I know it's important. Vital even, more so it seems than having an actual book, writing an actual book. I must blog, twitter, facebook, linked in, google plus, pininterest, and all the million social networks there are and those that have yet to come up. I'm not the first writer to complain about what a time suck this is; I will not be the last. And yet I think that so often too many of us forget that the reason we're trying to socially connect is to build a readership for the books we write. Books which won't get written if I spend all my time stressing about connecting and posting and twittering and blogging. (for instance, why am I writing this here post? Because I'm 'selling' my thoughts and ergo myself and my work, or do I really have something important to share, or have I forgotten how to keep my thoughts to myself). But the fact also is that I've begun to enjoy these outlets, begun to see these as ‘legitimate writing' too and, as such, equally important as the book length stories I want to tell, and also value the community all this sharing can build.
But still. Sometimes it seems to me that in this Rat Race called A Writer's Bid to Get Noticed, we are all on the same wheel, going round and round, stepping on the same rungs called facebook and twitter, some of us a faster, better brighter, but all of us trying to make noise in a world already deafened by too much shouts and claps and screams of notice me, Me, ME.
Sometimes I'd think of closing everything down and going back to the way it used to be: just writing my story.
I don't have the courage yet. Or the inclination.
Hi Sonia, I'm somewhat new to SheWrites and only beginning to explore who other members are. I searched for those writing a first novel and living in Georgia, and I found you as one of three. I feel like I have stepped on that rat wheel you describe, along with all the others on it, and how do we find make the time to write the novel and do this writing to one another, too? But I know it is all part of the writing life, so I'm doing it with as much zest as I can generate. Nice to meet you and read about your work, and look forward to reading more. Diane
Suzi! I'm so honored that you use my book as your bible for social media!
I really understand the problem of trying to integrate a writing practice with building an author's platform. When you synergize it right, you can even get your friends online to help you write and sell the book when it comes out! :)
Happy to meet you all! Now that my book's published I can socialize a little more. LOL
~Lori
You have read my mind..lol I just started building my platform and I realize it is time-consuming and....that darn Twitter is addictive. But I realized today that I must not lose sight of my writing. Besides, what's the point of building the platform if you haven't written the book yet? So for me, it is all about balance and not getting overwhelmed. Oh yes blogs do count as writing :)
Hi Suzi
This platform business has really gotten out of hand. I was especially demoralized to hear an author say that an agent told him that unless one is a celebrity (this Snooki), then no platform is good enough. Still, I think it does make sense to have a website and a regular blog-- even if I check it after I've read a book! How has your platform building gone? What have you found the most useful, the least. Good to connect with you. btw your comment was truncated....
Oh Soniah, I agree with you, it can be exhausting. I have only begun this process in the past 3 years in earnest, after standing before an agent who told me to go 'build my author platform' and then call her. Since then, I have really been helped to think through what I am doing and why. It has clarified my writing mission to blog, pin, post and share. And I have met so many amazing people in the process, yes, some even LIVE because I have attended SheWrites meet-ups, BlogHer conferences and Blog World in NYC. I'd be happy to support you if you share your links here. And let me recommend two books, both by SheWriters-"It Takes An Egg Timer" by Joanne Tombrakos about how to use your time well. It is excellent. And Lori Randall Stradtman's
"Online Reputation Management for Dummies"- this is my bible for social media and how to share and what to share and when. Really useful material in her book.
I'd love you to stop in at my website. Here is the link.
What is yours?
Thanks!
Love, Suzi