Twitter

Okay, confession time.  I like Twitter.  I don't tweet often but I follow some really great people who share lots of great links, info and just general chat.

I've made several friends on Twitter and connected with other writers from all over the world.

I've gotten to know several agents, editors and publishers via Twitter. 

And sure, there's often a bit of frivolous tweeting but sometimes frivolous is good.

So, today's question...Do you "Twitter" and if so, who do you follow that the rest of us should follow?

I'd recommend @KristenLambTX, @jamesscottbell, @WritersDigest, @Janet_Reid, @AdviceToWriters just to start with.

Oh, me too, of course.  @JeanLauzier

Change is a Good Thing

I've been mentioning Kristen Lamb quite often the last week or so and there's a good reason.  First, she's giving away critiques to folks who comment at her blog, link to her blog and mention her book, We Are Not Alone - The Writer's Guide to Social Media.   While I have to admit I really want that critique but that's not the only reason I've been mentioning Kristen so much. 

The main reason I keep sending you to her blog is that she knows a couple things about social media.  Well, lots more than a couple actually but you get the idea. :-)  For example, her Twitter Tuesday series.  If you're on Twitter or just considering Twitter, check these posts out. 

Today, she started a new series on blogging.  Right off the bat, she hit the proverbial nail on its head.  I've already made one change she suggested and will be making others as we go along. 

So, now I'm going to send y'all over to her blog again.   

Also, don't forget to check out the BreakOut Prompts from Donald Maass on Twitter.  If you don't have an account, you'll have to sign up, then follow him @DonMaass.

Confession Time

Years ago, when I was just beginning to get serious about writing for publication I knew I wanted to pursue the traditional "get an agent, big NY publisher" route.   I don't remember how I found him, but I was head over heels.  He was (and still is) smart, one of the top agents around and knew more than I'd ever learn.  I knew with "Mr. Wonderful Agent" I'd be on the best seller list in no time at all.

Thankfully I have one of those obsessive personalities that requires I research as many details as possible  before acting so I didn't do anything stupid.  And, while I've grown from know nothing beginner to a novice with some short stories published along with some non-fiction, I'm still very much in like with Donald Maass.

I bought his "how to write" books, studied them like crazy and while I still haven't learned enough to query him, I am making progress. 

Not long ago, Donald Maass joined Twitter.   One of the almost first things he's started to do is a month long series of "BreakOut Prompts" to get us thinking.   Monday's prompt was "What’s the worst thing your MC does? Whom and how does that hurt? Now work backwards, set it up to hurt even more." 

As I pondered this, I realized I need to dig beneath the surface of my character and bring out her flaws more.  I'm looking forward to the process. :-)

So, all that to say, if you want to improve your novel, check out Donald Maass.  You'll find him on Twitter at @DonMaass and you'll be glad you did.

Social Networking

Not so long ago all a writer was responsible for was the writing.  Now, we must take a bigger role in the promotion part of being a writer.  And while I'm no expert, I've found some great links and websites from folks who are.  So today, it's another link fest.

First, Kristen Lamb's WarriorWriters blog.  I love the "Twitter Tuesday" posts.  I'm actually planning on starting at the beginning and reading through all the posts. Kristen is the author of "We Are Not Alone: The Writer's Guide to Social Media" which is on order.  Hopefully it'll be here soon.  I've heard very good things about this book. 

Get a free Book Marketing Tips e-book from The Savvy Book Marketer.   Here's a blog post with Ten Twitter Tips for book promotion.  And another on running a Twitter Contest.

Need a FaceBook Fan page?  Then check out this step by step "how to" article.  This is something I've got to do.  *sigh*

And while I don't believe anyone other than the books author should ever do the querying (I think you'll find most agents/editors believe this too.), the folks over at Novel Publicity have some good promotion tips.

Since this post is all about promotion, how about leaving your twitter or facebook info in the comments.