Writing is a solitary business. Not necessarily a lonely business but by definition one that requires you to spend immense amounts of time inside your own cranium. This private time is vital but it’s just as important to spend time in the outside world. Social interaction adds variety to your writing and reminds you of why you write in the first place: to connect with and learn from other people.
This morning I had the pleasure of spending time with about 30 delightful members of the Asheboro Rotary Club. An old friend and progressive leader of Asheboro had asked me to speak to the members about my adventures in fiction writing and website development. This is one of my favorite topics, and it’s always a pleasure to talk about things you love with such a friendly, bright and well-informed audience. We discussed the difference between an internet presence and a true-web-based business, and I shared some secrets behind my own site, World of Crepes, which now receives more than 700 daily unique visitors.
As promised, here is a version of my presentation to the Asheboro Rotarians: Putting Your Passion to Work: How to Build a Profitable and High-Traffic Website.
Several of the members asked about the possibility of expanding my presentation, and I’m happy to report that these plans are in the works. I hope to offer a longer version of today’s talk as a half-day workshop that gives practical advice on how anyone can create a dynamic and high-traffic website with little to no knowledge of technology. Stay posted to my blog for dates and times in the near future.
I ask a favor today. It’s actually a fun exercise that may help you crack the mystery of your own special expertise area. As you go about your life, ask yourself:
- What am I an expert in?
- What do people routinely ask my advice about?
- What would I like to be an expert in?
- What subject do I love so much that I’m willing to spend just 1-3 hours per week writing about or researching?
This last question is key. But beware, your answer may lead you on an exciting journey to a place you haven’t yet imagined.
Ashley Memory 