DIGITAL PUBLISHING AND ME - ADVICE AND INSIGHTS PART 2 OF 3

Welcome back to DIGITAL PUBLISHING AND ME, my 3 part series about how I jumped into digital publishing and ebooks in 2011.

I reveal what I did wrong, what I learned, and what I've received as a result of writing and publishing ebooks.

Today, I offer Part 2 of 3: Advice and Insights gained from my self-publishing adventure.

If you missed Part 1: Mistakes and Advice, you can CLICK HERE to read it.

Part 3 of 3: Rewards for Me and Maybe for You will publish Sunday, September 13, 2026.

ADVICE ON SELF-PUBLISHING, Continued

Let's pick up my List of 10 Tips with Number 6.

6. Write everything you will need to upload your manuscript prior to doing it. Don't try to wing it. Give a great deal of thought to: Categories, Keywords, Product Description, Author Profile, Pricing, etc. 

Save all your upload data in a file separate from your manuscript file so you can copy/paste where needed if you plan to publish on platforms other than Kindle. 

The same basic information may need some modifications as required by the other platforms, but you've already created the bulk of it.

7. Always use the Preview function to check what you uploaded. Take your time. Only click "publish"  when everything has been checked.

8. As soon as your upload has gone "live," buy a copy and go through it. On an ereader, you'll immediately see if something is wrong. If you find errors, take action immediately to correct the problem.

9. Make sure you have your marketing and promotion plan in place before you publish a book. Write it out and plug it into your calendar so you know what to do and when to do it.

10. Accept that sometimes things just don't go as planned and some books don't succeed. If you made mistakes, do what you can to correct them. 

If your book doesn't find an audience, do what you can to improve the situation, but don't spend all your time trying to keep it on life support. Write the next book.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

That's enough for today. Come back Friday, September 11, 2026, to read Part 3 of 3, Rewards for Me and Maybe for You, the unbelievable part of my journey—what happened for me and what digital publishing may do for you.

Sign up for my free NL that offers Exclusive Content, Book Bargains, New Release information. I promise your email will never be shared. SIGN UP TODAY. and receive your copy of I LOVE READING in your Inbox next week.

What Should I Write? Keep the Well Full

Why do people give up on blogs or newsletters or social media?

Two words. Content creation. Make that 3 words. Constant Content Creation.

Yes, when you set yourself up to "give" something to the public, you go in knowing you've got to create something new and interesting on a regular basis.

After a while, people just abandon their blogs, newsletters, and social media accounts. The constant need to create, creat, create on a daily or even weekly basis wreaks havoc on the very thing needed to keep going—creativity.

I have a better plan. Maybe it's because I wrote for newspapers, but I always seem to find something to talk about. In fact, my biggest problem is finding the time to actually write the blog or newsletter of FB post. That's because I'm always over-committed personally and professionally. (I have a hard time saying no, but I'm working on that problem.)

So, getting back to the big question: "What should I write?"

The answer lies in the second part of the title above: "Keep the Well Full." 

We all have a creative well inside us. If we don't fill it constantly by reading widely—books, articles, white papers. Watch informative documentaries or videos about many varied subjects including what's going on in the world arouond you.

Interact with people from every walk of life. observe the world around you. Experience life from the commonplace to the extraordinary.

When you fill the well with all of that, you must also make note of those moments. That makes it easy to prompt your imagination when the time comes. After all, how do you recall all of those moments and bits and pieces of information that intrigued you?

You take notes. Seriously, yes. Keep a notebook next to your chair where you sit when watching TV. See or ehar something interesting? Make a note. Same with reading anything. Make notes. 

Overhearing people's conversations when you stand in lines? Pull out a tiny notebook or your cell phone and make notes. I've done that. It's fascinating what people will talk about.

Be aware of what's happening around you and what you're experiencing, and write notes about it. Then you won't draw a blank when it's time to filter all of that through your own attitudes, experiences, beliefs, etc. and spill it onto the digital page.

