Blogging What You Know, Not What You Think

Remember the last-night's-dinner blogs of 2000? Yeah. I didn't read them either. Most of us have figured out that "dinner" blogs don't bring hits. But you have a burning desire to tell the world your tale. Where to start?

First, you need a topic. Here are some simple rules:

1) As in all good writing, write what you know. If you've never been exposed to Islam, why in the world are you talking about it? You must be able to speak authoritatively.
2) Search your topic on Google. Check out other blogs and websites on the same issue, and make sure you can offer something unique and of value.
3) Pick a subject that has a life of its own. You want something that will bring you gobs of ideas. Painting a house offers limited subject matter. Do-it-yourself renovation will generate multiple topics.
4) If you don't want to attach your name to your topic, then don't write about it. People are more trusting of a blogger who proudly states who she is.
5) Identify why you deserve to be trusted with the subject matter, whether it ties into your profession or it is a lifelong hobby.