I have to admit I’m a fan.

Rarely do we find great writers online. Sure, blogs are a dime a dozen, but it’s pretty difficult to find something that really makes your day with every post. With no pressing deadlines at the office, I usually spend most of my time reading the fabulously cynical WaiterRant.Net — blog of the most philosophical and humorously engaging waiter you will ever meet.

I’ve never been a food server in my life (though I fantasized much about being a waitress in the friendly neighborhood ice cream shop/diner back in high school). Still, I found the blog interesting and unbelievably addicting because of Waiter’s tongue-in-cheek style of writing. He knows his wine, makes a mean espresso and has a blog to boot — what’s not to love?

Besides, Waiter’s one example of a blogger’s successful transition from electronic to print. His rants about cheapskate clients and horrid managers have made their way to a book that’s sure to sell tons of copies worldwide. To a blogger like me, that’s pretty much like winning the lottery.

So take heart, fledgling writer: it can be done.

If you’re interested in becoming just as successful and popular as Waiter, here’s a few things I suggest you try:

1. Find your niche. WaiterRant.Net started out as the blogger’s outlet for his daily grievances as a waiter. It would be so easy to just jump on the bandwagon and write about gadgets like everyone else, but such quackery can’t really get you very far. The sheer hypocrisy will drive you to the ground. I suggest you find something you love and know; the posts will be flooding in from your brain before you know it.

2. Lighten up. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Blogging isn’t like writing a term paper; you’ve got to let your personality shine through. Whether you choose to write about the horrors of daily commute or some obscure plant found only in Ouagadougou, remember that it’s still an extension of who you are. People want to read something human, not a grocery list or an encyclopedia entry.

3. Keep writing. A steady stream of posts ought to keep your loyal readers happy. Once you’ve gained yourself a solid base of readers, make sure you keep the posts coming.

4. Be patient. If you don’t succeed like Writer in a few years, don’t mope. I’d be the first to admit that Writer’s case isn’t necessarily for everyone. Sometimes, it does take a combination of skill, content and a whole lot of luck to achieve writing success. If you’re happy with your blog and your writing, though, who’s to say you shouldn’t go on? Bottom line: as long as it keeps you happy, keep blogging.

Till then…

XOXO,