Your creative well will help you write a blog, FB post, newsletter, or whatever format you've chosen to stay in touch with your readers, customers, family and friends, or whoever is your chosen audience.

Ready to write your monthly newsletter? Get your notebook out and skim through it. Where do you think the idea for this post you're reading came from? I've been on more than 1 group email over the years where people said they gave up on blogs and newsletters because they never had anything new to say.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Start filling your creative well and keeping track of what goes into it. You'll be surprised how the simple action of "taking note" literally and figuratively prompts your imagination when the time comes to write. 

SIGN UP for Joan's FREE newsletter, I LOVE READING for exclusive content, new release information, and book bargains.

SIGN UP TODAY.

7 Ways to Build Your Social Media Audience

I never thought about this before!

Building an audience for Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc. is about the same as building one for a Blog.

Any social media activity from Blogging to TikTok should be fun. If it's not fun, change something in your approach.

Also, your audience should grow each month. If it's not, then it's time to shake things up a bit.

I haven't talked much about blogging lately. I thought BLOG OPS, the book I wrote and published about the subject, said everything. (The book is in KU or sells for $3.99.)

But I realized that what I said about blog audiences also applies to the other social media platforms too.

For instance, try this which was originally written about blogging, but which can be adapted to virtually any social media.

7 Ways to Build Your Social Media Audience

1. Post often to the social media platform you've chosen as yours.

2. Comment on other accounts in the same platform. Your name/link is there for anyone to click and learn about you and your social media account.

3. Join a group account like RomanceGems...Where Authors and Readers Meet, the facebook group to which I belong. 

The burden of posting every single day is removed since there are many in the group with a date assigned to each. You get exposure and a chance to build an audience probably larger than you can do individually.

4. Always interact with your social media visitors. If in a group blog, be sure to support the other authors, Like and Share their posts, and comment on their posts as well as the visitors who leave comments.

5. Change your banner image at least every 3 months. That will keep your Facebook, etc. page looking fresh.

6. Try to engage your audience by asking questions, offering prizes occasionally for specific actions, and always use a clear call to action.

7. Be yourself and share from the heart.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Do you have any tips you'd like to share about how you built your audience? If so, please leave a comment. 

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

Books are little vacations between two covers. Take a vacay today—read a book? Sign up for Joan's free newsletter, I LOVE READING, and receive exclusive content and news about book bargains and new releases. SIGN UP TODAY.

Friday Facts About SlingWords

On April 12, 2005, I wrote and published the first post on SlingWords. It was a Japanese Proverb I learned when I lived in Japan.

Yes, I've been blogging for 21 years on SlingWords. Since that date 21 years ago, I've written and published 4,562 posts.

Wow! That even impresses me.

Once I blogged every day, but my life became so busy these last few years that I no longer had that luxury.

When I do blog, I put my best effort into the process. I do my own research, verify facts, select graphics to accompany each post, and try to make sure it's error-free.

Normally, I post this "birthday" blog on the anniversary date. This year, I've been inundated with too many projects which is why it's 2 weeks late.

Many people say blogs are dead, but I don't find that to be true. Blogging is alive and well and will continue to be so as far as I can see.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I'll keep writing and publishing SlingWords until it's no longer satisfying. That's always been my plan. Hopefully, all of you who read SlingWords will continue to do so. To me, that sounds like a win-win..

I literally wrote the book on blogging. Get BLOG OPS today on

Amazon or read on Kindle Unlimited

Love to read? Subscribe to Joan's free newsletter, I LOVE READING, and receive exclusive content, new release information, book bargain news.

SIGN UP TODAY.

The Faster I Go, The Behinder I Get

Like Dr. Seus once said,  "How did it get so late so soon?"

I can't believe my blogging fell off a cliff.

I've been so busy with an authors' group I'm in plus writing my current book and trying to figure out the best cover for that new book, that I've ignored you beautiful SlingWords Readers.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I promise not to ignore you again. (I sincerely hope that's a promise I can keep.)

