When he has writer’s block, John Battelle, author of the forthcoming book “The Search: The Inside Story of How Google and Its Rivals Changed Everything,” keeps on writing. But not his book manuscript. Instead, he goes straight to his blog (battellemedia.com).
Mr. Battelle, a founder of Wired and The Industry Standard magazines, sometimes makes quick notes on the blog about a topic related to his book, and other times posts longer essays. “Writing for the blog is more like having a conversation,” Mr. Battelle said.
For years, book authors have used the Internet to publicize their work and to keep in touch with readers. Several, like Mr. Battelle, are now experimenting with maintaining blogs while still in the act of writing their books.