Is there a way to earn money via a Wordpress blog?

Personally, I feel what is needed is to be able to "attract" attention to your website. There are many ways in fact. One not recommended approach is to have controversial topics in your blog. The other alternative is to provide good topics. One more way is to create a web of links. It's a lot of hardwork but it is not impossible.

I always put affiliate links in my WordPres blog. Not that it helps me much but it is a way for me to possibly get money.

Try exploring Payu2blog. They pay out $5 per post. I have friends who are enjoying monetary reward every 2 weeks. I just learned about it so I'm not in yet. You should own your website though. It you had it for free, you can buy your site for only $15 per year before you apply. Blogger is only $10. But you can easily get your money back once approved. Hope this helps!