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a little lesson from the search engines (and it’s not about SEO)

a-lesson-from-the-search-engines-designbyinsight.net

It’s always interesting to take a peek at statistics and search engine terms. Running a business, it’s necessary for me to know how people find us. Really though, I’m just that kind of person. I’m an analyzer.

Sometimes the search terms are expected, something like design by insight, e-book designer, or custom blog design. Other times they’re rather humorous. For instance, someone found our site last week by searching for dog days of summer. I’m sure it would make Teri Lynne’s basset hound proud.

This week, there was a very different common thread. It caught me off guard. Mixed in with the usual search phrases were these:

discouraged

tired of trying to be a writer

encouragement tired work

encouragement for writers

encouragement for tired bloggers and discouraged writers (the title of this post)

It caught me off guard, and it made me a little sad. I hope my post listed above brought them some encouragement, because that’s my heart.

Personally, I’m in book mode right now, with Self-Publish just weeks from release. Reading the discouraged words above reminded me of why we are writing our book in the first place. It’s the result of the last two years of walking alongside our clients through the self-publishing process. It was born out of hearing their questions and struggles, and our goal is that the words we have crafted will bring clarity and encouragement for writers on that same journey. That is our why for writing it.

Maybe you’re one of the discouraged ones today, or maybe you aren’t. Either way, think back to why you write. Whether it’s a book, a blog, or a personal journal, what was the trigger for you, the thing that got you started in the first place? Sometimes when we feel weary from the process, it helps to remember why we’re doing it.

What is your why?

(we’d love to hear about it in the comments below)
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10 posts writers need to read

With the launch of Michael Hyatt’s book, Platform, the past week or so has been filled with compelling content about building your audience, honing your message, and pursuing your writing dreams.   Our Reader is full of great content and between Erin and me, we have “starred” a lot (a. lot.) of posts over the past few days.


10 Posts Writers Need to Read www.designbyinsight.net/blog

Here are ten posts for writers that I have found especially encouraging and filled with specific and useful information:

  1. We may as well start with Michael Hyatt’s graphic outlining the Platform process.  If you are on the fence about buying his book, this might help you decide.  {My copy should arrive today!}
  2. The whole Get Your Book Published series at Next Step Editing has been great!  Sandra’s posts on submission sites, writer’s conferences, and agents are full of information.
  3. You all know how much we love Jeff Goins around here.  Besides the adorable Instagram photos of his new son (too cute!), he’s created a four-part audio series to enhance the information in You Are a Writer.  {Those who purchase the platinum bundle receive this audio series as part of that package.}
  4. 5 Essentials to Online Publishing on Tentblogger … go now!
  5. Overwhelmed by SEO?  It’s not generally our “native tongue” as writers.  That’s why I love this information from Author Media , What Every Author Needs to Know about Search Engine Optimization.
  6. Joanna Penn has great insight into self-publishing and how it can give you new opportunities as a writer.
  7. Speaking of self-publishing, Sarah Mae shares the one reason she WON’T use KDP Select.
  8. Your author website matters!  Duolit offers 7 Lessons to Improve Your Author Website.  Excellent information with a generous dose of humor.
  9. Writer’s block … the bane of writers everywhere.  In this post from The Write Practice comes the wise and practical counsel, Don’t Write Well, Write Now.
  10. And finally, one more from Jeff Goins, 10 Ridiculously Simple Tips for Writing a Book.
So, there you go … ten posts for you weekend reading.  Enjoy!

What great posts or books on writing have you read lately?

This post contains Amazon affiliate links, and I will receive commission from any purchase made via those links.

{linked with Top Ten Tuesday}