Author Archive

Posted on January 5, 2012 - by Shari Barr

Quitters Never Prosper

Don’t quit. Those two words are the most important ones I’ve heard as a writer—especially in the prepublication days.

Even after story and article acceptances began trickling in, I was tempted to just chuck it all when acceptances didn’t come my way as often as I thought they should. But I am so glad I didn’t. Perseverance is an essential trait to finding success as a writer. (A bit of stubbornness comes in handy too.)

Those days of just plugging along, selling an article here and there, and wondering if my ship was ever going to come in, led to opportunities I had never considered.

My dream had always been to write fiction, but when I got a chance to write non-fiction, I not only added credits to my resume, the door eventually opened to my first book deal.

Switching gears to the world of non-fiction was one of the best things I ever did in my writing career. Not only did it open my eyes to a new genre, it gave me incentive to keep writing. It’s really hard to quit when you know someone depends on your muse and sends you a paycheck to show how much they appreciate you.

In my early days as a writer, God had a different plan for my writing. He knew I wasn’t ready to write a full-length novel, so He opened up a door for me to write Sunday school curriculum for middle grade kids. This was more creative than I ever thought possible. No, I wasn’t writing fiction, but I was teaching God’s word and hopefully making it fun for kids in the process.

Out of this opportunity came two non-fiction book deals with the same publisher. These credits gave me confidence and experience, helping pave the way for several books in a mystery series for middle grade girls. Need I say more about why I’m glad I didn’t quit.

Even if your dreams don’t include becoming a writer, perseverance is the key to achieving your goals. Satan is the one putting those negative, self-deprecating thoughts into your head. God never whispers the word “quit” into your ear. Satan, however, loves it when people give up on their dreams, especially when those aspirations involve spreading the word of God.  God may not provide a straight shot to the pot at the end of the rainbow. He may take you on a little detour first.

Posted on December 22, 2011 - by Shari Barr

Stealing Jesus

Over the years I’ve simplified decorating our house for Christmas. The less I decorate the more relaxed I feel, and ultimately, I am able to calmly celebrate the real reason for Christmas. Some may call me a scrooge, but it works for me. This year we have a tree and that’s pretty much it—except for a little wooden nativity scene that sits on an end table reminding me of a story I heard several years ago.

The little boy went with his parents to Grandma’s house. He loved looking at the tiny nativity scene she displayed in her living room. The colorful porcelain figurines of Joseph, Mary, the three wise men, and of course, the baby Jesus fascinated the preschooler. Every time he visited Grandma that Christmas, he headed for her nativity scene, especially drawn to the Christ child lying in the manger.

But, then, the inevitable happened. One day the baby Jesus disappeared. The family looked everywhere, but the search for Grandma’s lost figurine was futile. Baby Jesus could not be found.

Later after the family returned home, the little boy’s mother got him ready for bed and a small object fell out of the pocket of his jeans. When she asked him why he took it, he simply responded that he wanted the baby Jesus.

On the next trip to Grandma’s house, the little boy did as he was told and returned the baby Jesus to the crèche. After the boy’s family returned home, Grandma noticed once again that the Christ child was missing. When she informed her daughter, the boy’s mother quickly located the lost figurine—again.

You guessed it. Every time the little boy went to Grandma’s house, he came home with Jesus.

Oh, how we should all be like this innocent little boy! He knew he wanted to make Jesus his own, and he did what it took to get Him.

All I want for Christmas this year is the joy that little boy found in stealing Jesus. It’s as simple as that. There is no greater gift. 

The above story is based on actual events. Circumstances were embellished and names were eliminated to protect the innocent (and guilty.)

Posted on December 8, 2011 - by Shari Barr

Dustin Morrison: A Soldier’s Story

Doctors thought the 20-year-old Iowa Army National Guardsman wouldn’t live 20 minutes after his vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on April 11. 

