Twitter Etiquette

Yep that little guy is a magician. I'm pretty sure Twitter is made of rainbows and pixie dust. And as you may have noticed I am very active on Twitter. But do you really understand how the magic of Twitter works? I hope so. If not, I'm here to give you a few do's and don'ts...

DO:

• Remember it's a PUBLIC forum. This means that anyone who follows you, or searches for something you might have mentioned can see your Tweets. That's a GOOD thing. But if you think you're having a private conversation just because you're @ tweeting someone? Newsflash: Other people can see it. So only say what you would in public. And be prepared for others to jump in the conversation. If they do, welcome and include them. Please.
• Tweet links to help out other writers. Share the love the same way you do in the blogosphere! I click on links all the time, and I try to tweet those I think are especially useful to other writers, and explain why. This helps 1. The blogger that wrote it. 2. Someone who may benefit from reading it. 3. You.
• Use Hashtags. There are many that writers follow. Such as, #amwriting #amrevising, #query and #writetip. Also make up your own! #Cuzitsfun and #writersarealittlecrazythatway
• Participate in online chats. like #YaLitChat #WritersRoad and #KidLitChat. It can make you dizzy watching the tweets fly, but it's a ton of fun and I promise if you do more than lurk it'll be worth it! Don't know where to start? Try this link from @InkyElbows.
• Retweet things that deserve a RT. You clicked on a link you liked? A quote that inspired? A comment that struck a chord? Pass it on!

DON'T:

• Use Twitter solely for self-promotion. When someone follows me, I click on them. I look at your bio, possibly others I trust who follow you, and your LAST SEVERAL TWEETS. If I see you promoting your book or blog several times in a row, I can't close the window fast enough. IF I see you saying things of value, whether that's humorous, annectdotal, or links/retweets of interest, I go ahead and follow you back. Then if you occasionally tweet for yourself, I forgive you. And I MIGHT EVEN BE INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING YOU!
• Give a play by play of your life. Please. I don't need to know you brushed your teeth this morning and when. Unless you accidentally used mousse... So if you can make it interesting, GREAT! But if there's no emotion, no reason, etc. then it probably didn't need to be tweeted.
• Say anything you might regret later. I know I touched on this above, but it's such an important point. You should be yourself, but you should also remember that what you say represents you. So if you say something unprofessional you might regret it later.

Did I miss anything? Do you like Twitter? Why and why not?

photo credit

My Little Experiment OR How To Manage an Online Presence as an Author

My experiment? Yup, you probably already guessed it. Do I get more traffic just by putting up pics of hot, shirtless vampires? Well, I'll let you know the results in a week or so. ;) But that does tie in to what I want to talk about today. Platform building for writers. I know, it's been discussed, but let's summarize what I've learned:

1. Is an online presence helpful to a yet-to-be-published author?

I've heard both sides of the argument, and what I take away is this - and I speak from experience folks! I've been blogging for nearly a year now. If you HATE it. I mean have to force yourself to blog or tweet like taking a spoonful of castor oil. Then you shouldn't invest the time it takes. On the other hand, if you like it (and let's face it, most of us writers do because it's another outlet for our creative side), go for it!! You build contacts, yes. But most importantly you connect with your peers. And you will find that those peers are an invaluable resource of support, friendship, and information. And when that book finally comes out? You have a place to market it. A place that is more likely to be visited by the young audience you may be targeting, and a place you are now comfortable navigating.

2. Which platforms are the most useful?

Well, I have personal experience with the "big three." Those being Facebook, Twitter, and Blogging.

Let's start with FB. I find it a little more difficult to use for marketing myself, though some people love it. I think it's a personal choice, but I'll show you why I prefer Twitter and blogging.

Twitter is not only fun and addictive, it's easy to participate. Especially with free programs like Tweetdeck to help keep you organized and up to date. You don't have to spend forever on there, you just check in say a few times a day or go for an online conference like #kidlitchat, #yalitchat, or #scribechat.

Blogging is a great outlet for your muse as a writer. I've used three major platforms. Blogger (obviously), Wordpress (undead poet's society and Scribechat), and Livejournal (Enchanted Inkpot). They all have ups and downs. Personally, I find Blogger the most user friendly, followed by Wordpress. I also like how blogger keeps me connected with so many other's that use Google.

3. What do I say?

Keep your personal life private. That's my biggest advice. Do I mention my kids occasionally? Yes. But you notice I don't give specific names and locals. Nor do you want to hear it. YOU as my guest want something of value in return for visiting with me. And I want you to say, I like that Lisa Gail Green chick! She's funny, uplifting, a little quirky, and I learn things by talking to her. So aim for those things - whatever you want someone to come away with - and give it to them! On Twitter I tweet links of use, tidbits, and (hopefully) funny anecdotes. I also converse with friends, and offer/receive encouragement.

The biggest thing to remember is that you are interacting with real people who are in much the same boat you are. Yes we want to hear about good news and share in disappointments with you, but overall, this is a give and take. Comment on others blogs! I love hearing from you!! I really mean that. I answer just about every time. And I try to reciprocate by going to your blog as well. I love the people I've met here! I enjoy doing this! And apparently I also enjoy exclamation points!

What did I leave out? Tell me what you find helpful online.

photo credit for Damon/photo credit for Stephen