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Okay fellow writers, you've been told you should blog, tweet, facebook and do anything and everything you can to build your -dun, dun, dun- PLATFORM. Is that dread I see brewing in your eyes? No, really. Some of you are even giving it a go, right? I mean, you're here, aren't you?
Yes! You are. And I love you for that! In fact, I'd like you to give yourself a nice pat on the back. No, forget that. I never liked when a teacher told me to pat myself on the back because it didn't actually feel nice and it seemed more like a chore than a reward.
So ... hmm... I know! Treat yourself to a melt-in-your-mouth Krispy Kreme doughnut. Or maybe a great big delicious Oreo shake. Indulge in the scrumptious treat of your choice, knowing you deserve it for doing what you've been told. Even if it's a bit time consuming. Even if you can't actually KNOW it's going to help you down the road.
One thing to keep in mind is that you're not alone. There are a ton of writers out there just like you. One great way to find them (aside from lovely blogs like this), is to get onto Twitter. Did you know there's a cool sort of code word we writers use to make it even easier to find and follow one another? True. To learn more about that go to best-selling author Kristen Lamb's blog: http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/join-the-love-revolution-mywana/
If it's time that's getting in the way (Uh...Yeah!), then set a limit. Maybe a half hour in the morning, another just before bed. This is what I am going to do. Starting tomorrow. I swear.
Anyway, I think that if we go into it like it's a terrible chore, it will feel like a terrible chore. But if we dive in with the intention of meeting and helping others along the way, we might actually enjoy the journey.
Click here to check out Kristen Lamb's best-selling book, We Are Not Alone–The Writer’s Guide to Social Media.
So what has your journey been like? Are you blogging? Tweeting? Facebooking? All of the above? I gave you a Krispy Kreme (sort of), so now you give me your savory comments, and I will eat them up! Yum!
Hi Kimberly! Great post. I did try to pat my back but it's just too darn awkward. Anyway, I'm doing all of the above and while it's time consuming, it is very rewarding getting help and support from others I know are in the same boat. Thanks for the donut. Now I have to squeeze a workout in my schedule :)
ReplyDeleteYeah...all that, though I'm not much of a tweeterer. I like your idea though of setting aside half hour in the morning and half at night.
ReplyDeleteS.B. Niccum
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A nice massage sounds better than me patting me on the back, but I like the sentiment. :)
ReplyDeleteI find social networking a tad intimidating mostly becasue so much of my day is already taken up with other stuff. It's important (more than really) but so time consuming! I like your idea of dividing the day. I've started to jot down blog post ideas while at work so I can so something with them at home.
Hi Kimberly! Yeah, #MyWANA is happening over at Twitter. ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Kimberley! Very though provoking and exactly where I'm at right now. Twitter and blogging seems crucial for developing a platform, but it definitely comes easier for some than others. But at the same time, we authors are speaker or words, and we are "out there" whether we are comfortable with it or not.
ReplyDeleteNice voice to your blog, dear.
ReplyDeleteI hit paydirt on Twitter when I jumped into #yalitchat. Found lots of YA writers and pros who are out there on the front line every day. I feel like I'm more in touch with the industry and will get to the other side of that damned fence any day now.
And it's nice to see everyone post their screw ups too. What they were distracted by, what drastc measures they will take to get their word counts in, it all helps me.
So true - I think it's just something that you have to do - and let's face it, it's fun. Sure, back ten years ago, even three years ago, it wasn't as important, but it sure is now and it's time to jump on board.
ReplyDeleteYour right - are writers are wonderful! And they are in a great group of friends.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice!! Nice to meet you btw
ReplyDeleteI focus on my blog and Twitter, which is the ADD version of my blog.
ReplyDeleteI just love how you have Krispy Kremes in your labels! Ha ha! BTW, I had a fabulous time with ya today!!! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the wonderful comments! Truly tasty. mmm, mmm, mmm.
ReplyDeleteYou. Are a donut. Tease.
ReplyDeleteI'm just upset because my local Krispy Kreme closed three years ago. In an unrelated note, I am 40 pounds lighter than I was 3 years ago.
All joking aside,thanks for the article/post. Among other things, I've been wondering what #MyWANA was. I am personally working on my platform, but my tools are rusty, I have no level, and I think some of the wood I'm working with is warped. Still working at it though!
I blog and Facebook. Haven't started tweeting yet. Love what you said about looking at it as helping and building relationships rather than a chore. Makes it funner.
ReplyDeleteI so needed to hear this because I am all over the place. I need to get focussed because right now I write whatever I want, whenever I want. I'm also afraid of twitter. So, this is a good kick in the pants to figure out what I'm doing and do it. I think I've had enough time to wander out here in cyberspace. It's time to get a little purpose. Happy to have found you :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for giving us fellow writers such fantastic links! You really care about us don't you? I'm all teary now. Hold on, I have to blow my nose. Okay, I'm back now. But hey, I really am glad for all the effort you give to find us such awesome info. And thanks for being my follower before I even had a post up! i just now posted my first one, so come on over to brendasills.blogspot.com!
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