The moment Dustin Morrison’s parents, Kelli Pedersen and Terry and Melissa Morrison, received the devastating news of the blast, prayer chains were set in motion across rural southwest Iowa and beyond. The family prepared to fly to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany where Dustin had been transferred. When hospital staff called back and said to have Dustin’s brother, Brandon, and sister, Lisa, come as well, they realized just how serious their son’s situation was. Upon arrival in Germany doctors were straightforward with them about Dustin’s prognosis. Though medical staff didn’t expect him to survive, they continued the fight by placing him in a medically induced coma since his lungs were critically injured in the blast.

Morrison fought for his life and began breathing on his own nearly three weeks after the blast. He opened his eyes for the first time on Easter morning. Several days later, he and his mom made the aeromedical flight to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington for further advanced care. 

From his first surgery in Afghanistan to additional surgeries in Germany and Washington D.C., doctors placed pins in his severely broken ankle, replaced the shattered L2 vertebrae in his back, placed three pins in his right hand, and inserted a rod in his broken left femur. Though Dustin had made miraculous progress, doctors in D.C. told him he would never walk again. 

Nearly two weeks I ago, I sat in a church in Dustin’s hometown of New Market, Iowa and watched him walk unaided down the aisle. He climbed the steps to the pulpit and shared his testimony of faith. Moved by his inspirational story, the congregation responded with a standing ovation.

Though Dustin will require surgery on his ankle in the following year and will have ongoing physical and occupational therapy, this young soldier and his family glorified God throughout the ordeal, graciously accepting whatever plan God had for him. Dustin openly shares the words of truth his mother spoke to him, “Don’t let fear override your faith.” 

Dustin’s story is living proof of the power of prayer. The faith that Dustin and his family demonstrated is an example of Christians living their lives according to God’s will, fully accepting His grace and love.

With the Advent season upon us, there is no better time to reflect on the miracles that only God can do.

Posted on November 24, 2011 - by Shari Barr

Christmas Reads for the Young and Young at Heart

Happy Thanksgiving!

Soon the aroma of roasting turkey and pumpkin pie will be nothing more than a memory. For many this signals the beginning of the Christmas season. There’s no better time to snuggle beneath an afghan, sip a cup of hot cider, and read a good book. 

The following three children’s books are favorites of mine and aren’t just for kids. They’re a perfect quick read for the season of Advent, guaranteed to get you and yours in the Christmas spirit.

The Candle in the Window by Grace Johnson portrays the true meaning of Christmas in this superbly told tale. Gunther, a lonely German cobbler, finds no joy in the Christmas season—it’s simply a reminder of the wife and son he’s lost. When unexpected visitors show up in his shop on Christmas Eve with a candle for his window, they explain that according to legend, the candle is an invitation for the Christ Child to enter the hearts of men. As Gunther hurriedly makes preparations, he is soon disappointed when he must give the gifts he’s prepared for the Christ Child to others in need. Only after his visitors leave, does Gunther understand the true impact of his actions.

Annika’s Secret Wish by Beverly Lewis is a beautiful story based on Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than receive.” According to Swedish tradition, the child who finds an almond hidden in his rice pudding on Christmas Eve has a chance to make a wish for anything he desires. Annika has yet to find the almond in her bowl, but when she does, she struggles with finally fulfilling her own dream or giving that chance to someone she loves dearly. 

Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon is an inspiring story of peace and hope between enemies in a time of war. The World War I Christmas truce tells the true story of a miracle that took place between British and German troops on a cold December night in France in 1914. Huddled in trenches on either side of a barren ground called No Man’s Land, the British were stunned when the fighting ceased and they heard the German soldiers singing Silent Night in their native tongue. Climbing from their trenches, the British joined in, the two languages blending as one. For several hours, the enemies became friends, sharing small gifts and even playing a game of soccer. Though the fighting resumed the next day, the troops gave us a glimpse of how peace really begins.

What are some of your favorite Christmas books?

