My husband closed down his Facebook account. He did so early this year and doesn't regret it. It's something I can't do because as an author, I need to have a presence in cyberspace. But since isolation, I drift into my socials, take a quick look, then exit. I've been enjoying a different life since …
Would you consider a hashtag to promote your most personal novel?
I was thinking about this in a spare moment, of which there are many. I've often written about what real life influences are weaved into my novels, but I haven't always talked about the storylines that come from more personal experiences. For example, one of my novels has a storyline that reflects feelings I had …
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Authors and algorithms
A Twitter post popped up recently about how interactions have diminished. I responded saying that I've noticed this too. Recently I asked #WritingCommunity if they've noted Twitter is behaving like Facebook (i.e. the same small number of regulars reacting to what you've posted). One person responded. For an author, this is not good. I already …
Living without Social Media
Today, Greg Wikstrom offers us an insight into why he ditched his socials. He's a friend of mine who lives in Zurich, and not long ago he let us all know via Facebook that the online world has become a toxic place. He continued to say that he would be leaving that space. So, to …
Social Media Tips for Authors
It's the start of the year and I'm writing this blog, but something has become apparent to me all over again as I review my social media. Algorithms are in charge. In some ways they work with us, giving us a validated experience by showing us popular posts and keeping conversations going with the peeps …
Facebook banned my trailer
I had always planned to pay for promotion on Facebook for my novel, Social Media Central. And I was going to use the trailer as the main focus of that promotion. There's been a lot written by authors about the changing face of social media platforms and how it's harder to get yourself out there …
As an author, how much social media is enough?
I have two designated days a week to write. That's more than most. One of those days is Monday and like most people find, Mondays fly by quickly. I usually do the washing on that day as well, and pop off to the gym in the morning. So I don't get to my laptop until …
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Words. They have power!
I've often blogged about my favourite editor, Mary Belk. She was assigned to my first novel and totally helped me re-imagine it. But I realised something the other day. I have no idea what she looks or sounds like. That's not unusual as I have the same relationship with my current editor, Jason. I wanted …
The Multimedia Author
Three things happened in the past weeks. One involved film making, the others involved the challenges of social media. After much badgering from my younger work colleagues I finally joined Instagram. The odd thing is, I'm enjoying it more than I thought. My high school teacher friend groans about how we have several social platforms …
Guest Blog – Chris Jones
Today's guest blogger is not really a writer, but he's definitely creative. He has many self-published photographic books out and has a degree in illustration. You can check out his work on his website, or just hook up with him on twitter or instagram. Ironically, he has a love/hate relationship with social media as you'll read …
