Writers' Blogs - To Use or Not To Use

With the number of social media outlets available, many writers have started some chatter about how useful blogs are in their networking and promotion efforts. I can see the appeal of tools such as Facebook and Twitter -- they offer quick and immediate ways to spread information and, in the era of the sound bite and the short attention span, some 140 well-placed characters can do as much for an author as a well-honed media kit.

But I think there is a place for blogs, too -- it just depends on why and how the author chooses to use it. As an avid reader, I love reading author blogs where the authors truly try to build a community. Where the author not only shares the ups and downs of the writing life but some of her personal ups and downs as well. I respect a person's right to privacy so I appreciate it when an author chooses to share a little more than the usual. A writer who writes her blog in deep POV is a writer whose books I am sure to love.

What about you guys? Do you think there's a place for writers' blogs when there are so many other ways to network, promote, and connect? Inquiring minds want to know!

xoxo,
bex