Posted on November 10, 2011 - by Shari Barr

A Letter to My Teenage Self From Shari

Dear Teenage Shari,

I know that life as a teenager can seem nothing short of confusing at times, but you will get through it and be a better person because of it. Believe me, I’ve been there already. Remember?

I know this is important to you right now, but popularity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Oh, it’s nice and all, but don’t try so hard to fit in. No matter how hard you try to be everyone’s friend, not everyone will like you. That’s true later in life, too, but that’s okay. God made you like you are for a reason. Etch the following saying into your memory: “What other people think of you is none of your business.”

Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams. God put those desires in your heart so you will be the person He intended. Not everyone will support those dreams, but embrace your individuality; even though there will be times when you must go it alone. (Remember, though, you will never be truly alone.)

The rejection you feel in the dating world is God’s way of preparing the path for you to achieve your dreams. He is not being mean. On your journey to becoming a writer, you will experience much rejection, but you will be prepared. And, yes, you heard me right. You will be a published author. Your days of keeping your dreams a secret are numbered. Thank God for those guys who rejected you, because it made you stronger. And, strength is a great asset to get you through the trials of life that will come. Besides, the rejection from guys will come to an end.

When it comes to relationships, please understand that some of the most unlovable people need the most love. More than likely those difficult people who cross your path didn’t get that way because of you, but from struggles in their own life. Everyone has their own set of baggage. Try really hard to be kind to them anyway. Revenge makes the situation worse.

Don’t be so anxious to grow up. You need time to grow and mature before your prayers are answered. Relax and let God do His job on His own terms. Good things will happen–when He’s ready. Don’t worry about spending your life alone. He will bless you with the husband and family you always dreamed about. He really does know best. I know that now.

As you grow older you will see many things wrong in this world. Speak up and try to make a difference. Be a voice for those who have none.

The older you get, the more problems you will have. Accept it. It’s all a part of life. Praying without ceasing, in good times and in bad, does wonders for your outlook. When you’re faced with difficult situations—and believe me, there will be plenty—pay extra attention to that little voice inside. It could be God whispering.

Your older (and hopefully more wiser) self,

Shari

Posted on October 27, 2011 - by Shari Barr

The Vitals of Point of View

Early in the preplanning of your book, you will need to decide how you wish to treat viewpoint. 

First-person and third-person viewpoints are the most common methods used in writing fiction. Second-person can also be used if you want to address the reader personally—You look out the window and see a figure creeping toward you in the darkness…This is an awkward and unpopular writing style today, though, so I’ll skip over it and discuss first and third person today.

First-person point of view involves writing as though you, the author, are the main character, written with the pronoun “I.” Pretend you have a camera on your forehead. The reader can only see what the narrator sees, knows, or feels.

Here are several advantages for writing in first-person:

• It’s easy to get inside your protagonist’s mind.
• It’s natural since we all tell our life story from our own point of view.
• The language can be chattier—like the thoughts that are going through our own minds.

Here are some disadvantages of first-person:

• It’s difficult to give the protagonist a unique voice, without him or her sounding like you.
• It’s hard for the main character to describe their personal appearance without resorting to the overdone method of looking in a mirror.
• Characterization can be tricky when you can’t get inside the minds of other characters.

Third-person point of view means the author (and reader) only knows what is going on inside the mind of the viewpoint character, and the writer uses the pronouns “he” or “she” to tell the story. You can stay inside one character’s head for the entire book (third-person, limited viewpoint) or you can tell your story from the viewpoint of several different characters (third-person, multiple viewpoints.) 

Writing from a limited viewpoint is almost as personal as writing in first-person and you can also come right out and describe your protagonist’s appearance. However, the limited viewpoint restricts the information you may want to relay to your reader.

Writing in third-person, multiple viewpoints is one of the most popular methods used in writing fiction. When using this method, however, you must become the character whose point of view you are using at that particular time. With every viewpoint change, each person must be consistent with his or her true character. Your teenage character’s point of view will not be the same as your thirty-year-old female’s viewpoint. This can be tricky with a first novel but is well worth practicing and perfecting.  