APRIL FOOL BRIDE, a Modern Marriage of Convenience Romance

Love to read? Subscribe to Joan's free newsletter, I LOVE READING, and receive exclusive content and news about book bargains and new releases. SIGN UP TODAY.

Severe Case of Spring Fever

Yes, I guess I've diagnosed myself with spring fever. It's been a week since I've blogged because I've been overcome with all things spring.

My purple iris are blooming and so are my knockout roses—so many roses covering the bushes that it's breathtaking.

The vitex trees in our patio pots have grown a foot and have leafed out. They're so green and pretty. The plumes of purple won't be far behind.

Yes, the world is alive with fresh green leaves and blooming flowers. It's SO difficult to stay inside in the office when I want to be outside installing a new flower bed on the west side of the back yard.

So pardon me for not "chatting" with you since last week. Today I forced myself back inside and to the computer. After all, I'm supposed to be a writer, not a gardener.

Ah, Spring Fever has me in its grip. Torn between two loves. But, I've plugged away and pulled 700 words out of my brain this afternoon. Alas, I won't have this book finished by the end of March. Now I'm aiming at the end of April. 

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Sometimes being your own boss is a problem—especially if the boss (me) is easy-going. This first week of Spring? That's me. Easy-going and refusing to put my nose to the grindstone.

Love to read? Subscribe to Joan's free newsletter, I LOVE READING, and receive exclusive content and news about book bargains and new releases. SIGN UP TODAY.

Taking a Break = Falling Off the Radar

What do Zombies and Falling Behind have to do with each other?

It's simple. Become a Zombie, just walking through life and trying to get over being tired, and you Fall Behind.

That's me. I was crazy busy from May to July 23 with my personal life and finishing a book to publish that I felt like a Zombie after that marathon was completed.

I was too tired to write, blog, or even do my daily workouts.

The weather turned excruciatingly hot so I stayed inside where it was cool instead of working on my landscape which is another personal project that is now on hiatus.

I haven't written or blogged or even kept my monthly commitments to my group blogs.

Apologies to my Smart Girls Read Romance blog friends.

Also pologies to my Romance Gems...Where Authors and Readers Meet blog friends.

I encourage you to visit both those groups for some compelling blog posts and discussions.

NOW, 3 WEEKS LATER

Yikes. My latest book, OLD ENOUGH TO BE BOLD, was published July 23, and I'm waking from my exhaustion stupor to realize I am woefully behind on email, blogging, and writing the next book.

Thankfully, the new book is doing quite well which pleases me greatly. The next book in the Mean Woman Blues series is outlined and waiting for me to put fingers to keyboard.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

There's a difference from taking a much-needed break and falling off the radar. Hmm. Maybe in today's world those are one and the same? What do you think?

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

OLD ENOUGH TO BE BOLD, NEW RELEASE SALE PRICE 99¢

Do you subscribe to Joan's newsletter, I LOVE READING? If not, why not?

To receive exclusive content and news about book bargains and new releases,

SIGN UP TODAY.

Why Offer Ads on a Blog

Hurray! It's Hump Day. 

Have you grabbed a new book to read yet?

Me? I have a book to read and some loquat trees to plant. Sounds like a busy weekend, doesn't it? But it's the kind of weekend that's fun and energizing.

To me, just as satisfying as writing a book is  working to beautify my front and back yards.

I once read that one's front yard is your gift to the world, but the back yard is your gift to yourself.

Think about that the next time you drive past a beautiful landscape. It will make you wonder what the private space in back looks like.

But I didn't intend to talk about the joys of gardening. Since I just updated my Advertising Policy and I know several other authors who have begun accepting ads, I thought I'd give some insight into...

WHY BLOGS ACCEPT ADVERTISING

I've always offered advertising on SlingWords and have had the sidebar graphic that says that. I've never actively worked to obtain paid advertising though. 

Through the years, I've often been offered quite a bit of money to advertise products that I would never use so I decline.

I'm always open to authors who need to build an audience for a book or blog or for someone offering a service to authors. 

