Hi Mike,

Yes, its evident that you are a brilliant man.  I’m going to get started on creating a ‘Platform.’  The one question I have is “How do I start a blog like this one.”

I am already with facebook, but I need to also join twitter.

Thanks for the info Mike. 

http://markthearrow.blogspot.com/search/label/Testimony

I would write a book, but all I ever felt authorized to write, commanded to write, fit on four pages.  I blog, but my rants can’t touch what He has already said and who am I that I should elect myself to be a fomentation.  Testify.  And the occasional love poem.  I do not want to be a lamp shade and obscure the more pure light of His original 66.  I am an arrow that can do nothing but point to the target, point to the word. For this, I need few words.

That, for me, is the hard part.  Finding the authorization to say anything beyond my simple testimony, to say anything beyond the four pages I wrote in 2006.

http://blog.liviablackburne.com/2011/07/author-blogging-youre-doing-it-wrong_21.html

http://thedefaultlife.com/popculture/can-busses-be-atheists/

Seriously, I don’t think it makes any difference whether you are conservative or male. Liberal females might have the same complaint.

Two thousand is not a big platform. I don’t intend to be cruel. It is a start. But a commercial publisher will be looking for way more than that. I would say you need a minimum of 10,000 unique visitors a month. The good news is that you have something to build on.

I would suggest that you read my post, “So You Can’t Seem to Land an Agent.” It contains my best advice for someone in your situation.

Thanks.

Solid Query Letter–Check

Refined Manuscript–Check

Platform–Check

Now what?

I am a firm believer in purpose. As we find our voice our platform will materialize. The main thing is to write about what we are passionate about. Passion is the soul's recognition of God's gifts. Finding our passion will lead us to our purpose. In other words, become purpose driven!

I think a blog with the same title as a book is too narrow. It will only have relevanance as long as the book is relevant. Instead, I would probably create a category that is the title and perhaps put a separate tab on my navigation with that title.

I hope this helps.

Question: Does a blog help with platform-building when it's more generalized?

I've published and I'm presently working on a book for moms. My blog subject matter ranges wider than just mothering and rearing children. Does that mean it's irrelevant? Must I start another blog?

One author I know started a blog with the same title as the book she is working on. Is that a good thing or not?

So True!

So Exciting!

And how ultimately encouraging this is Michael

Thank-You

Tip for new bloggers: carefully research host sites before you start. I began blogging on iWeb and had to change to WordPress for technical problems. Unfortunately, I had to start tracking readers all over again. I which I had started with WordPress in the beginning.

Thanks for the great post.

:-)

{but you go girl!}

Social networking has connected me to authors and editors whom otherwise I would never have contact with. Like right this moment. It is not lost on me, a cleaning woman you've never heard of, but who can capture the attention of a CEO of a large publishing house (if only for a few seconds) due to the access of the platform from the digital world. I LOVE the internet!

The future is wide open for me. And it's so bright, I gotta wear shades.

{i love your blog, michael. you are a digital mentor of mine. i am paying attention. thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise!!!}

I very much appreciate your time and assistance.

Thank you so much for being willing to write posts like this. It is so encouraging and at the same time gives us a realistic view of what it will take to accomplish our dreams.

Thanks for everything you do!