Lily Lawson's Blog: Lily's log, page 3

I can't write fiction.

For some time now I have struggled to write more in a week than 6 words on Sunday and 30 words on a Thursday. It hit me in December a few days before Christmas.

I have done a little editing on one story. I even managed a whole fortnight of writing daily once but I couldn’t sustain it beyond that. As a person who wrote every day that’s strange for me.

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I can sometimes manage poetry for Instagram. Poetry is not fiction or nonfiction it exists on it’s own. I am a poet before all else. It expresses and distills. It is usually my voice not a characters.

I can write my newsletter. Facts read, analysed and written. The student in me coming through.

I’ve struggled a bit with reading too but my nonfiction refuge has helped keep me going. There are exceptions and a bit of poetry. The similarity is not lost on me.

As an eternal student I needed to know why. You could argue it’s obvious. I had to grasp the intricacies of my situation enough to write about it, which is I guess a tad ironic.

Last night I wrote this after watching the Newsroom.

I can’t write fiction. Not at this time.

I’m not driven to create a world where I control what happens.

My days are spent looking at reality and dealing with the fact that you couldn’t make it up.

I shunned news for some time. It’s often not pretty or palatable and I needed to sleep at night.

When X started to leak I wanted to join in the exodus, but someone persuaded me not to. They said it was important to stay.

We make our difference inside with the voice we already have not banging on the window trying to be let in so we can see what’s happening our view obscured by those who would wish us not to know.

I said I have spies.

They said they will filter.

They may not recognise what you see as important.

I’ve seen the reporters stood in precarious places getting as close to the story as possible.

Reporters have died because they were in the midst of the action trying to bring the story.

I thought I got it.

I don’t think I did.

Tonight I watched the first episode of the Newsroom.

Fiction from a decade ago reminded me of something fact failed to.

That the truth has many angles, that we need to check sources, that the true story can be hidden from view.

Someone I admire made me pay attention.

She told me to write.

I said no-one will read my words.

She said write anyway.

We have to try.

I realised we may stop being heard but there’s nothing to listen to if we stop talking.

I’m not a journalist. I haven’t got the skills or the training to bring the news or analyse and comment on it.

I’m just a writer.

I don’t even know what I have to say.

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Farewell to the Hashtag?

BlueSkyers can now get analytics, post scheduling, automated direct messages and more through their new subscription service BlueSky Hunter which launched last week.

If you are tempted to try it out, you can get a free trial for 14 days to see if it’s worth the $29 per month (roughly £22).

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There’s no harm in looking and comparing it to other scheduling apps before committing your dosh.

Seems the hunt is on for the menu to tempt the X verified.

Free group chat would help in my opinion as I keep hearing that’s one of the reasons X still marks the spot. The other seems to be that X gets there first with the news despite the reduction in accounts that post it,

https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/14/bluesky-gets-growth-and-analytics-tools-with-blueskyhunter-launch/

People are waiting to get their buzz on with BFisland. Buzzfeed say their social media platform will be a positive space that focuses on interactive storytelling and new content formats. Wonder if gets folks buzzing?

There are a number of similar apps in the app store if you want to see if any of them make you happy.

Given finding reasons to smile elsewhere on social media seems at best difficult I can see there being quite a few takers for the boat.

https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/11/buzzfeed-is-taking-on-instagram-tiktok-x-with-a-new-social-platform-designed-to-spread-joy/

Facebook live streams are being removed after 30 days. As the point of live is being well … live I doubt anyone is steaming.

You will be emailed and given the chance to download them before any action is taken. So you can marvel till your hearts content at your exceptional wisdom or talented moments.

I recommend you keep copies of anything important off the platform so you don’t get caught out.

This applies to all platforms - your content is yours - nobody will look after it like you.

https://about.fb.com/news/2025/02/updating-our-facebook-live-video-storage-policy?

Instagram are testing out a dislike button at the moment, time will tell if it has enough likes to make it an option for all users.

Meanwhile, head of Instagram Adam Mosseri says hashtags don’t work on his platform so is our little # friend working anywhere? Or is sitting on a beach somewhere sitting cocktails?

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/socialmediatips_adam-mosseri-hashtags-they-dont-work-activity-7291908427113508864-loJu/

Instagram do seem big on communication and in their efforts to be helpful … bit like somewhere else I know.

Seems everyone wants to be the one stop shop but you know what they say about trying to do all the things…

Who does what well time will tell.

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Is your head in the clouds?

Seems EVERYBODY wants to be funny these days but depending on your brand you might want to get serious. Jack Appleby discusses the four parts of tone so you can work out where you fit on the scales -

jacktalkscontent A post shared by @jacktalkscontent

BlueSky is adding ‘followers only’ to their reply options – currently – everybody, mentioned users, and followed users, which can be combined together with or without users on any or all of the lists you created, (still with me?) or nobody (I don’t get it either).