Other than something specifically aimed at readers and writers, other advertising has appeared because someone contacts me and asks if I will publish a guest post about a specific service, product, or area of interest that may be of general interest rather than specific to readers and writers.

If it interests me, I accept because I blog about subjects of general interest. Every ad or guest post is subject to review by me before I accept it. Sometimes I'm offered a fee, but not always.

BARGAIN ADVERTISING

I offer advertising for those who are looking for an inexpensive way to draw attention to what they have to offer. 

Since SlingWords averages 20K to 30K views each month, it's a good opportunity for advertisers.

I offer it at a low price because I know authors are having a difficult time in today's world. The competition is fierce for reading dollars.

Discoverability is difficult without a lot of marketing and high-priced ads. I see offering ads as a win-win for an advertiser and for me. They get eyeballs on their product. I get a few bucks into my PayPal account.

PET PEEVES ABOUT ADS

I hate blog posts with umpteen hot links that glow or, worse, pop up as you move your mouse to read the post. I hate pop-ups in general and will never use them because I think they take away from the reading experience.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

That's my 2¢ worth about blog advertising. What do you think? Got any pet peeves?

 

Want advance notice of sales and new releases? 

Sign up for I LOVE READING, Joan's free newsletter.

Happy 20th Birthday, SlingWords!

Twenty years ago today, I wrote and published the first post to this SlingWords blog. Yes, I've been blogging for you since 2005.

That post was an inspirational quote, a Japanese proverb that I believe wholeheartedly is a secret to success.

Since then I've blogged 4,388 times. That's probably not a record, but I'm proud of it because each post has been personal and meaningfull in some way.

At least that's what I intend with every post whether it's a bit of inspiration, a guide to authors, a recipe, a movie review, a guest author feature, or heartfelt thoughts about some subject. 

My blog has mostly had the same design for many years. I go in periodically and update the images on the sidebars, but the look of it—blue skies and bluebonnets—remain the same because I simply like those images. They visually represent optimism.

Every blog I've written can be found in THE ARCHIVES, and all of those posts are categorized in SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT.

When I mention a product, it's because I believe in the product. 

I use it myself, or I'm purchasing it for my own use. 

I don't receive free products of any kind, but if I ever do, I will disclose that.

NEW FEATURE

I have some standard posts, but I haven't posted many of those during the last year. I'll get back to that this year. Also, I'm starting a new feature, ASK JOAN, as a way to help beginning authors or maybe to explain to readers why authors do some of the things they do. 

If anyone reading this wants to know something about the art, craft, or business of writing or the bookss, or the writing life, feel free to ask just about anything.

I've been in the business a long time, and this is a way I can help those just starting out. I'll answer anything to the best of my ability.

STATISTICS

To this day, years-old posts are still being read. Here are a few stats about the readership of SlingWords.

Since 2005, this blog has been read 2,492,372 times. Here are the view stats which I culled on April 4. Views are unique, meaning not the same internet visitor reading the same post.

Yesterday: 2,548 views.  This month, April: 7,679.  Last month, March: 31,099

SURPRISING READERSHIP

Even more surprising than these big numbers are the locations of these blog readers. It's gratifying to know so many people worldwide, through the years, have read SlingWords.

United States - 1.34M

Singapore - 326K

Hong Kong - 109K

Russia - 67.4K

Germany - 54.3K

France - 52.2K

Israel - 44K

Italy - 33K

Sweden - 28.9K

United Kingdom - 25.6K

Ukraine - 23.6K

Türkiye - 23.6K

Canada - 21.7K

India - 20.5K

Netherlands - 18.3K

Brazil - 12.8K

Saudi Arabia - 9.89K

China - 8.34K

Australia - 6.96K

Other - 270K

Thank you, readers, I apprecciate each and every one of you.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

That's a wrap for looking back at 20 years of SlingWords. Keep reading, and tell your friends about this blog with original content written by a Human, not AI generated.

Thanks for reading. I appreciate your time and your Comments.

Sign up for I LOVE READING, Joan's free newsletter.

