Social Media and Wordpress Consultant Barb Drozdowich has taught in colleges, universities and in the banking industry. More recently, she brings her 15+ years of teaching experience and a deep love of books to help authors develop the social media platform needed to succeed in today’s fast evolving publishing world. She delights in taking technical subjects and making them understandable by the average person. She owns Bakerview Consulting and manages the popular blog, Sugarbeat’s Books, where she talks about Romance novels.
She is the author of 9 books, over 25 YouTube videos and an online WordPress course, all focused on helping authors and bloggers. Barb lives in the mountains of British Columbia with her family.
Author Website: http://barbdrozdowich.com
Business Blog: http://bakerviewconsulting.com
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/1XYKxyQ
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1U5PxMr
Google+: http://bit.ly/1XYKzGQ
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1skDog8
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1qVii6L
YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/25uvqCQ
Tech Hints Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/DfCRj
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1TGSAuL
Newsletter link - http://bit.ly/1UmP231
What inspired you to become a blogger and what do you wish to accomplish with your blog?
Back in 2009 a friend suggested starting a blog as a technology challenge – an intellectual challenge. I was at home with a small baby after leaving a job running the technical training department at a bank. I took that challenge and started my book blog – Sugarbeat’s Books (http://sugarbeatsbooks.com)– and never looked back. Since then I’ve created a series of blogs for various purposes. I have my business blog at Bakerview Consulting (http://bakerviewconsulting.com) that allows me to share the answers to questions I commonly get. The Book Blogger List (http://bookbloggerlist.com) is a list of around 2700 book bloggers that is searchable by genre of interest. I started that site so that I could help authors on their journey to finding reviews and friends. I have Self-Publishing Info (http://self-publishinginfo.com) to share information about Self-Publishing – especially Canadian information - there seems to be a lack of accurate Canadian information. I also started WordPress Candy Store (http://wordpresscandystore.com) to share information about WordPress and blogging that is at the beginner level and appropriate to my audience.
What is your blog mainly about, and do you enjoy what you do?
My book blog is mainly about romance novels. I tend to read a mix of contemporary and historical romance. I share my thoughts about the books that I liked – I don’t post about books that I don’t finish. My business blog has posts about technical things that catch up people or answers to questions that I get. I get a great deal of satisfaction with this blog as I frequently get comments about how helpful my videos and posts are. The Book Blogger List gets between 600 and 800 hits each day and tons of notes and comments tell me how helpful it is to authors and bloggers alike. The Self-publishing Info and WordPress Candy Stores are just starting out and I’m hoping to use them to be as helpful as possible. There is so much information out there, that I want to provide two sites that have accurate, helpful information for my audience.
Have you written for any other websites or offline publications?
I’ve guest posted for many blogs. I find the best way to help as many people is to share with the audiences of other blogs. It’s really important to me to be as helpful as possible. I’ve also written and published 10 books so far and have several others in the works. Each book attacks a point of concern for either authors or bloggers or both.
When did you start blogging?
My first blog was started in August 2009
What have you learned through blogging?
I have learned so much through blogging! Not only have I learned the various platforms, but blogging has lead me into learning about the technology of blogs and websites. I’ve taken courses, read books and generally immersed myself in the blogging world.
Is there anything you'd like to add about blogging?
I think blogging is the best hobby in the world! The world of blogging brings me into contact with readers and authors from all over the world – not just in my local area.
What kind of obstacle or problems had you been through for your blog?
I think that blogging is a technological challenge. Even someone like me with a background in technology…I’ve taken courses and workshops…and the world is constantly changing!
How do you communicate with your followers? How much time do you usually spend on your blog?
Between working online and blogging, I’m online about 70 to 80 hours a week. Some of it is hobby time, but majority of it is work.
How would you describe your blogging style?
I’ve always been told that my blogging style is conversational. I don’t really believe in formal presentations. I try to present information at the level my readers are at and explain things as clearly as possible.
What tips would you give to blogger wannabes and young/new bloggers?
Don’t give up – and learn as much as you can.
