Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Writer Wednesday: Writing Vs. Social Media

We all know that part of what we do as writers is interact on social media. We need to be available to our readers so they are aware of when our next book comes out or when we get a new contract and of course so they can get to know us as people and readers, too. I'm going to admit that lately, I've been so busy that I haven't been online much.

Yup. I've been a bad social media author. Here's why. Over the past month, my husband and daughter have been home a lot. A lot. I've always tried to balance my writing life and my personal life. So when my family is home, I like to spend time with them. Nothing unusual there, right? Right. So that means my time to actually work is cut down significantly. And that leads to me deciding what's more important—writing or being on social media.

I chose writing. I worked on a new novella and I revised two books. That's not to mention editing for my clients, too. So you see, something had to give. For me that something was social media, and I'm hoping you'll all forgive me for being quiet online. I'm hoping the promise of more books from me will make up for it.

Do you ever go social media quiet? Do you find you lose followers, or are they forgiving?

31 comments:

  1. Keep on writing Kelly!!! <3 <3 :)

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  2. I think readers are forgiving, but I've lost blog readers when I've gone dark to finish up a manuscript. It's a chicken or the egg scenario, isn't it?

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    1. Blogging is the one thing I try not to slack on because I love it the most and I interact with a lot of people through my blog and theirs. The other social media sites…not so much.

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  3. Family is the most important thing, Kelly. Kids grow up fast. Enjoy while you can. I think writing comes next. If you lose followers because you're not on the net a lot, then, to me, they weren't really your true friends. Everyone needs a break. Just my 2 cents worth. :)

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    1. I agree, Beverly. I think your true friends and followers stick with you.

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  4. Most readers I'm sure are forgiving! family comes first, then writing, then social media, in my opinion :)

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  5. I schedule a few posts to go up on my FB page every week, so I don't have to be on it all the time and have more time to write.

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    1. Oh, that's a brilliant idea. I do that on release days but why I never thought to schedule posts each week is beyond me. I have to start doing this. Thanks, Chrys!

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  6. Social media really is well behind family-personal life and writing, so it can be set aside when needed.

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    1. I think it can, too. We can't get too caught up in being everywhere all the time.

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  7. I've taken a few weeks break from blogging here and there, and everyone was still there when I got back, which was nice! Though weeks as opposed to months might be different, I'm sure. As for Twitter, my norm is maybe a few tweets a week? And I'm non-existent on Facebook, just about! =) The nice thing about social media is most ppl understand the need for ebb and flow. Those that don't prolly burn out quick!

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    1. I would imagine they would burn out. I just can't keep up sometimes and I even have my accounts linked so posting to one posts to several.

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  8. You, Kelly, are a phenomenal social media interactor, lately and always. And I'm with you- writing original fiction has priority.

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    1. Aw, thank you. I try but I fully admit to letting it slide when I have to.

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  9. I've gone quiet on social media when I get busy at work or when life seems to happen around me and I have to take note.

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  10. I find myself quiet on social media anywhere from a day to a couple of days. One can't do everything.

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    1. That makes me feel better because you are one of the most productive people I know, Medeia.

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    2. so are you, Kelly! You have your priorities exactly right!

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  11. I do tend to be quieter on social media when I'm busy as far as interacting--however, my marketing clients have taught me that visual is best with social media. So most of my social media posts include images--when I'm enjoying my life, I tend to tweet/Facebook post more because I have more to share. I might not be reading other people's posts, though, during those times.

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    1. I need to share more images. They do get the most views and comments.

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  12. I was just telling myself that I need to limit my social media time. It's too easy to burn the clock that way.

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    1. I've started multi-tasking and being on social media while I'm watching TV. That way it doesn't take away from my writing time.

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  13. When I first stared blogging, I'd lose follower if I skipped a couple of days. Now, I don't have that problem. I can skip and won't lose any followers.My pageviews won't change. I try not to go quiet on social media I'm new on like Tumblr and Instagram. With Instagram, I keep photos on my phone/tablet so I can share in a minute.

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    1. I need to be on Instagram more. My Tumblr is hit or miss. I never did much there. I'm trying to use it more but it's not a focus.

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  14. I've been 'speaking up' more on Twitter and Google+ lately, just to share articles and art. Have gained more followers. When I'm quieter on social media, I don't lose followers or at least I don't notice any significant loss. So I think it's perfectly all right to go quiet when you have to focus on your family and writing.

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    1. I kind of find it odd that people unfollow because someone doesn't post for a bit. I just assumed the person is busy if they get quiet.

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  15. Definitely important to spend time with your family and manage the rest of your time to do what you need to do, write and edit. I think most people are forgiving and they are happy with the prospect of reading a new book by and author they love. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. I think so, too. I know I'd rather see the authors I love writing so I can read a new book soon. :)

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