How do you use social media to expand your blogging/writing horizons? Social Media is all about networking and connections, and utilizing today’s technology to the fullest. Do you have another blog, maybe a Tumblr? Have a Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook? Or maybe there’s an underrated social media program that you like.
I have numerous accounts that I use for various reasons.
My twitter handle is @cineastesview. I was resistant to Twitter for a long time, preferring longer, more complete thoughts. But when I finally gave in I realized I could use it in anyway I chose. I didn’t have to engage in the vapid celebrity dreck. I could follow and converse with whomever I chose and I could not engage at all for a several hours or days, if I wanted to.
Once I learned how to narrow my scope, I found it delightful. I could connect with people across the world, with bookstores and writers and museums. Twitter was how I ended up becoming a book blogger and reviewer. That was 7 years ago.
Since then, I’ve struck up casual conversations with authors, reporters, publishers and the Ravenmaster of the Tower of London. I’ve also made friends that found their way into my real life.
Two weeks ago, I participated in #TwitterFiction Festival. I won a contest to write a short story, live, on Twitter. My work was featured alongside professionals like Margaret Atwood and Lemony Snicket. It was terrifying and exciting. Some people chose to pre-write their stories and then share them one sentence at a time. I decided to only go in with an outline and write on the fly. I don’t know if this was the smartest idea I ever had but it made it fun.
My instagram account is @mwgerard. You will find a good amount of books, cats and dogs there. I also take plenty of photos in my surroundings of beautiful Savannah.
I started a Facebook page for my writing here. I feel better about allowing “strangers” to follow me there than on my personal page.
I have a couple of Tumblr accounts. The first one is pretty consistent with my site. It is housed at A Cineaste’s Room. Here books cross over with British television and classic films. My other Tumblr blog is dedicated to cryptozoology. And yes, I do have a certification in it (so what if it’s an internet certificate that I had to fill out myself?).
I love Google+. I was a late convert to this as well, but I am a fierce advocate now. It’s attractive, easy-to-use and not cluttered with crap, the way Facebook is now. I hear they are considering getting rid of it. For now, you can find me there at MWGerardWrites.
Yes, I am a pinning fool! I am a one-woman mad tea party so there are lots of pins about the delicious beverage. If I’m not pinning about tea or dogs, it’s about books or vintage stuff. My handle is mwgerard on Pinterest.
Yes, I am on Goodreads, too. Please feel free to say hello. My TBR is always never big enough.
As far as underrated or lesser-known sites…
As a freelancer, I highly recommend Contently. It allows you to display your published work easily and attractively. I also like about.me, which acts as an electronic/internet business card. Both are free.
I know — it’s a lot. I also have this Me, Elsewhere page if that makes your brain hurt any less.
I hope at least one of these outlets is interesting to you and you will introduce yourself to me.