Blog Tip to Create Relevant Content

Today I have a quick tip for you on how to create relevant content, that is, content that people are interested in today.

It's easy with Google Trends.

Visit that part of the Google universe, select your country, and you'll easily see the topics people are talking about.

For instance, as I write this, I'm seeing Gulf of America, the label President-Elect Trump wants to apply to what we know as the Gulf of Mexico, a body of water is being discussed far and wide. Currently, there are over 100,000 people searching online for information about that.

FYI, the Mexican coastline spans 1,743 miles of the Gulf Coast, and the USA spans 1,631 miles. Cuba also has 60 miles of the coastline. 

In my humble opinion, no renaming should take place, and I doubt it will.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Next time you're at a loss for a blog post subject, check out Google Trends.

Love to read? Sign up for my free Newsletter, I LOVE READING. Once a month, you'll receive exclusive content and news about giveaways, bargains, and new releases.

Farewell to Romance Gems Group Blog

On November 22, I'll be deleting the ROMANCE GEMS GROUP BLOG from my Blogger account.

This does NOT affect our Facebook group, Romance Gems—Where Authors and Readers Meet which is ongoing and staffed by a devoted group of authors from the old blog mentioned above.

If you love to read romance, come join our Facebook group—it's open to the reading public and authors too, but authors outside our group are not allowed to post promotion.

HISTORY OF ROMANCE GEMS GROUP BLOG

This group blog was a labor of love. The first post was published February 1, 2019. The original founding group and some who joined and stayed are still Romance Gems Authors. Other authors came and went, but I remember them all fondly.

Over the two and a half years following our debut, we wrote and published the blog, built friendships and a  strong readership.

The most read post received 1,994 views. The least read post received 124 views. 

The average number of views for most posts was between 200-400, but it was not uncommon to see posts with 500-750 views every month.

We blogged with enthusiasm, humor, and emotion. We blogged through CoVid. We published a box set of short stories set at Last Chance Beach and a companion book of summer cocktails. The box set became an Amazon bestseller.

We featured our books, our audio books, and videos we'd made. We supported each other, cheered our successes, and commiserated our setbacks. We sponsored Rafflecopters and gave away books, gift cards, and Fire Tablets.

Most importantly, we wrote new books, short stories, and our blog post on the assigned date. Rarely did a day pass that we  didn't offer new content.

When the world went back to work after CoVid, we kept blogging, but many of us had demanding careers and simply couldn't devote the time to daily blogging.

That's where our Facebook group, started many months before, came in. We decided to say farewell to the group blog and focus on Romance Gems—Where Authors and Readers Meet. 

The last post, published by me, was on July 31, 2021. I left the blog open to direct our audience to our Facebook group. As the last 3 years rolled by, I noticed that people were still discovering and reading our posts.

Now, I'm finally tying up loose ends and cleaning the slate. At 6:00PM CST on November 22, I'll be closing the doors forever on the Romance Gems Blog. If you'd like to read any of the posts there, this is your last chance.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Thank you to all the authors and readers who made the blog a success. I hope to see you at our Facebook page.

Love to read? Sign up for my free Newsletter, I LOVE READING. Once a month, you'll receive exclusive content and news about giveaways, bargains, and new releases.

11 Blogging Tips to Stay Relevant

In yesterday's post, The Truth About Blogs in 2024, I promised to give you some blogging tips to help keep your blog relevant in today's world.

11 BLOG TIPS TO STAY RELEVANT

1. Put a lot of thought into the audience you want to attract. Target specifically, not broadly.

2. If you haven't updated the look of your blog in years, now is probably a good time to do that. Could your template design use a bit of pizazz?

3. Does your blog template display well on a mobile device? If not, change to a template that does because  more than half of the world uses a cell phone to connect to the internet.

4. Does your text content use a font that is easily readable on a mobile device? See #3 above. Did you know a sans serif font is easier to read online? That's true for everyone, but it's especially true for someone who may be challenged by dyslexia.

