Do you remember your first crush? The anticipation of stolen moments, mingled with the excitement of learning about someone new? Mixed with that joy was the concern that you’d somehow be found wanting. There was a fear that you’d bear the blame for a breakup, bringing an end to the possibility of a future together.
This may sound like the basis of any romance novel, but it’s also the way a lot of us felt about social networking when it first appeared. It was new and different, even a little exotic. The possibilities were intriguing and many of us began to spend more time with it. But for most of us the infatuation quickly waned as managing this burgeoning relationship became too much, too fast.
I want to invite you to give yourself a second chance at love. Let social media back into your life and experience the joy and freedom you can find through it. Here are just a few of the benefits an ongoing relationship with social media can offer today’s writer:
- Exciting Extra-curricular Activities. Online education has a new look. All over the web are webinars, blog tours, even parties. In the past month I’ve taken several classes, participated in industry related chats (have you been to a My Book Therapy Bleachers chat yet? www.mybooktherapy.com), even attended a jewelry party in my pajamas.
- Friends with Benefits. I’ve met some of the coolest people through social media. I’m a part of a Facebook writing accountability group, an author’s networking group, and of course, My Book Therapy (www.mybooktherapy.com)
- Invitations to all the Hottest Events. More and more book launches and other fun, author related parties are being held online. Just last week I attended a Twitter party and a Facebook book launch. This is really something you don’t want to miss out on.
- The Latest Tips, Tricks and yes, Industry News. By following specific subjects (hashtags) on Twitter, I’ve been able to plug into the industry trends that affect my chosen genres. Through Facebook I’ve been among some of the first to learn which publishers are searching for new manuscripts and which agents are looking for someone like me to sign on the dotted line.
Social media can give writers a boost, helping them show their best to the world. For me, and many others, it challenges and encourages us to become better writers and pursue our dream with excellence. And isn’t that the result of any good relationship?
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Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. She currently has two books available, the best selling eBook, Social Media Marketing for Writers, and her latest project, a devotional for those with family members in the military, Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle. Married 30 years to her high school sweetheart, Kirk, they have raised three sons.