One problem of writing in third-person from the viewpoint of two or more characters is learning how to transition into the mind of a different person so as not to confuse the reader. Many times writers may alternate chapters—each chapter is told from the viewpoint of a different character. This works well and is easy to follow. 

If you need to change viewpoint within a chapter, do so at the end of a scene. This is often done with an extra line break, so the reader is clear about the change. 

It’s okay to change viewpoint when necessary if you have a good reason to do so and the reader isn’t confused in the process. 

Point of view doesn’t have to be tricky. At first, you may not know which to use for your book. As you begin the planning stages of your novel, one method may seem more natural and beneficial for the story you’re telling. 

Read, read, and read some more. Then study the different styles to decide which viewpoint style is right for your novel. And, remember, none of these rules are written in stone.

Posted on October 13, 2011 - by Shari Barr

Paths of Righteousness

“He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

When I read this scripture, I can’t help but wonder why I have so much trouble following God when it is all spelled out so clearly. If He guides me, why don’t I just simply follow Him? It doesn’t get much easier than that, does it?

I guess I’m stubborn or so busy getting on with life that I don’t even see the path at times. I’m too busy going where I want to go, when I want to go, that I fail to follow His guidance. My sinful nature keeps me on the road I want to take, which isn’t necessarily the most God pleasing route.

Doing things my way is more fun, I might say, but that’s when I get into trouble. Following my own desires, or the ways of the world, is like lurching over a road full of pot holes that eventually leads to a dead-end.

Though life is full of detours and roadblocks, following God’s voice helps me navigate the bumpy roads that come my way. No matter what troubles I face, He will never lead me down a path that leads to immorality. Any sinful choices I make are my doing, not God’s.

Without a shepherd, sheep will follow the same trails over and over, wandering aimlessly as they follow each other. Sheep, just like people, want to belong and will hang onto bad habits in order to do that, never minding the fact that it will eventually cause them to stray.

Just like David would never lead his sheep into unsafe territory, God never leads us down a dangerous path either. Every step of the way, David guided his flock, always watching, always leading. The sheep knew that following the shepherd would keep them out of harm’s way and provide the nourishment they needed. David moved his flock at the right time, leading them to fresh pastures and water where they would thrive.

God’s path for us is often only revealed to us one step at a time. Following him closely is the key to discovering His chosen path. Even during the most stressful times, our job is to obey His commands quoted in scripture, trusting Him to provide us with the knowledge we need ahead of time to make wise choices.

Our God is a loving God who wants us to live joyful, healthy lives, and He has provided us with a necessary path. A path that not only guides us here on earth but leads to life eternal. The decision to follow Him, though, is our choice and ours alone. The path we choose is up to us.

But God always beckons, “Come. Follow me.”

Posted on September 29, 2011 - by Shari Barr

When Inspiration Fades

Every so often I go through a phase where I want to chuck the whole writing thing and ditch my dream of writing a novel for adults. I get frustrated when plot eludes me, my characters sound weak and boring, or that little voice inside me taunts, “You’re wasting your time. No one will publish this book, anyway.” And, as most writers know, there’s an easier way to get a paycheck. The reasons not to write go on and on.

Usually this feeling passes.

The last few months have been different. The story that’s been in my mind for over a year simply won’t fall into place. I played with the age of my protagonist, her relationship with the hero, and I switched story lines so many times, my daughter would ask, “Which version are you working on today?”

When none of the versions worked, I turned to God. “If I’ve completed my job as a writer and will never publish another book,  please take away my desire and replace it with something else fulfilling.”

Though I’d asked God to take away my desire before, I had never asked Him to replace it with something different. Since He never took away that passion, I was convinced I was meant to write. Well, this time was different. The desire disappeared–just like that. I really didn’t care whether or not I wrote another word. But, no fulfilling replacement materialized, and it scared me.

For years, I had identified myself as a writer, and when the desire died, I felt lost and confused. Now what? I almost backed out of my commitments with the ACFW conference, but I decided to go ahead with my plans, asking God to spell things out for me in St. Louis.

