I have been so excited about blogging lately. Each week, I look forward to generating ideas, finding exciting artwork and sharing my world with you. Thanks to sites with wonderful and informative blogs of their own, sites like Problogger and Successfulblogging, I am gaining expertise in blogging.
Guests Welcome
As usual, the more I learn, the more I want to acquire knowledge and blogging is no different. Most recently, I have been initiated into the world of guest blogging. Guest blogging is when you blog on someone else’s site or they blog on yours. You can guest on Podcasts and Webinars too. People ‘guest’ often and for a variety of reasons. For the host, it offers a chance to introduce his/her audience to a broader array of topics that might be of interest. They can bring in expertise or entertainment in additional areas, and by extension, gain influence in that arena. For the guest, they cement their position as an expert. For both host and guest, the ability to reach new readers or listeners is a definite advantage.
MFRW – Peer Mentoring discovered
Thanks to Edie Hart, my colleague and author or “One Bad Day”, I recently learned about Marketing for Romance Writers (link), a group of dedicated romance authors helping other romance authors succeed. Since joining, I have been flooded with emails on topics from software to formatting and from giveaways to guesting.
My new found colleagues offer useful advice and opportunities to share information, including thoughtful reviews, entertaining and educational blogs and exciting giveaways and contests. I have discovered colleagues who have already been there/done that that can and do help me navigate the writing and publishing waters.
Five Blogs that I Like
I am suddenly connected with numerous romance writers with great books and blogs and I would like to share with you now and then. If you are like me, you are always looking for recommendations for that next great read. I often rely on the algorithms of Amazon, but here are five blogs/websites where you can get great reviews and suggestions. There are many more that I will share in the future, but these are some great ones to get you started.
I hope you find them as helpful and entertaining as I have.
1/ Romance.io
Why I like it: This review site, previously known as Romance and Smut, garners almost 400,000 hits/month. There is a reason people go here for romance reviews. The site can be searched by genre or by rating. You can peruse their best of lists, too. All of this makes it easier to hone in on that 5-star rated historical or paranormal romance you’ve been craving. Another plus: you can add your own reviews.
2/ Marketing for Romance Writers blog
Why I like it: Spotlights 4-5 books with reviews by romance authors who know what readers are looking for in a romance. Include author bios and excerpts to assist in your reading decisions as well. You can join the more than 6000 people who check this blog monthly.
Why I like it: First, Shari has one of the best home page banners I have ever seen, You will smile, I promise. Second, she does “Sexy Snippets” on Sundays where different authors share just a short 7-8 lines of their books with you. You get a quick taste of romance to help you discover new writers, and on Sunday, when you have time to savor it.
4/Rochelle Weber –
WhyI like it: Rochelle’s Roses and Thorns blog has two reviews by Rochelle each week, but what I like is that she invites others to be volunteer reviewers too. Also, her reviews are brief and to the point.
Why I like it: You know that perfect conversation you have with a friend where you say “so, what are you reading now” and they tell you about that book they really like? Reading a review from Crystal Benedict on this blog feels just like that chat. She writes things like “If you, like me, enjoy reading in the bath tub they are the perfect size for a nice bath”. Seriously, it’s just like talking to your best friend.
Speaking of guest blogging, watch for my guesting on February 6 at www.ShariElder.com and March 31 at www.MaryEThompson.com.
You might also be interested in these larger book review sites
Love the blog listings! Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad that MFRW has been helpful. It’s a fantastic group.
Edie <3
Thank you, Edie. The group is wonderfully supportive and full of great ideas and opportunities.