Monday, January 20, 2014

The Lure of Social Media


As an aspiring author, I've avoided the whole gotta be on social media hype. Had no interest in it, didn't care much, had no desire to spend hours and hours participating in online platforms that didn't work for me and didn't feel comfortable with my personality. So I didn't.


I've written this blog since 2007. The first four years were hit and miss and then became a bit more diligent and regular about it. I like the platform.

I resisted Facebook for ages, but broke down mostly as way to be in regular contact with my half of the family, none of whom live here in Texas. I added a few close friends who are fellow authors, but I don't use it as a networking tool, and I don't have a fan page. I'm not sure about going that route at this point. Since I don't have a work of romance fiction out, I'm not overly worried about it.

I don't tweet. Don't think I'll ever tweet.

I've had a Goodreads account and generally keep track of the books I've read as well giving them a rating, although I've avoided reviews. I think I've written one or two for the over 200 books I've read and tracked via the site.

This past Saturday, the speaker at my writers group spoke to us about how to harness the power of Goodreads. Since I'm already on it and I don't have issues with it, I'm going to implement some of her suggestions immediately, some later. I'm not ready to jump in and get super active and social in groups. I've got enough on my plate at the moment. That'll have to wait a bit until life calms down. Although Murphy may move in and I won't be able to catch my breath until August.

Anyway, I'm trying to decide what and how much works best for me. Of course, if I never finish a fiction book, the point is mostly moot.

Are you active on Social Media? Select platforms? How much time do you spend per week?


5 comments:

Regina Richards said...

I don't do any social media. I may at some point but this year I've vowed to stay focused on producing product rather than learning to sell it. That second part can wait.

Jen FitzGerald said...

Yep, gotta have the books first to benefit from the social media. You have a great plan for YOU Regina.

Regina Richards said...

Others can multi-task in amazing ways and have impressive results. But you are right. My plan fits me. For now.

I reserve the right to change my mind about anything at any moment because I am still learning. :)

Anonymous said...

The same here, Regina, on both points. I started learning about social media, realized it will undoubtedly have changed by the time I'm ready to publish, and decided to focus on the product. When it's closer to 'the' time, I'll get social media education :-)

Nancy

Jen FitzGerald said...

Thanks for sharing gals.