5. Adapt to shifting trends like video on a blog.

6. Always create unique, engaging content that has an "evergreen" value. 

That means what you post needs to be of value in the future, not just on the day you post it.

7. Learn to use keywords effectively and organically. That will keep bringing readers to your content.

8. Learn the way to organically use SEO on your blog and other channels.

9. Learn how to use your blog content for cross chanel marketing, a strategy that involves using multiple channels to engage with your audience and with prospective blog readers. Your content should be able to be repurposed using Email, Social Media, Video, Podcasts, etc. 

10. Your blog should always deliver a consistent message, i.e., your brand.

11. If you have a CTA, Call to Action, in a post or somewhere on your blog, make sure the link for the CTA is clear and represents what the action to be taken results in. 

Below this post, there is a link to subscribe to my free NL—that's a CTA.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

That's it. I hope these tips help you. If you want to know more about blogging, check out my book BLOG OPS, available in Kindle Unlimited, or puchase for only 99¢.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

Love to read? Sign up for my free Newsletter, I LOVE READING. Once a month, you'll receive exclusive content and news about giveaways, bargains, and new releases.

The Truth About Blogs in 2024

Are blogs still relevant today? The short answer is a resounding yes.

Despite what many claim, blogs are still relevant and effective in 2024. They can help you build an audience and even create a revenue stream.

I've been writing and publishing SlingWords since 2005. I've seen a lot of trends come and go and heard a lot of pundits say blogs are a waste of time—social media is where it's at.

THE TRUTH

Yes, social media is huge and growing all the time, but, guess what? Blogs are still read regularly by 77% of internet users.

The last estimate of internet users was in 2021, and the number was 219 billion per month. It hasn't decreased. It just keeps growing. What's 77% of 219 billion?

Wow! That's more than 168 billion people reading blogs. So, yes, blogs are still relevant in 2024, and they are a profitable content marketing channel too.

Blogs are still driving results according to 80% of bloggers, but blogs are evolving too. They're now more than just text on a page. Sure, they've always had graphics, but now, they offer multimedia experiences with interactive infographics, embedded podcasts, and video content.

NICHE YOUR BLOG

One of the ways to attract a dedicated audience is to pick a specific niche rather than being a generalist. People who are passionate about a particular subject matter are always looking for blogs to feed their passion.

BLOGS CAN BE SALES ENGINES 

I'm living proof that blogs are successful at marketing products (books for me) and/or services. They can even help bring in revenue via advertising.

When I published my first ebook in 2011, I had a built-in audience since I'd been writing and publishing SlingWords as well as another personal blog for 6 years.

Tomorrow I'll give you some tips on how to make your blog more relevant if your readership has been lagging.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

In short, don't underestimate the importance of a good blog. 

Love to read? Sign up for my free Newsletter, I LOVE READING. Once a month, you'll receive exclusive content and news about giveaways, bargains, and new releases.

Interviewed by Marcia James

I'd intended to blog about my "Pet" interview with Marcia James, but the flood that hit the Houston area last week derailed my plans.

Fortunately, we didn't flood, but so many others did. If you'd like to make a monetary donation, do so by donating to any of the organizations that are providing food and shelter to flood victims.

Click Support Houston Flood Victims to learn more.

MARCIA JAMES and PETS

Marcia writes "Hot, Humorous Romances" and also writes a blog with a monthly pet feature.

For May, Marcia interviewed me about the dogs that have appeared in my books.

For the interview, I ftold her about Tiger, the golden retriever in Second Chance Bride, named after a real-life Tiger who became my daughter's companion after the surgery that changed her life.

Tiger was a wonderful dog who found a place in all of our hearts. Dogs are like that. They give unconditional love. Dogs are more than just pets. They're companions, best friends, and members of the family. They give us unconditional love because that's the only kind of love they know.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If you love dogs, check out Marcia's blog. It's delightful and will make you smile.

If you too love to read, sign up for I LOVE READING, Joan's free newsletter, and receive exclusive content and book chat about giveaways, bargains, and new releases.