The shy blogger: making friends one by one

Julie Carobini here from the central coast of California!

Have you ever had someone tell you all their problems, but when you attempt to share a difficulty of your own, they brush you aside and launch back into their own string of concerns?

That's what one-sided blogging is like.

Don't get me wrong. You blog for a reason and can't possibly answer every comment you receive...but just imagine with me for a moment what it would be like if you did.

First, though, I need to confess that I'm not exactly brilliant at this. Sometimes I look at the comment section of one of my posts and see a virtual party--and I'm nowhere to be found. (Three and a half lashes for that!) But I do try to answer questions or make comments about the notes I've been left as often as possible.

And that's one of the keys to building relationships, one by one.  Here are more examples of ways writers who eschew the limelight can interact more personally with their readers:

Acts of Service ~ When one of my regular bloggers asked if she could have discussion questions for Chocolate Beach, I told her the truth: there were none. Then I had an idea...why not create some just for her and her book club? I did, and we've now been blogging friends for a couple of years. (I later posted those on my website too.)

Inside jokes ~ One blogger from Fort Worth met up with me at the Dallas ACFW booksigning and, as promised, I brought her a chocolate bar (she brought me a Texas 'hug'--a toy :). We had discovered our mutual affection for singer Brad Paisley, so we became especially giddy after finding a coupon for one of his concerts on the back of the chocolate I'd given her. Over the years I've shared recurring 'inside' jokes with many blogging friends.

Random Gifts ~ A blogger who visits me often expressed interest in a book I had recently promoted. I emailed her privately and asked if she'd like to have it (no contest or strings attached). It was a pleasure to mail it off to her 'just because'.

Blog visits ~ With Facebook, Twitter, and a busy life, I don't visit blogs as much as I used to, however, I try to pop in and visit my regulars when I can.  It's the polite thing to do!

If you're like me--someone who enjoys making friendships one by one--then I invite you to share some of your own stories in the comment section of this blog.  After all, we shy writers have to stick together ;)  

 

As always, you are welcome to stop by blog anytime at www.juliecarobini.com.  Have a beachy day my friends~wherever you are!

Comments

[Kathleen L. Maher]

I found this especially apropos, since i am trying to get my blog off the ground. Great tips, Julie! I enjoy visiting other blogs, and will attempt to keep it personal with folks who stop by.

Kathy

Kathleen L. Maher
http://kathleenlmaher.blogspot.com/

[julie carobini]

Thanks for the note, Kathy! I wish you the best with your blogging endeavor--such fun!