Let’s talk connecting with our readers! That includes Web 2.0 and all its delights:-)
Social media is a large part of being a writer and publishers have an expectation their authors will have a significant on-line presence. How do we juggle all those balls without dropping them? I’ve asked my fellow AORM writers, Bronwyn Parry, Fleur McDonald and Fiona Palmer to share some of their thoughts on social media.
To tweet or not too tweet?
Bronwyn: I Tweet, but only occasionally. I can’t afford to be distracted for long periods of time, and Twitter can easily distract me and become time consuming. So I make myself limit my Twitter time and just don’t go there some days. Other days, I watch the Twitter feed and join in as there’s always something cheerful and interesting going on!
Fleur: I love to tweet and I’ve met some really lovely people through it. I love connecting with the bookshops that have an online presence and hearing the industry news. There are days I don’t get there, but if I’m doing my dreaded farm office work, it’s likely to be open and a lovely distraction, from me tearing my hair out!
Fiona: Yes, I’ve only just got the hang of it and before could only do it on the computer. But now I have a fancy phone which makes it easier to stay in touch…when I have signal that is. I find its quite handy for finding out bits and pieces…but as to people enjoying my tweets…I’m not so sure lol.
Helene: Yes, but sporadically. If I’m on the computer sorting out a blog or sitting somewhere with some spare time I’ll tweet. I do always feel like I’m shouting into a stiff breeze, so not sure how effective I am at twittering…
Blogging our way round the world?
Bronwyn: I enjoy blogging, but I currently don’t blog as frequently as I should. I’m aiming to be better at it! I’ve got ideas for articles, discussion prompters, all sorts of things… but my first priority has to be writing the next book, since I’ve had a long gap between books due to health issues. When it’s done, there’ll be a blog makeover!
Fleur: I love blogging. I enjoy telling people about my world, my farm, my animals. I’m in a very privileged spot, that I can tell people about where their food comes from and how. I also love having guest blogger on – having some of my favourite authors writing blogs for me is a real highlight.
Fiona: This is always fun and a great way to meet new people. I find I struggle with kids, work and trying to write and often don’t have time to chase people for guest blogs but think its really rewarding and worth doing when I can.
Helene: Love, love, love blogging and love interviewing guests for blogs, but I’m always looking for a new angle. Interviewing characters from books is my latest crazy idea. I also love checking out other people’s blogs and have an extensive list on RSS feed to I don’t miss any good post!
Face Book – time waster or opportunity?
Bronwyn: I love FaceBook for keeping in touch with distant friends and family, and for readers to connect with authors (and vice versa!) But I do try to avoid the games and other activities; I could be the Queen of Procrastination if I gave into temptation, and so now I draw the line and have hidden them. I spend so much time at the computer that it’s healthier for me to take the dogs for a walk on our ‘farm’ than to tend my crops in Farmville!
Fleur: Facebook is a great way to stay in contact with family and friends. I like to have a separate page for my readers though – I’m sure they are not at all interested that my daughter turned eleven or my son came first in a running race! I’m still in awe of all the people I’ve re-connected with or met over Facebook!
Fiona: Ah, Facebook is like the local community grapevine…I find out all sorts of things before people even know them themselves lol. It can be a time waster if you let it, so I try to have a set time limit, get on, check out fan page etc, quick browse and get off. (Yes…never really happens like that.)
Helene: My husband refuses to acknowledge any time I spend on FB as being productive. I think it’s a lovely way to connect with more people but I do have to agree that sometimes it feels like a whirlpool sucking me under when I should be doing other things…
Having said that I’ve reconnected with people I haven’t seen for years and that’s been a lovely surprise.
Shooting the breeze on Social Media Sites like GoodReads?
Bronwyn: I’m on GoodReads, Shelfari and LibraryThing, and have been watching as they evolve, but I think I’ll have to strategise and just pick one – which will be GoodReads. I think it works best for me, both as reader and author. I don’t spend a lot of time on the forums, but I do read a couple of Aussie ones and have occasionally posted.
Fleur: Goodreads is something I’ve never been involved with or understand!
Fiona: I must say I don’t have the time. I’m struggling to find the time to write and can’t afford to search social media sites unless I’m notified by a friend or fellow writer etc.
Helene: I love browsing Goodreads to see what other people are reading and to check out a couple of reviewers – Zosia is always on my list! I do chat on some of the on-line forums, but not as much as I’d like to…
So there you have it – our take on using social media.
We’d love to hear how you connect with authors and readers. Do you have a favourite blog you always visit? Are you hooked on tweeting? Is your day flat without Face Book? Is your phone set to tweetdeck, you laptop filled with RSS feeds? You’re also welcome to share any thoughts you have on how authors can better connect with their readers!