In the weeks before the conference, little signs popped up every now and then. I caught a portion of the back of a stranger’s t-shirt that read “Quitting is easy…,” and a woman commented on our blog about a style of book she would love to read (and which I’ve dreamed of writing.) I was reminded of Jim Carrey in Bruce Almighty when he asked God to show him a sign about the fate of his career. Signs popped up as Bruce drove along—“Dead End,” “Detour Ahead,” “Road Closed,” and Bruce still didn’t get the message.

Were the t-shirt and the blog comment signs from God? I wasn’t sure.

So, I set out for ACFW with only a one-sheet based on my “version-of-the-day,” not even a sample chapter, to show editors and agents at my appointments. The response I received from a consultant, gave me my answer. The story inside of me is meant to be written. She suggested a better beginning scene and a place to end. Her enthusiasm and encouragement gave me the confidence I need to keep plugging away. It’s enough that she sees merit in my idea.

The speakers’ messages at the conference couldn’t have been more appropriate, either. Discouragement is the work of Satan—not God.

When God didn’t give me a fulfilling replacement for writing, I now know why. I am supposed to keep on writing—for Him.

Posted on September 15, 2011 - by Shari Barr

The Drive-thru

The day started out like any other back-to-school shopping spree. I was twelve and my sister was fourteen that summer when we set out with Mom to look for bargains in a neighboring town. We made the rounds at the shopping center before climbing back into the car, my sister upfront and me in the back.

Mom headed uptown to the shops surrounding the town’s square, cruising down the streets before finding a parking spot in front of Gambles, an appliance and hardware store. She turned into the space, and from the backseat, I saw a look of horror flash across her face.

“We don’t have any brakes!” she cried.

I stared out the windshield, speechless as the car lurched toward the plate glass window and the row of large appliances looming behind it. I prayed the parking meter would stop the runaway car, but, no, we snapped it off like a toothpick as we shot across the sidewalk. I buried my face in the seat, my sister’s screams louder than the crashing glass and bricks tumbling on top of the car.

The old Plymouth traveled on, and I feared if we didn’t stop soon, we would exit the rear of the store. By the time the car finally halted, I was sure we had arrived in the next block. A deathly quiet filled the car except for a few remaining shards of glass pinging the hood.

I sat up and slowly opened my eyes, fearful at what I might see. My mom and sister sat in silence, unhurt as they stared out the windshield.

The Plymouth hadn’t exited the rear of the store, after all. It sat nestled inside the store amid the washers and dryers it had pushed neatly out of the way, barely scratching them.

“Look where we are,” my sister said with exasperation, her gaze focused on the shambles before us.

“I know where we are,” I snapped back, like any loving younger sister would do.

A middle-aged clerk picked her way through the debris and stuck her head through the open car window, a cloud of dust forming a haze around her. “Is everyone okay?” she asked, her eyes wide.

We assured her we were fine and stepped out of the car, traipsing carefully through the layer of bricks and broken glass to the undamaged half of the store. I turned and stared at our car sitting completely inside the store, surrounded by rubble, in the appliance department. Bystanders had already arrived, gawking at the gaping hole as they relayed their version as to what really happened.

While one cop quizzed Mom, another picked up the parking meter and carried it off. A woman walked up to the front door and finding it locked, peered through the now-missing plate glass window with a car in its place and called, “Are you open for business?”

After the nice cop finished jotting down notes in his little pad, he informed Mom he wouldn’t press charges. Feeling somewhat better, we knew it was time to call Dad. Since he was shingling the roof of our house, Mom knew he wouldn’t hear the phone ring, so she called a neighbor and asked her to relay the message. Well, somehow the message got misconstrued and he thought the car had been hit and that we were waiting inside Gambles. Well, part of that story was right, anyway.

