You know how I love the bloggers on The Write Advice Facebook page (look there on the side and like us if you haven't :). So today's Savvy Sensation is another of those wonderful bloggers: Lynda R. Young. Yes, she's cool. Yes, she's awesome - just look at the name of her blog, "W.I.P. It" - cool, right? And she lives Down Under. Ultra awesome. Well, read on and find out for yourself:
Who are you (what do you write, what are your personal stats)?
This is a question I often ask myself. I'm not sure I have the answer yet. While I'm trying to figure it out, I write young adult novels and speculative short stories. I live in Sydney, Australia, with an adorable supportive husband and a cat who thinks she rules the world.
Where can we find you online (blog, twitter, facebook, etc.)?
I'm all over the place, though some places I'm more active than others. In descending order of activity:
Blog: WIP It http://lyndaryoung.blogspot.com
Twitter: @LyndaRYoung http://twitter.com/LyndaRYoung
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynyoung
When did you begin your online platform building?
I started a devotional blog in February last year. At the time I thought I wanted to pursue a career in Christian non-fiction. That soon changed when I reacquainted myself with the joys of fiction. I began my writing blog in May of last year.
What is your message, if any (is your blog about anything specific, for example)?
My blog offers writing and social media tips, but my main message is positivity and encouragement.
How have you built your followers? What have you done that has been the most successful?
When I first started blogging last year I flailed around with little idea of what I was doing. I soon learnt that blogging is more than writing interesting posts. It's about engaging in the community, being generous and active. So, the most successful thing I did was not to wait for people to find my blog. I went out and actively sought online friendships with other bloggers.
What have you done that has failed?
In an attempt to build my following, I made a few small mistakes in the beginning:
- Not linking my blog to my Google profile so when I used the Google Friends Connect to follow someone's blog, they couldn't follow me back.
- Only following blogs and not commenting.
- Only commenting and not following.
- Not making it easy for anyone visiting my blog to contact me.
How much time do you spend blogging? Reading blogs? Commenting on blogs?
I will admit I probably spend too much time blogging, posting, and commenting. While we only get out of it what we are willing to put in, we have to ask ourselves what exactly we want out of it. Ultimately I have to put my writing first so I try to keep my blogging down to an hour a day, with breaks on the weekend. I will occasionally spend longer, of course.
What else should we know about you?
An important fact: I love dark chocolate.
Any additional advice for our readers?
Whatever you choose to do in your life, whatever challenges you have to face, don't give up. Work at it with all you've got, find the support you need, and learn all you can. If you do this, then there can be no fail.
What makes you unique?
My stubby thumb.
Thank you so much, Laura, for this great opportunity to share on your blog.
My mother has a stubby thumb and she loves to tell me how it was the first thing she checked on my little hands when I was born. I did not inherit her uniqueness, I must confess. You've given some great tips based on your failures. Sorry you had to fail for us to learn! Thanks for being savvy and sensational!
