A few years ago when my blog was beginning to create a buzz, someone asked me, “Why bother? Where will it take you?” Lady, you’d be surprised. Blogging can open so many doors. I actually wrote a short ebook discussing the places blogging can take you. Blogging is a marketing tool, an online portfolio and may even lead to much bigger projects, such as a book deal.
The other day as I was watching Julie & Julia, I wondered if there were other movies about bloggers. My research didn’t turn up much and I ended up taking it in a whole new direction. I knew some bloggers had turned their blogs into books, or “blooks,” but I had no idea how many. Though I know of at least 30 blooks, here’s a sampling of my favorites:
13 Blogs that Became Books
1. ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income
Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett took the same practical information offered on the popular blog about blogging, and put it into book form.
2. Stuff White People Like: A Definitive Guide to the Unique Taste of Millions
White people like to take stuff and make it into books. One of my favorite blogs became one of my favorite books, a win-win situation.
3. Passive Aggressive Notes: Painfully Polite and Hilariously Hostile Writings
So I won a coveted parking spot at the elementary school at the annual basket auction. However, someone is always parking in my spot and even though it was effective as of September 1, as of February 1 I have never gotten to use my spot — even though there is a big, metal sign on the edge of that spot that reads “basket auction winner.” Since I’m not sure if the people who park in my spot see this ostentatious metal sign, I started leaving notes on the offending windshield informing said parking spot thieves that, no, they didn’t win this parking spot and they need to pay better attention to the signage. I know they were ever so grateful for the reminder.
I stopped sending my little love notes once I began reading Passive Aggressive Notes. I’m afraid I’m going to read it one day and find my own handiwork.
4. I Can Has Cheezburger?: A LOLcat Colleckshun
Now you can take your kittens with captions everywhere you go.
5. Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously
The blog that became a book that became a movie. The Julie & Julia project was my inspiration for this blog post.
Hey I used to go down the shore every summer. I know what goes on there. Hot chicks with douchebags for sure.
You know, if you told me ten years ago there would be a blog and accompanying book devoted to replacing one’s face with a photo, I would have rolled my eyes. I’ll tell you what, though – it works. Check out the Sleeveface blog and see what I mean.
OK. So I have two cats and I crochet, but it’s not near as entertaining as Crazy Aunt Purl, the diary of a thirty-something knitter with four cats.
9. This Is Why You’re Fat: Where Dreams Become Heart Attacks
Deep fried and covered in bacon, indeed, this is why you’re fat.
I think the reason Engrish is one of favorite blogs ever is because it reminds me so much of my home town in Queens, NY. I lived in a predominantly Asian neighborhood and signs such as those featured on the blog dominated the area. Fun stuff.
11. PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives
I sent a postcard to Post Secret once. It was never published.
12. Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip–Confessions of a Cynical Waiter (P.S.)
After reading Waiter Rant I realized the key to a good meal is how well you kiss your server’s butt.
13. My War: Killing Time in Iraq
Colby Buzzell, blogger for My War, left me touched, humbled and grateful I have people like him fighting for me.
Bonus:
Blooks in the works
These blogs received book deals and we should see a published effort shortly.
There are plenty more out there, and we’ll cover them another time. Have you read any good blooks lately? If so, share in the comments.
*Full disclosure: The Amazon links above are affiliate links.
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