When Dad and my older brother arrived about an hour later, the car had already been towed and the storefront cordoned off. I can still remember hearing my brother ask my dad as they walked down the sidewalk, “Did they do all that?”

Yep, we sure enough did.

Though many years have passed and the store has gone out of business, every time I drive around that square, I can’t help but chuckle at the memory of the drive-thru Gambles.

Posted on September 1, 2011 - by Shari Barr

Linda Fulkerson: Queen of Blogging

Linda Fulkerson, our very own Inksper, is here today to tell us about her career as a blog coach and marketing specialist/social media manager. In order to compete in this age of technology, Linda tells us how to make the most of the social media available today in order to market and promote our work. Believe me, she knows so much about marketing, it makes me dizzy. Let’s get started.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I’m a transplanted city girl – I grew up in Los Angeles and moved to Arkansas when I was 10. I’m so glad my parents made the choice to raise us in the South and in the country. I can’t even imagine exchanging my wooded home place for concrete & steel. My husband & I have a hobby farm and we raise Pygmy goats, Muscovy ducks, and heritage breed turkeys and chickens.

We have four “grown” children and five grandkids. (I always hesitate to say grown children, because in my mind, they are still my babies.)

Q: What is a blog coach/marketing specialist/social media manager?

A: They’re actually three different things.

A blog coach helps someone get a blog off the ground, from the planning stages to the launch, and then follows up as needed with any technical issues that come along.

A marketing specialist is someone who helps others develop an online and offline marketing strategy for their products and services and trains them how to use various tactics to implement their plan.

A Social Media Manager is something used by many businesses and celebrities. This person actually blogs, tweets, posts on Facebook, or uses whatever social media platforms the client chooses on the client’s behalf. I’m the blogger/social media manager for my town.

Q: How did you become interested in these topics? How did you learn these skills?

A: I wrote a book in 2003, and blogging was relatively new at that time, but during some of my marketing research, I read that I should have a blog. Little by little, I started researching how to blog successfully. I’m still learning every day, as the topic of “how to blog” is ever changing.

Several years ago, calls from friends who were having trouble doing various blog tasks become an almost weekly event, sometimes several times a week. One day, my hubby suggested that I write a blog on how to blog, in hopes of reducing the phone calls, because many times I was answering the same questions, only to different people.

So, “On Blogging Well” was born. I chose the name after the classic writer’s handbook, “On Writing Well.” I don’t update it today, but the content is still there. It’s targeted to the beginning-intermediate blogger and has a lot of information about marketing, too.

Q: How important is it to blog as a means to promote your product?

A: A blog is a huge part of your promotion strategy. A blog is by far the best platform to provide information for your readers, establishing yourself as an expert. The Internet has evolved from the “information” highway to the “referral” highway. People don’t have time to sift through and distill the overwhelming amount of information available online, so today, they instead seek out someone they know won’t steer them wrong in the area they’re looking for information in. The term in the blogosphere for these online experts is “Trust Agents.” If people know, like, and trust you, they’ll buy from you. And a blog is the least expensive best way to develop relationships with your readers.

Another great thing about blogs is that they are, due to their dynamic design, search engine magnets. When search bots crawl the Internet searching for updated content, blogs are crawled more frequently than static sites because they are updated more frequently. Activity is one of the factors used in Google’s ranking algorithm. So, the more new content, the more your blog attracts the search bots, and therefore, the higher rankings your blog will receive.

Focus more on developing relationships, establishing yourself as an expert in your field, and solving reader problems than you do selling. The sales will follow, and the buyers will keep coming back.

Q: It’s hard to promote your own product. What advice would you give to someone trying to market their book?

A: It is hard to promote a product or service if you think of trying to get people to “buy my stuff.” But, instead of focusing on selling your products or services, if you focus your marketing message on how the book, product, or service will benefit the buyer, then you’ll know you’re actually doing the purchaser a service, fulfilling a need they have.

