I don't know how it happened. They snuck up on me and multiplied behind my back. First it was a new email account, then a blog. I joined two lovely forums and bonded with fellow writers. We laughed and cried together, supporting each other in our endeavour to get published.
Along with my first book came a website. I joined another blog, then another. I thought I could handle it.
Then came the Yahoo! groups. I hopped on the self-promo bandwagon and joined one or two, then three or four. With the urging of other writers, I opened a Facebook account. I had fun reconnecting with other authors and old school chums.
Soon, reader forums followed. - Chapters Community, Shelfari, GoodReads... I have to fill out my author profiles and add books to my 'shelves' in hope that someone will snatch my books and put them on their shelves, and so on.
My inbox fills with updates and comments from various sources. I joyfully jump in with comments and kudos. Emails come faster and faster, shouting, "Feed me!"
People call it a time suck, but it has its merits. Small press authors have to reach out on their own to connect with readers, or nobody will ever know about their books.
However, I have to find a balance between writing, networking and cruising around Web World, looking for validation. I gotta go write some more so I can feed all these hungry little children.
If I join Twitter, just shoot me.
8 comments:
I have the same dilemma, but with fewer venues.
Same here, Sandra. I'm often tempted to cut some of them off, but we can't afford to as very few of us have publishers throwing big promo bucks at our novels. And I'd miss the fellowship of other writers. I draw the line at Twitter, though. The name alone is a turnoff for me.
Off to Facebook to add you...
Promotion is a difficult and annoying necessity. Then the publisher E-mails their reminder - hey, what have you done lately in the way of promotion? Are you on Facebook, Twitter, My Space, Yahoo, Google... and on and on. It is funny reading those every few minute updates from a surprising number of people who think someone cares what they're doing every minute. :)
I joined Twitter, after MySpace and Facebook and Absolute Write and Blogger.
Shoot me.
Bang!
I am right there with you! No rest for the weary!
When you figure out how to balance all that PLEASE let me know.
(And, yeah. I'm smelling the gunpowder, too.)
boy oh boy oh boy can i relate to this post as i've hopped on the promotions bandwagon as well. harper even wants me on myspace! so there i am, along with facebook and twitter. help! =)
and YES please roast me. i am marinading myself in delicious oils and herbs mid may. bring ig!!
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