3 Reasons Why I Write Blogs

1. To reflect on my craft

When I post blogs on different aspects of writing, it gives me the chance to examine my craft to a great degree. How do I write dialogue in such a way that I can advise others? How does my experience have relevance for writers around the world? This in turn makes me a better writer as I reflect on these issues and then incorporate what I’ve learnt into my writing.

If you like what I have to say about writing, feel free to check out my poetry collection on life in modern China:

Made in China

2. To help others

I want to help those who are in a similar situation to me e.g. aspiring authors who are looking for their first publishing deal. The easiest thing in the world is to be a selfish author who hoards his lessons like a librarian indexes their books. But by writing a blog I share what I’ve learnt with other members of the wordsmithing community, and in so doing allow them to become better writers. It’s a win-win situation, as it also improves my writing and (hopefully) makes it more likely that I will get published in the future.

If you like what I have to say about writing, why not check out my podcast 'What! The Heys' where I take weekly deep dives in the worlds of writing and literature: 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1021147

3. To publicize my work 

When I write blogs it gives me the opportunity to advertise my books (namely the Jack Strong series and my Made in China poetry collection ) to others. It’s relatively easy to do and it’s a better way to make money from my blog than spamming it with the usual low-end advertisements. It also gives other writers the idea to do their own blogs (and who knows podcasting?) rather than just posting photos of their books on social media. 

If you want to check out my novel - Jack Strong and the Red Giant - about a 12 year old boy's adventures on a spaceship check out the link below:

Jack Strong and the Red Giant