In order to do this successfully, you must really know your target audience – know their greatest dreams and desires as well as their worst dreads and fears. Each marketing message should focus on one benefit the book or product has that will bring the user/reader one step closer to their goal OR a benefit of the book or product that will eliminate or reduce one of their dreads or fears.

For example, if you’re a romance novelist, think about what you’re really selling. It’s not just a book, it’s an outline for happy-ever-after. More and more fiction is being based on real situations that solve real problems. In the past, nonfiction was easier to market because it contained facts, information, solutions. But today, fiction readers are demanding more than mere entertainment. Consumers have a “what’s in it for me” mentality that has crossed over into the fiction market. When you develop your marketing messages, sell the solution your writing provides. Then the books will sell themselves.

Q: What are some examples of ways to market your work online, other than through blogging?

A: Social media is the obvious answer, but so many people aren’t sure how to use it effectively. The key to online marketing is providing value. If you always keep the needs of your market in mind and provide solutions for them through links you tweet, Facebook status updates, etc., then you’ll brand yourself as the go-to guy or girl in your niche.

A lot of people use Twitter in an attempt to sell. The best thing to do with Twitter is to send information to your readers that will help them. By doing this, you will position yourself as an authority (note that “author” is the root word), and you will gain trust. Then, when you do send a promo tweet, it won’t irritate your followers. A good ratio is 7:1 informational/promotional tweets.

Branding is an ongoing process, and it takes time. First, think of what you want to be known for. Then, list ways to achieve that goal. Teaching is a great tactic to use to reinforce your expertise, whether you use online or offline courses and/or workshops.

The very best way to market, though, and this isn’t just my opinion but it’s what I’ve learned from dozens of pro bloggers, is email marketing. There is a definite system to using email updates to a list of subscribers that will strengthen your relationship with those on your list and in turn, provide you with many sales.

Q: Can you use a blog to make money? If so, how?

A: There are a lot of ways to monetize your blog. Selling affiliate products, producing your own information products, (such as online courses and/or webinars), selling physical products, (such as books), selling ad space, or even Google adsense, etc. Each type of monetization, or business model, has a little different method of implementation.

Typically, pro bloggers use the blog to provide value and solve problems for their readers. They give away tons of free information. This builds a rapport. Then when they make an offer, readers respect them and trust their recommendations about products, and they buy them.

Here’s a practical tactic you can use to promote a product – say it’s an online writing course. Make a video walk-through about the benefits of the product, highlighting the solutions each benefit solves. Videos keep readers on your page longer (bounce rate affects your site’s page rank), plus people get to know you better by seeing you or at least hearing your voice.

Can you make a lot of money blogging? Yes. Definitely. Can you get rich quick by blogging? No. Sorry. It takes time, but it’s worth it.

Q: How do you get traffic to your blog?

A: This is the number one question I’m asked. There are many, many ways to get traffic. If you’re needing fast traffic, such as for a product launch, then paid traffic (such as Facebook or Google ads) is the best. Know what you’re doing with paid traffic or you can lose a lot of money very fast.

The best long-term traffic method is two-fold: effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) plus creating compelling content that solves your readers’ problems.

• Search Engine Optimization using proper keyword research and backlink building will help your site rank in the search engines, which brings new visitors to your site. Many people tell me, “But I already rank on Page One of Google for my name, why do I need to worry about SEO?” My question to them is, “How many people search for you by name?” Unless you’re a celebrity, probably not many. You want to rank for search terms people are actually typing into Google, Bing, or Yahoo!, that are relevant to the solutions your target audience needs.
• Compelling Content retains return visitors, who in turn spread word of mouth buzz about your blog.

Speaking of creating buzz – I’m (very soon) launching a new training course called Creating Biz Buzz. It will go in depth not just the what-to-do to market your business and yourself, but the nitty-gritty, step-by-step how-to-do it instructions. It’s not ready to roll just yet, but head on over to CreatingBizBuzz.com and get on the free marketing tips mailing list so you can learn how to market your products, your services, and yourself!

Don’t forget to check out Linda’s site at LindaFulkerson.com.