Literally Aspiring discussion

I personally don't have grand or atypical advice on the subject but I thought I'd get the ball rolling to see what ideas people were exploring here.

I'm wondering about blogging. I'm not sure I would start one myself but I've heard of authors going on blog tours.

I am not sure what a blog tour is, but knowing that bloggers earn money for selling books (commission from amazon affilliates) I am reluctant to "pay to play" on someone's blog. The difficulty with running your own blog is getting an audience. It can take years to build. Having said that, it is an ideal opportunity to make friends and contact a fan base. Facebook pages work in a similar way. I like Twitter but I think you need to grow a large following and then nurture it rather than "spam" them too much. I am contemplating buying custom bookmarks and inserting them into books in shops when nobody is looking :D

Websites that cater to avid readers and those designed to bring readers and writers together in a continuous communication forum provide the greatest exposure not only to SPAs and indies, but traditional authors as well.

Proactively soliciting and scheduling events such as book signings and presentations at book stores, libraries, reading clubs, and literary conventions are a great way for authors to introduce their books and themselves to the public. Networking is a very effective promotional tool.

For those traditional authors fortunate enough to have a contract with a mainline publisher, the recommended course of action is to allow the publicist and marketing representative, assigned by the publisher to promote your work, to do their job and stay out of their way.
The best way to express your appreciation for the energy and time thay expend on your behalf is by following up on all the leads they provide and be well-prepared to act professionally at scheduled events.

Not all aspiring authors will be commercially successful; but no one who has tried their best can be called a failure.

I am interested in starting a blog. I try and build a following on twitter. (@ThisXISXDrea) Trying to start my foot work now as my novel is still in the works. Hoping I push it out soon.

Blogs are always a good route, especially if you become an avid reviewer. it gives you a chance to develop a following.