In my New Year's resolutions post a couple of weeks ago, I told you all that I wanted to improve my knowledge about blogging, as well as the quality of my blog itself. In an effort to get that particular ball rolling, I reached out on Twitter and asked if anybody could recommend any good books about blogging.
My sad little Tweet went unanswered, but I did some of my own research, and hit the jackpot (I think) with an informative book about blogging that is right up my street. Blogging For Creatives by Robin Houghton is that book, and I've been eagerly reading my way through it since its arrival on my doormat last week.
The book covers the 'how-tos' of blogging from the very beginning, which might not initially appeal to those of you with already established blogs, but even those early chapters were fascinating for me. Like any subject, you can never know absolutely everything about blogging, and I found myself taking notes from page one.
Houghton really seems to know her stuff, and her writing style is concise and easy to understand, without being patronising. Some of you might wonder why I wouldn't just look for blogging tips on the internet, rather than buying a book about the subject, but as the author says herself: 'Who has the time to sift through it all?'
Blogging For Creatives is lovely to look at, with plenty of inspirational blog recommendations on each page, and a huge amount of great tips. I haven't even finished reading the whole book, and I've already purchased a relevant domain name (very cheaply) that I hope to be using for this blog in the near future, simply because Robin Houghton advised that it might be a good idea. And it IS a good idea! I just didn't have the know how or the confidence to do it of my own volition.
As well as teaching me about blogging, this book has also reassured me that (in some areas at least) I have been doing the right thing so far regarding my blog. If you are a new-ish blogger like myself then I'm sure you'll agree that a metaphorical pat on the back from someone with a lot more experience than you is nice once in a while. You can check out Robin's website here: www.robinhoughton.com
Just by chance, I was loitering in Asda before work the other day and stumbled across the above issue of Company magazine. The only thing I really know about Company, apart from recognising the name, is that fellow blogger, Gem, works there as a web assistant. As you can see, January's issue is all about blogging, and a quick glance at the introduction by editor Victoria White revealed that the magazine has been revamped (both in terms of visuals and content) to look and feel more like a blog. To be honest, Company's new set up reminds me more of a scrapbook than a blog, but I still find it aesthetically pleasing, and I'm looking forward to reading this issue's blogging advice (given by real bloggers!). Hopefully you can still grab a copy of this in shops if you're interested, even though there isn't much of January left!
Clearly, I've got lots of reading and research to keep me going, but I've heard that Blog Inc. by Joy Deangdeelert Cho is another book about blogging worth checking out. Have you read any blog-improving books or websites lately? I'd love to hear about them!
My sad little Tweet went unanswered, but I did some of my own research, and hit the jackpot (I think) with an informative book about blogging that is right up my street. Blogging For Creatives by Robin Houghton is that book, and I've been eagerly reading my way through it since its arrival on my doormat last week.
The book covers the 'how-tos' of blogging from the very beginning, which might not initially appeal to those of you with already established blogs, but even those early chapters were fascinating for me. Like any subject, you can never know absolutely everything about blogging, and I found myself taking notes from page one.
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| Image found here |
Houghton really seems to know her stuff, and her writing style is concise and easy to understand, without being patronising. Some of you might wonder why I wouldn't just look for blogging tips on the internet, rather than buying a book about the subject, but as the author says herself: 'Who has the time to sift through it all?'
Blogging For Creatives is lovely to look at, with plenty of inspirational blog recommendations on each page, and a huge amount of great tips. I haven't even finished reading the whole book, and I've already purchased a relevant domain name (very cheaply) that I hope to be using for this blog in the near future, simply because Robin Houghton advised that it might be a good idea. And it IS a good idea! I just didn't have the know how or the confidence to do it of my own volition.
 |
| Image found here |
As well as teaching me about blogging, this book has also reassured me that (in some areas at least) I have been doing the right thing so far regarding my blog. If you are a new-ish blogger like myself then I'm sure you'll agree that a metaphorical pat on the back from someone with a lot more experience than you is nice once in a while. You can check out Robin's website here: www.robinhoughton.com
 |
| Image found here |
Just by chance, I was loitering in Asda before work the other day and stumbled across the above issue of Company magazine. The only thing I really know about Company, apart from recognising the name, is that fellow blogger, Gem, works there as a web assistant. As you can see, January's issue is all about blogging, and a quick glance at the introduction by editor Victoria White revealed that the magazine has been revamped (both in terms of visuals and content) to look and feel more like a blog. To be honest, Company's new set up reminds me more of a scrapbook than a blog, but I still find it aesthetically pleasing, and I'm looking forward to reading this issue's blogging advice (given by real bloggers!). Hopefully you can still grab a copy of this in shops if you're interested, even though there isn't much of January left!
Clearly, I've got lots of reading and research to keep me going, but I've heard that Blog Inc. by Joy Deangdeelert Cho is another book about blogging worth checking out. Have you read any blog-improving books or websites lately? I'd love to hear about them!
Hi lovely, this was a great post to read. I've never thought about reading a book about blogging before, I usually try and take inspiration from the blogs I read and enjoy. I think it's difficult as a blogger who doesn't have so many readers yet or so many pageviews, to know whether you're doing it right or not! Personally, as I started my blog for myself, I think it's wonderful if even just one person wants to read what I'm rambling on about or look at my photos :) I've read a few posts, and I think you have a way with words! You kept me reading, so I'd say you're doing pretty well at this whole blogging thing :) xx
ReplyDeleteHello! Thank you so much :) I totally agree, I just love blogging as a different creative outlet, but it's great when people care enough to read and comment on posts!
DeleteI WISH I'd read this post yesterday.. I'd just picked up a copy of Blog Inc by Joy Deangdeelert Cho (It's reduced from £10.99 to £5 on the Urban Outfitters website..) but the one you recommend looks more up my street. Maybe I'll get both?! Haha.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip!
HELen
pierrelecat
Ooh, thanks for the heads up! I'll try to grab a copy while it's reduced! Definitely get both, then you can compare them :) Thanks so much for stopping by!
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