I finally finished Blog Inc. It wasn’t a difficult book to read, but I really didn’t want to read anything technical or that felt like work. I forgot my laptop at home over our trip at Christmas, but I had books….books about blogging. (Also, this post is about two weeks late in going up. I’m reading a lot!)
I liked Blog Inc. It’s good for beginner bloggers and people (like me) who have been doing this for a while, but could use some pointers in doing things the right way. I have some ideas. I have some bad habits I need to change. I have some worries I need to throw to the side and really not stress over. This blog is supposed to be fun….and I intend to keep it that way. Blog Inc. helped me realize all of those things.
I loved the various stories throughout this book, from real bloggers. There is a chapter on making your blog a business, the overall blogging community (and etiquette when it comes to your blog and other blogs) and finding a blog/life balance. And I’m all about balance this year.
How to Blog for Profit without Selling Your Soul. This book helped me immensely. I had debated signing up for Ruth’s course. I have heard great things, but I really didn’t have the money during Black Friday (when the price for the course was much lower), and I don’t have a ton of time to devote to building the blog – because I’m still trying to implement things I’ve learned at various conferences. So I settled for this book to see if I liked Ruth’s style….and I do. I may sign up for her course next spring – even if it is more expensive then. I think it would be worth it.
Ruth focuses on content. Content really is everything. And she goes into profiting through various ad networks, affiliate sales, private advertising and selling your own products. It all comes back to content, and each avenue made sense.
Now for the light reads…what I’m currently reading.
Jane Green’s Saving Grace. I pre-ordered this MONTHS ago, and I was so excited when it finally arrived a couple of weeks ago! Finally! Something not about blogging! I’ve actually read four other books in January before I picked up Jane’s book. I don’t know why I was so gun shy about starting it. (I really wasn’t a big fan of the last book, so maybe that was causing me some nervousness….she is my favorite author, after all.)
I’m loving the book so far. The story is about Grace and Ted. Ted is an author, and has a pretty outrageous personality. There are secrets within their marriage and pre-dating their marriage, and I’m only in the first third of the book. Once I finish it, I’ll let you know if I recommend buying it (but so far, I highly recommend.)
Has anyone out there, that is reading this post, read Creative Inc.? I just saw it on Amazon this week and I’m intrigued.
And remember how I was on a Kristan Higgins kick? Well, I found a similar author, Shannon Stacey, and I’ve been reading her Kowalski brothers series. The first one was a little too racy for me, but the second was a little more tame. I love quick, chick lit books and these can be read within a day. I’ve read the first four and I have three more left in the series. I’m trying to hold off on reading them.
I also told my husband he’s going to have to start hiding books from me. When I start reading a book, I become obsessed with it and I can’t focus on anything else until I’ve read the entire book.
Please tell me I’m not the only one this happens to.
And I’ll leave you with these two books….I’ve purchased and have in my possession, Ruth Soukup’s Living Well, Spending Less. And I’ve pre-ordered The Fringe Hours by Jessica Turner (also known as The Mom Creative.)
What are you reading this week?
(Oh, and those links? Many are affiliate links. I wasn’t asked to post anything about any of these books. If you buy a book, I may make a few pennies from the purchase…and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book!)
I just finsished Very Valentine and now need to get the sequel. I’m also looking forward to downloading The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel. She is actually my college roommate and a brilliant author!
I just added both of those books to my wish list, because apparently I can’t have too many books as “next in line” to read! 🙂
I just finished The Poisonwood Bible last night. I enjoy blogging books and have lots I have not cracked open yet including Blog Design for Dummies
I took Ruth’s course, and then I read her book. To be honest, you are not going to get much more from the course than you have already gotten from the book. A few spreadsheets, access to a forum, live Q&As….but the core material and the meat of the course is everything from the book.
And this is SO good to know!! Thanks!
I love Ruth’s book. I’m in EBA and have found lots of great information. Similar to attending a blog conference, you are joining a large group of bloggers with their own knowledge that they share in the forums which has also been a big help for me. I’ve gotten to know many people through the course I would not have otherwise probably “met” or communicated with.
I’m still considering signing up for her next course. I learned a lot through the book and would love to learn even more (especially when I have the time to implement changes!)
that’s exactly how I read! no scrapping, no cleaning, barely even working!
do you think the bloggy books would be worth it for someone like me, just a hobbyist with no aspirations for making money, just making my blog the best creative space it can be?
I think Blog Inc would be helpful for you, even if you aren’t planning to monetize. It gave me a lot of ideas.
Thanks for these recommendations! They were both on my list – they might get moved to top priority now!
I went to the library yesterday and they didn’t have anything I wanted in stock. I did put Perks of Being a Wallflower and Me Before You on hold, so I hope they come in today or tomorrow. I feel so lost without having a book in the house to read!
I read so many books that I lose track! They all do get reviewed on my blog and I am NOT an affiliate of Amazon. Talk about them getting free advertising! Kathleen Shoop is one of my favorite authors–I am always waiting for another of her books to be published!!
I have read a lot of books about blogging over the years but these are two I have yet to read. I have no excuse!
I may have to check out those books on blogging. That’s one type of book I haven’t read, and I probably should!
These were both great, Julie! And you may get even more out of them than I do. (I’m having a hard time finding TIME to blog lately!)
Those two blogging books have been on my list for a while. I still haven’t gotten to them as my back log for business books is long. Still need to get to Jab, jab, Jab, Right Hook. I requested Living Well, Spending Less from the library. I am reading Is everyone hanging out without me? and Mini Shopaholic right now. Deep stuff. 😉