Today's Armchair BEA topic is about expanding our blogging horizons, something I'm always interested in, doing the next cool thing, right?
Here are the specific questions:
What do you think about when you think about going beyond blogging or expanding your horizons? Is it a redesign of your blog? Have you branched out into freelance writing or even published a novel of your very own? Or, have you moved into a different venue like podcasts or vlogging? This is the day to tell us about how you have expanded on blogging in your own unique way.
I think for me, expanding just simply means staying involved. That's why I'm trying to keep Bloggiesta going, and why I've been helping Armchair BEA this year and why I sometimes (depending on timing and such) cheer-lead for different things, and why I'm figuring out Google+ lately and such. I think it just means that it's good to try (I know it's hard and overwhelming) to stay current and keep up!
I've always found the idea of podcast fascinating, but haven't figured out how to make that happen. Besides, I'm not a good talker, so why would I even think about a podcast? Kinda funny I'd say. But still, it seems like it would be really fun especially if you were talking to a buddy and could just ham it up or something.
As for vlogging, I'm also intrigued, but watching me talking sounds even worse than listening to me talk! So, why would I even think about it? Because it's a challenge and something different and it's fun! I don't know. I think if I were to do something like this, I'd have to think of a whole new spin on what everyone else is doing because I wouldn't want to be boring or anything! :)
Of course you all know (if you've been reading here lately) that I've been bitten by the writing bug. Well, I was bitten a long time ago, but have only recently acknowledged it. I think that sometimes morphing from a crazy reader to a wanna be writer is inevitable. And not a very unusual thing, but still, it's fun to try and to see what writing a book is like. I'm having fun, and I think that's all that matters right now!
Anyway, for me, and I've said this a gazillion times, this blogging thing will always be a hobby and if it seems to be moving from that category, I'll know I've crossed a line I didn't want. So as long as expanding keeps it in the hobby realm, I'm all for it!
How about you all? What are you doing to make sure you blog is growing?
I think as long as I grow as a reader (and a writer), my blog will grow along with me. I feel the same way about podcasts though I listen to them occasionally.
ReplyDeleteI agree that staying involved with blogging is a big help. I did help with armchair bea one year. I think just also by reading books and reaching out to authors is another way to stay involved.
ReplyDeleteI would like to get one of my co-bloggers to vlog. I am not up for it, but think that it is a nice addition to a blog. Podcasting is something that I have also considered, but have not looked into too seriously.
ReplyDelete-Flirting with Fiction
Every time I listen to a podcast I think it sounds like fun and want to do one. They make it seem so easy! Somehow I think it's a lot trickier.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! I love that there are so many opportunities to expand our blogging horizons through community activities and various platforms. It's a rich experience, for sure. And I also kinda wish I knew how to podcast. Heather and I would tear it up with our southern accents.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that staying active in the community is one of the best ways to continue growing as a blogger. Just interactive with other bloggers and learning tips and tricks helps me stay fresh!
ReplyDeleteStaying involved in the blogging community is very important, and something that I'm trying to work on. I know what you mean by not being as good at talking. Sometimes if I'm doing avspeech or speaking in clas/group type settings, I freeze up and forget what I wanted to say. I could definitely see that happening to me if I tried something like vlogging!
ReplyDeleteI didn't touch this topic with a 10-ft poll. Expanding scares me. But, in the ways you mentioned in your first paragraph, I didn't even think about. I think getting involved in those types of things would be awesome. I just don't feel like I have the time to do it right now.
ReplyDeleteI'm exactly like you; I just keep trying to learn a few new things. I like that idea. I don't want pressure to move in a certain direction, but (as I remind myself often) I don't have to do that in blogging unless I want to.
ReplyDeleteStaying involved is what makes this such a great hobby! And it does go well alongside a secret (or not so secret) desire to write a book.
ReplyDeleteJoy's Book Blog
I started a new-to-me blog spotlight for this year to help me visit more new blogs and pass the site on to my readers. Guess what? I'm sharing this blog next week starting Monday. I'm on the The Hitler Dilemma blog tour list. Hope you'll come visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post.
I think for me it is now about finding a way to add one more day to my blogging week AND get more involved. The one more day is looking like it might maybe possibly be a vlog series on middlegrade? Not sure yet...it could be that I am afraid to take the leap.Good luck with your writing...having fun is the just right place to be!
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