour of the dreams and literature. A hopeless bibliophile. A bookaholic. And, not only do I love to read, but I also harbour writerly ambitions! 

My loved ones are becoming concerned.

As I draw to the end of this little rambling reverie, I find myself wondering, "What the hell am I writing about here?"

And, to that, I say, "Uuuh . . ."

This is a rather a bookish blog, and I sometimes, sort of, think aloud here. Because, I think that the internet can be a great place to find friends, or a sort of community. It can be a place where you feel a little less alone. And, who knows, as you read these rather bookish thoughts, from a rather bookish blogger, perhaps you recognise a little of something in the words.

Or, maybe you don't. I dunno. But, either way, I hope you at least enjoyed the read.

If you did enjoy the read, please consider following/supporting me over at ko-fi - it keeps me in my writerly endeavours, and is very much appreciated!

PS - I am currently reading The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow by Jerome K. Jerome, and yes, the title of this blog post is a reference to that work, if that's what you were wondering.

Read lots, go for long walks, be kind. See you soon!

Being a Bookish Blogger

 

I am a bookish blogger. Hopefully, there are some out there that find my musings on and analyses of the books I have read interesting, and maybe even enjoyable. One can hope!

Feeling reflective, I thought I might publish a post discussing my journey as a bookish blogger thus far. And so, here we go . . .

To be honest, I can't remember what it was exactly that made me finally begin my own blog. But, I can tell you that I had been considering it for a while. It took me some time to get around to it for the simple reason that I had no idea how to go about putting a blog together, or how to get it out there to the people that might care to read it. Still, I think that that not knowing helped me in a way - because I started sort of blind, I innocently created something that was very much me, rather than built round a template.

Looking back, my first few posts were very much just me feeling my way into blogging. I was experimenting with what the world had to offer, and figuring out what it was exactly that I wanted to write about. If I am one hundred per cent honest, in those first few posts I don't think I was being all that considerate of any potential readers, or what they might want to read - I was just trying to get it right for myself!

That has changed somewhat now. When I check on the stats, I find myself making notes of what has drawn attention, what is being read the most, and using that as a reference for what I am considering publishing in the future. However, I don't think I'll be guided solely by the stats and what's popular - I want to blog because it is enjoyable, and that will always be the overriding factor, I think.

I want it to be enjoyable for you too though (if you've made it this far in to this post, perhaps I am doing something right!).

Probably the biggest plus to being a bookish blogger so far is the community of which I have find myself a part. I stepped away from my blog to try and help it grow by taking to social media, mostly on Twitter (you can follow me at philip_simons16), and I found myself welcomed into the book blogging community there. They are supportive, fun, and kind. I am not the only one to say this, I have spoken with others who have said almost exactly the same thing; that they have found themselves a part of an online community. Some even make real friends in their book blogging, reviewing journeys.

I also immerse myself into the book reading, reviewing, blogging side of Instagram sometimes (I can be found here), though I could do with perfecting my artistic eye when it comes to taking pictures. Take a look at the shelves at the top of this post again - whether or not something is aesthetically pleasing or not is clearly of secondary importance to me!

This blog is still growing, evolving, and there is much more that I have to learn. I am still not sure that I am getting it "right", whatever that means, but I am enjoying myself more and more. Engaging with other bloggers on social media, exploring my passion for both books and writing in one place, receiving feedback from readers . . . It's all good. 

I hope that the blog continues to grow, finding new readers, and I will be learning new things along the way.

Anyway, I should probably go and read a book so that I've something to write about in my next post!

If you enjoyed this post, or any others, please consider buying me a coffee at ko-fi - every donation helps creative types like myself keep doing what they do, and it's very much appreciated!

Read lots of books. Be kind. Be good. And, go for long walks when the weather is nice.

Profile of a Bookworm Blogger

 In which I discuss my bibliophilic tendencies

My having a book about my person - whether I'm on the street, on a park bench seat, or up in a tree - is almost certainly a certainty!

I read everyday.

Now, as I make that admission, you may start to form images of my being a rather bookish fellow - a tote bag of some sort over my shoulder, thick framed glasses sat on the bridge of my nose, and a cup of black coffee perched somewhere within reach. Perhaps I wear a cool hipster cardigan, to go with my cool hipster facial hair, which really ties together the whole bookish-hipster thing that I am going for, no? That's a very nice, and Instagram ready, image. But, it's not me. No, think more Chris Pratt in Parks and Recreation, only with a book in hand. That's closer.

I do like to think, in my more deluded moments, that my being widely read lends me, at least a slight, air of intellect, and perhaps sophistication - we all have an ego, that's my only excuse. However, truth be told, the books that I have immersed myself in have not conferred upon me those attributes. No, they have left me with something more important though - the thoughts, lessons, feelings, and ideas of men and women from other times, and other places. A good book can leave you feeling small and, at the same time, part of something huge, like when you look up and consider the ocean of space and stars in which we are suspended.

Mostly, I read for joy though.

But, reading is a solitary activity which is, most of the time, fine by me - I am a tad more introverted than I am extroverted. Still, I sit here, click-clacking away at the keyboard now, reaching out into the void that is the internet, tossing my thoughts and feelings about reading out there. Obviously, I hope that it will reach someone and, dare I hope, some sort of connection is made. Otherwise, what is the point?

Maybe joy. Maybe that's the point again . . .

At the moment I am reading The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro and it could very well be the case that, much like how Stevens, the butler of Darlington Hall, is stultified by his life in service, I am made a little dull by my interest in all things bookish - which would go some way to explaining why I feel a need to allude to a literary character when describing myself; it might make the portrait a little less bloody boring!

Still, I do hope that these posts are of interest to somebody. As I sit here in my room, bookish and writerly notions in a perfect cloud of sparkly hope dust erupted above my noggin, hunched over this laptop, clickery-clacking the keys to form these words that you are reading (hopefully!), I hope that somebody is reading. I hope somebody shares it. And, I hope that we can have an exchange . . .

Anyway . . .

Signing off. Read well. Be good. Please enjoy the below picture - nothing bookish here, just my late dog (otherwise known as my best friend) viciously attacking my face with her weapon of choice, her tongue.