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Frazee gives the reason for this additional option as the possibility of making going viral less intense while reducing ‘content collapse’ which means that cute cat pic has gone past all the feline fans and users are rubbing their eyes or scratching their heads (not their scratching posts) thinking ‘Taylor Swift is looking mighty odd these days’.

I guess you could say this is blue sky thinking.

They do seem to be the one with the handmade outfits while the others compete for the off the peg market.

X replies go to everyone, verified accounts, accounts you follow, accounts you mention, or communities you are a member of.

Threads options are anyone, profiles you follow and mentioned only.

If I’ve confused you (not entirely impossible) or you want the whole enchilada see below.

https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/07/bluesky-will-soon-let-you-limit-replies-to-followers-only/

Meta DM’s have been visited by a pop up this week saying you can use AI in your chat but the cost of doing so is ALL of that chat can be used for AI training. Be careful who you chat to and what you say as AI might eat it up and spit it out somewhere and in some form you would rather it didn’t.

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-ai-personal-dm-data-usage/740018/

Gotta end with a pic right? Little image from https://www.instagram.com/borjanmarketing/ to get your head round

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Are you Thready

The Big guns fight for the TikTokers may not have seen this one coming. Xiaohongshu (RedNote) China’s version of Instagram is the top app in the USA. Meta’s popularity hit the skids on TikTok after removing fact checking – (shoot yourself in the foot why don’t you?

After more rejections than your average querying writer Facebook is allegedly going back to its roots. Gotta give good old Facey marks for trying. The winds of time have removed what that looks like from my memory so until it rolls out I’ll keep schtum on the retro throwback.

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Meta have put out a guide to help users unravel how to use Threads. The recently added features of voice notes, GIFs, polls, post editing, cross-posting to Instagram, (the reverse has been in place for some time) advanced search and the latest addition in-app post scheduling are all included.

There’s now a media tab and the ability to share custom feeds. You can also get tag happy on your photos.

Scheduling via Meta’s business suite is on the horizon. Threads are testing stuff out including hiding replies which I am not a fan of but you might love it.

Here's the Thread’s guide if you fancy a look see

https://about.instagram.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/instagram-threads-tips

Ads are starting to sneak into the feed too.

Predictions are Threads may push pass X and take the crown as social app of the year.

PinkSky, Skyfeed, Pixelfed and Flashes are all the newbies to use open protocol taking advantage of the open social web the more familiar Pinterest, BlueSky and Mastodon use. In basic terms platforms are not run by a single company. They are made up of a number of interconnected communities. You can craft your own online experience without intrusive ads.

For a break down of the newbies and what they have to offer –

https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/09/these-apps-are-building-instagram-alternatives-on-open-protocols/

They say open protocols are the future and it’s not hard to see why.

Today’s other sources -

https://wearesocial.com/uk/blog/2025/02/we-are-socials-monday-mashup-709/

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/threads-launches-post-scheduling/738155/

https://www.heyorca.com/

https://futuresocial.beehiiv.com/

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Meta is not tame

Meta’s team (check out the anagram) are working to give the people what they want. With three of the four biggest social media platforms falling under its umbrella including the very established Facebook. It now comes with single log in – you might have seen the share to WhatsApp on posts.

That well-crafted ‘Hey I’m on WhatsApp’ can now be on stories on Instagram and Facebook and you won’t lose encryption on WhatsApp if you create a WIF login (no? not a happening trend yet? I’ll wait.)

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You want some cash? Meta is offering to pay out for TikTokers to post new videos on Facebook and Instagram through it’s ‘Breakthrough Bonus’. The new Edits app might attract some usage me thinks. More below in this article from the Hollywood Reporter. Guessing there be hoops.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/meta-reels-updates-cash-bonuses-tiktok-creators-1236113952/

Threads is adding Insights to individual posts so you can see where your content hits and misses more easily. You will now know how trendy you’re not. Fabarooni

Future you will be able to do a bit of a paint job on reshared posts which seems to include highlighting, drawing and adding reactions. I can see the benefits of focussing on the best parts but also the pitfalls of defaced posts trending … caution and/or maybe a sense of humour required.

Bit of ranking info from Instagram Creators you may find helpful.

mosseri A post shared by @mosseri

more on the profile about post frequency (the more you share the more you get seen (like wow) but don’t burnout darlings because we need your content) and new developments so you might want to give them a follow.

You wanna grow? @creators suggest a trial reel so your non followers can see your content and hopefully come on over and see what else you’ve got.

Yup your followers can see it too straight away or down the line – the choice, as they say, is yours.

It may pop up in random places – not sure if that’s great or people will just think you’re annoying.

