I know we’ve heard this
before, but I wasn’t sure if anyone had put it in social media and writing vernacular,
so here goes:
Make Friends: I don’t follow everyone, but if we share a common interest—this
usually means writing, reading, thinking about writing or reading, or know someone
who writes or reads and supports them—I usually follow people back on Twitter
and Facebook.
Do Onto Others: Again, I don’t share everything, but if I read something I
think my friends would have interest in, I retweet and share posts, especially
when it’s from someone who shares my posts. J
If you can’t say Anything Nice…: Really, this should go without
saying, but I still see it. Nothing wrong with having your opinion, but that’s
exactly what that is: your opinion. Don’t get in a fighting match; that’s what
the ‘unfollow’ button is for. Remember...it takes two.
Say You’re Sorry: If you do offend someone, say you’re sorry.
Play Fair: Play by the rules. Unscrupulous activities make life hard for everyone.
Whether it's social media tactics or marketing ventures. Use the old standard: if it feels wrong, it probably is.
Share: The most shocking thing I heard from an author once was that she didn’t
follow other authors… What? I laughed!
Authors are readers; authors have readers who follow them. I can write about
four books a year. Some of my readers—like me—can read that many books in a
week. It only makes sense that if my readers like me, they will probably like
what I like. So…I share! We trade readers. Make sense?
Use the Buddy System: Indie authors have limited money and resources. Our best
advertisement is each other and word of mouth from our readers. Find some
buddies. Don’t go this alone. I’ve never worked with a more supportive team
than writers.
Have snack time: Stop writing and chatting. Go find some chocolate and
coffee. Your head will be clearer when you return.
Appreciate beauty: As children, we go on field trips, look at pretty pictures,
read classics. As an adult, we still need inspiration. Leave your comfort zone.
Go find something beautiful and write about it.
Sing / Listen to Music: Nothing lends more inspiration than music. Whether it’s a sad
country song or an instrumental piece, add some music to your routine.
Wash Your Hands: I know…you’re saying, “What?” Okay…I’ll take this one step
further. If you have writer’s block, stop! Go get the snack I mentioned, and
then take a shower. Start with hot water to alleviate stress, but then finish
with cold water as long as possible. If you don’t know about this, read up on
it. The negative ions created from the water hitting the tile and the drowning
out of all other sounds are the best way to get your mind thinking.
Now…go write your blog, your
book reviews, your tweets, your Facebook posts, or preferably your WIP!
Until next time, happy reading and writing!
Carmen
Until next time, happy reading and writing!
Carmen
Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my
musings. Remember, these are just my opinions and shouldn’t be
taken too seriously. If you have questions, please feel free to leave
them in the comment section, and I promise you I will answer. If you’re
curious about what I write, please visit one of my author pages, where
you can read all about my novels and short stories. And hey, I’ll even
give you a free book just for stopping by.
If it isn’t
available free in your area, use…
My problem isn't getting writer's block, it's being interrupted constantly. Maybe I'll leave the chocolate outside my office so they will eat this and leave me alone:)
ReplyDeleteLOL! I forgot to add the noise-cancelling earphones to the "listen to music" rule.
DeleteThe chocolate distraction might work, though.
Hope you are doing okay, my friend.
What a fun post! And excellent advice. What about nap time? :) Just kidding. I have a kindergartener and he just doesn't appreciate his rest time.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I actually thought about nap time, but knew that was too much to expect a writer to find time to nap. And you know I'm big on making even my fictional writing believable. :)
DeleteThey just don't realize the benefits of nap time until they no longer have it. We all should have appreciated nap time more. Haha!