Thursday, February 17, 2011

Being a Social Networking Writer

I missed the blog chain last time around, but the question was about social networking....am I good at it, what do I like to do, what don't I like to do, etc.

It's a good question. Social networking is just a part of being an author nowadays it seems. Though I know (or know of) plenty of "big name" authors who don't do the social networking thing. Or hire someone else to do it for them :D

But aside from building your name and online presence, there are some great advantages to social networking. For me, the biggest perk has been the awesome people I've met. The writing community is truly one of the most giving, generous, helpful, and just all around fun group of people I've ever had the pleasure to be a part of. I have met some truly amazing people. And it is soooo fun to walk into a bookstore and see books written by people I actually know on the shelves :)

As for what I do for social networking, what I like and don't like :

Blogging - this is what I'm best at and enjoy the most. I love reading blogs (though I'm terrible at commenting) and I've really enjoyed building my blog and posting on it every day.

Facebook - I love being able to pop on and see how everyone is doing, what everyone is up to. The vast majority of my friends and family live in other states, so Facebook is one of the main ways we stay in touch. And it's great for checking up on my writing peeps and posting updates about my books.

Twitter - I'm terrible at Twitter. Twitter scares me LOL I'm starting to get into it, but really, for the most part, it's just a mystery to me. I finally figured out the whole @mentions thing, and I have a post from the awesome Mr. Nathan Bransford on how to use Twitter bookmarked so I can peruse it and try to figure everything out. But I'm definitely a Twitter newbie.

How about you? What are your favorite or least favorite aspects of social networking?

13 comments:

Shah Wharton said...

I'm pretty much like you on the few you mentioned here. I also just signed up at bloglovin which looks good, and I'm member at she writes, book blogs, blog catalogue, shelfari and oh - numerous other places promising lots of traffic! Its impossible to keep on top of all those and the bloggers you really want to contribute to. Plus I find new blogs I love all the time - more commitments. I have a blog roll now so that I try to get around everyone at least once a week. You are a new find - and I'm chuffed to bits too. I'm following you so be prepared to see me around. Shah from wordsinsync.blogspot.com

Jen said...

I was very skeptical of social networking at first. It just seemed like another way technology was taking away my handwritten letters!

Now that I've been blogging for about 2 years, I LOVE it and can't imagine not having these wonderful writers in my life.

Facebook is there for me to keep up and occasionaly catch up with friends and family. And for the occasional witty quip ;)

I'm Twitter-phobic. Seriously. I've never tweeted and don't see myself doing so any time soon!

Great post,
Jen

B.E. Sanderson said...

I have the blog, which I love, and I'm getting more active on Facebook. Most of my family and friends are across the country from me, too, and it is a great way to stay up to date with their goings-on.

I'm holding off on Twitter. I know me, and I think Twitter will grab hold and never let go. If I start, I'll never get anything else done.

Laura Pauling said...

I enjoy blogging and Twitter. It doesn't take long to figure out Twitter and I've met a lot more people there and further developed relationships there than I have through blogging. I think the combo works for me. :)

Anonymous said...

Honestly, I been sucking at Twitter and Blogging! This month has had zero free time due to work. Eck.

Anonymous said...

I've given up on Twitter. Don't like it. Can't do it. But like you I love blogging and Facebook. I just published a post on the future of blogging. Is it dying? Some think so, but I hope not!!
Ann Best, Author @ Long Journey Home

Amanda Bonilla said...

I've made some great friends through social networking! That is the best part for me :)

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

I'm with you on liking blogging best and Twitter least. And yes, social networking is a great way to make new friends!

Eric said...

So then, you DIDN'T miss the question :)

This is a great response though, Michelle. And you're so right about how many awesome people there are to "meet" in the blogging/writer community. You're one of 'em ;)

Unknown said...

I love blogging! Facebook and Twitter are fun, but I don't love them because I feel like I burn too much time when I should be writing. So I limit what I do in those realms, but I'm still learning. Great post!

Conda Douglas said...

I've learned so much from fellow writer's blogs and facebook groups/postings. I'm getting a bit better at Twitter, but that one's kinda...HUGE.

M Pax said...

I, too, have met amazing people in cyberspace. I stared out enjoying FB and Blogger. Now it's Blogger and Twitter. I much prefer the Twitter and have become a slug on FB. I'm also on LinkedIn and Goodreads, but don't use those much either.

Shah Wharton said...

I popped back to say hi and to extend an invitation to (shameless plug) my Weekend Creation Blog Hop which is on right now for the whole weekend - that is if you'd like to link up your creations(writing etc)/blog or meet other creative bloggers?

Over @ wordsinsync.blogspot.com Shah ;D X