5 Questions with Writer Terry Whalin

[ Read all the previous posts in the Blogging 101 for Pastors series, including 5 Questions responders. ]

Terry Whalin has written “more than 60 nonfiction books plus published in more than 50 magazines.” He blogs at The Writing Life. Here’s his answers:

1. Why (or how) did you start blogging?

I began blogging as a way to expand the audience and interest in my free site for writers called Right-Writing.com. Also I began to blog as a way to write about some of the interesting bits of publishing and writing information which come across my desk and personal experience on a regular basis. It allows me to point out books which I’m reading or conferences that I attend or unusual stories about writers that are trying (often the wrong way) to get published.

2. What subject do you post most about?

Intentionally I write about one topic—publishing. There are many other things that I could write about but I’ve selected one topic and a specific audience. There are millions of people who dream about getting published. As an editor, I’ve seen some terrible manuscripts or some pitches which are poorly thought out yet I understand these pitches are people’s dreams and aspirations and hopes. They have passion but misdirected passion. I want them to be successful whether they want to write for a magazine or eventually get a book into print.

3. What are your favorite blog tools?

There are a number of tools that I use for this process. Some have a minimal cost and others are free.

BlogJet is a simple tool to write my posts offline and capture some quick thoughts, spell check the post then upload it to my blog.

Feedblitz is a simple way for people to subscribe to my blog entries and have them delivered at their email address. I use the free version.

Google has a search tool to allow users to search my blog entries. It’s free. It’s part of the Google advertising tools.

Sitemeter is another free tool to measure how many readers come to your blog.

Blog Blaster is an inexpensive tool that I use to broaden the outreach of my blog.

4. How often do you post?

I post several times a week. Some times I will post daily. Intentionally my posts are less than 1,000 words and include many links. Also I write my material quickly. I don’t labor over every single sentence but my writing is conversational in style. Typically I spent 15 to 20 minutes a day blogging. I spell check my blog then post it. Some people have suggested that I need a copy editor for my blog. That’s not happening. It’s a blog which has a growing audience of about 200 people a day with people around the world reading it regularly. Be aware that a blog is not a private diary but a very public forum—as much as any article in print. I’ve had reporters for The New Yorker or other publications email me after I’ve posted something about them in my blog.

5. What one piece of advice would you give for prospective blogging pastors?

Like any good writing, you need to focus on your audience and write for them. People don’t care that your car broke down on the way to work or your dog is sick and you had to take him to the vet. Figure out who will be reading your material and write for them. Pick a topic and stick to it—then slowly your audience will build repeat readers.

[ Read all the previous posts in this “Blogging 101 for Pastors” series. ]

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October 23, 2006 · Filed Under Church Marketing

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2 Responses to “5 Questions with Writer Terry Whalin”

  1. Anonymous on October 26th, 2006 4:57 am

    Great interview. One thing I disagree with Terry Whalin on is that “people don’t care that your car broke down…or your dog is sick…” I feel those type of things are what make a writer or pastor seem human. When I see that vulnerable and real side of a person in their blog, article or book, I’m more open to hearing what they have to say. Of course, I don’t want five paragraphs on their daily woes, but a brief mention of some daily life issue they are struggling with or rejoicing in opens my ears to hear the meat of what they wish to say.

  2. Heather Ivester on October 26th, 2006 11:46 am

    Thanks for this interview. I’ve learned a lot from reading Terry Whalin’s blog the past couple of years and know hundreds of us wouldn’t dare miss a post!

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