Top 10 Blog Posts of 2019 #Blogging #Top10WritingTips #BookReviews

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2019.

I haven’t blogged as much as I would like this year, but the content I have shared has been well received by followers far and wide. In July, I launched my Top 10 Writing Tips feature, which proved to be incredibly popular with readers and writers alike.

I thought it would be fun to see which posts received the most views in 2019 to help me plan out my future blog posts and features. Here’s the top ten:

Number 10 – Book Review for Adam Croft’s Indie Author Mindset.

I thought I’d burnt myself out on writing books over the years, but it appears I was wrong. Adam’s conversational style of writing meant I had this unpacked and read within a few hours. As a personal development author and blogger, I have a huge affinity to any book that talks about mindset. To discover a book that combines my two favourite topics (writing and the mind) was always going to score points.

Number 9 – Top 10 Writing Tips with Tracie Delaney.

Find a great critique partner. I’m so lucky with mine, although be prepared – the good ones won’t hold back! She forces me to work much harder, but I always end up with a much stronger book at the end because of her invaluable input.

Number 8 – Top 10 Writing Tips with Lisa Sell.

Don’t expect a specific writer to give you the best writing tips. Sounds weird because I’m giving you advice? Hear me out. Liking an author’s work doesn’t necessarily mean their advice is relevant for you. Consult different sources. Sift through, try things out, and see what works for you. Stephen King may not be your guru. Shocking but true.

Number 7 – How the Jekyll and Hyde Effect helps my Writing – an old post but it remains ever popular with readers.

If it were possible for Dr Jekyll to uphold his social standing in Victorian London, while also entertaining his ‘inner demon’, Mr Hyde, then surely it’s possible that a writer can do the same.

Number 6 – Top 10 Writing Tips with Sacha Black.

Whether it’s trying new locations to write, or attempting writing sprints, experimenting is essential. I know, I know. I kick and scream at first too, especially when I have to learn something technical. I’m still trying to decide whether I’m a plotter or pantser. But the only way I can discover which one I am, or if I’m somewhere down the middle is by experimenting. Likewise, with marketing. It’s a toughy and learning how to master advertising and book blurbs will only come through experimentation.

Number 5 – Opening Lines: What hooks a reader?

Eight novels where the opening lines really hooked me in.

Number 4 – Top 10 Writing Tips with Owen Mullen.

It’s important to remember that when it comes to writing there’s more than one way to do it. Every writer is unique, and every one of us has our own approach to the job. That said, to become a better writer means writing. It’s a learned skill and no matter how much talent you have, that isn’t going to change. Like learning golf or the piano, it takes time so practice, practice, practice.

And write, write, write.

The top three spots were dominated by the Top 10 Writing Tips feature:

Number 3 – Top 10 Writing Tips with Linda Huber.

Keep on writing. You’ll probably want to read through what you wrote the previous day before you continue, but if you feel your book is heading in more or less the right direction, leave major changes until you have the first draft down.

Number 2 – Top 10 Writing Tips with Sue Moorcroft.

Sagging middle to your story arc? Prop it up with incidents, lies, secrets, accidents, a new character, conflict, surprises or twists.

Number 1 – The most visited blog post of 2019 was…drumroll please…Top 10 Writing Tips with Terry Tyler.

You will have read, so often, about the importance of the first chapter, even the first page or paragraph. That it has to hook the reader in, whether that reader is a member of the public or an agent or publisher.  I think, though, that a terrific final chapter is just as important.  If a reader enjoyed a book but thinks the ending was an anti-climax or too neatly tied up, this can turn a 5* review into a 3*.  It’s the bit that will stay in their heads when they’re telling others what they thought―and the last bit they read before they write a review.

There are more fantastic Top 10 Writing Tips posts scheduled for 2020, so be sure to check them out HERE. Hopefully, I’ll have more book reviews, guest posts, and writing-related articles for you in the New Year, and if you’re an author looking for a platform then feel free to give me a shout as I’d love to host you on my blog.

Finally, I’d like to say a HUGE thank you for visiting my blog, reading my posts, liking, leaving comments, and sharing across your platforms, and to wish you all a Happy 2020 full of amazing books, interesting blogs, and new friendships.

Happy New Year xxx