S.O.S [5]: How to Be: A Rock-Star Blogger {essay}

Sound off Saturday (or S.O.S.) is a feature created by me to ‘sound off’ on all the juicy topics. Whether it be book topics, or anything in general, this will be the place for me to shout out my opinions. At the bottom [of each post] there will be a question posed to open discussion(s), so please leave your thoughts in the comments. Disclaimer: Link all outside posts to Dog-Eared & Bookmarked’s S.O.S. page if you use these discussion topics!

Okay, I wrote this essay for my writing class this past week. I haven't heard back from my professor, but my classmates [who peer reviewed] said they really enjoyed it. This makes me happy because they aren't bloggers, so to have them like and enjoy this made me smile.

The prompt was to write a short 'process' essay on How To ----  do something. I chose to write it on how to compose a 'rock-star' worthy blog post.

Here it is:

How To: Be A Rock-Star Blogger

 

            Once upon a time, in a far, far away land--- people used to write in diaries and journals. Those thick, heavy, bound books with plain paper in them. They used to sit and write down their thoughts; their grievances; their dalliances; and anything else they could think of. Today, everyone loves the environment and trees, so they have decided to spend countless hours online; however, they still need [want] and outlet to express themselves. It is this reason the blogger was born. 

            Simply put, a blog is an online diary or journal. Blogs can be private, but they are mostly used for people to communicate with a mass audience. One famous example is Julie Powell. Powell, in 2002, started the Julie/Julia Project--- a blog that chronicled Powell’s attempt to make all of Julia Child’s recipes from Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Her blog eventually gained a large following, which in turn snagged her a book deal, which lead to a movie deal, which then gained Meryl Streep (yet another) Academy Award nomination. From a simple idea, Powell managed a life changing feat. In order for her to do so, she had to compose each of her blog posts with finesse. It is very easy to write a good “rock-star” worthy blog. 

            First, each blog post should have one main topic. It is easier to follow if there is one clear concept. If there are multiple topics, break those into single posts within a week’s span of the blog. It will draw in a bigger audience, because they will be looking for part two, part three, part four, etc. Second, each post should be fairly short. This will help keep the blogger on topic, and keep the audience interested. Most readers like 200 to 500 word blog posts. After that, they usually stop reading and close the webpage. 

            Third, when writing each new blog post, the writer needs to stay true to themselves. Since it is their blog, they should interject their personality whenever possible. This is one of the main reasons blogs are so popular right now--- audiences love getting to know the blogger. 

            Last, be respectful of fellow bloggers, and considerate to the readers. The biggest reason bloggers get a large following is because of their mannerisms towards their readers. If the reader is respected, they will come back for more.

            In conclusion, as a book blogger working my way towards a job in publishing, I use these rules every single day. I have grown my own personal blog from one follower to the hundreds in a short span of time. The key is to keep it simple; keep it short; and keep it nice! 

---The end.

After reading my essay, what do YOU think makes a rock-star blogger? What tips do you have for bloggers out there? What is your blog writing process? Make sure to share in the comments!