The how to is below if you want to give it a shot.

https://help.instagram.com/1013292530224018

I hear it’s a thing to do a moodboard with the vibes you bring to the party. Connectionville is open for business.

Might try some of this stuff see how it goes …

BTW I get most of my info from

https://wearesocial.com/

Just so you know.

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How you feeling?

By the time last week’s post hit inboxes TikTok was back in the USA leading to the whole thing being labelled a publicity stunt. However the app remains missing from Apple’s app store and Google play there which suggests the story isn’t over. It seems there’s 90 days on the TikTok clock. Who knows what will happen before the time’s up?

TikTok trends tick on with sounds and pastimes being the thing of the moment.

Its rivals keen to make the most of the situation have made their own responses -

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X and BlueSky are rolling out a vertical video feed in their David and Goliath platform fight.

Edits, a new short form video app, is on its way from Meta – in their bid to attract users.

Instagram have extended reels to 3 minutes.

Flashes (Photos) and Bluescreen (Video) are in development at BlueSky for the Meta allergic.

Instagram’s new sizing is explained here on https://www.facebook.com/DreenaJaneAuthorServices/ better than I could – it’s a good page for writers to follow with varied interesting content.

Not the same size as reels/stories unfortunately which are 1080 x 1920 as Dreena explains in the comments.

This has made some square checkerboard posts look weird, but Instagram say they intend to allow thumbnails to be edited so you choose the part you see. On mine it’s interestingly the Substack share posts that are most affected: editing required when available.

A new update on reels is rolling out making it easier to see who is engaging – Image from https://wearesocial.com/uk/blog/2025/01/we-are-socials-monday-mashup-707/

4K photos are now a thing on X – but it’s been around since 2021. So 4 years to 4K. (no? – just me then). If you like me haven’t tried 4K yet Greta Cross in USA today has shared how you do it -

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2025/01/15/tap-hold-load-4k-x/77726149007/

X and Meta have slow leaks they are keen to plug but it looks ever more likely the Sky is Blue.

Trends are well … trendy and then not.

Be adaptable – scheduling is great but don’t get too far ahead in case it’s a waste of time and effort – changes may make it unusable or alter it.

Have more than one app for creating content if you use them - Capcut is still down and that stopped the clock ticking for some.

The advice I’m reading is to create content that fits your brand, communicating as a human, telling a story and playing to emotions.

In other words in a land of bots and AI people still like people.

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Shifting Sands

This morning I read that the expected TikTok ban has been put in force in the USA. There are rumblings this could spread to other countries.

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Meta’s change in its fact checking policy is causing some to reconsider Facebook and Instagram.

Instagram updates filtering through are also upsetting users with the changes to the profile grid which now resembles the reels one rather than the familiar square posts and the removal of some filters.

Some Threads accounts may be hanging by just that.

X is leaking people including famous faces and brands with predictions it will keep doing so.

Add in bots, trolls, fake accounts (who isn’t being followed by Elon Musk or Keanu Reeves?) and of course AI and it’s a party.

The accusations against various platforms and their owners fly like confetti.

For those of us who use social media to market this has led to some thinking and rethinking.

Its unsurprising accounts lie dormant or seldom used.

Meanwhile Bluesky the kinda goodie of the pack continues to grow, and apps are springing up.

Substack is expanding too with its liquorice allsorts platform.

Linkedin may work for some folks.

I hear YouTube shorts are the next thing if you want to get in on that.

It’s a rare being that doesn’t use at least one platform. If you want my advice if you’re marketing/selling goods and/or services online and use social media to do so -

· Have at least two social media accounts and not under the same ownership.

· Have at least one platform that isn’t social media (website or similar)

· Have an alternate means of contacting family, friends, clients and customers that isn’t social media (telephone, email)

· Save anything important elsewhere and back that up.

Tomorrow’s another day and who knows what surprises lie in wait?

Image by Biljana Jovanovic from Pixabay

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Shall I compare thee to Maggie O'Farrell?

If I do, is that flattering?

If you are querying you need to find comp(arative) moderately successful books no more than five years old. You can, I am given to understand, use films, tv shows, games if that works better for a second or third comp.

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If you are running Facebook ads the same idea kind of applies except you are using author names to compare with rather than specific books and it's more of a 'if you like their books you're likely to enjoy mine' vibe instead of my book is similar to this one.

It is a good idea to keep up with what's happening in your genre, it helps with book covers etc if you are self-publishing.

If you write to market you need to know if vampire steampunk romance is the way to go or rom com cannibalism.

My advice, as always, is to write as you and not try and be someone else. Nick their ideas, put a spin on it, maybe add a touch of unexpected flavour.

How would Romeo and Juliet have fared in a two up two down in Manchester with two kids and a parrot if she worked in a call centre and he drove a lorry? What if she took up am dram and the male lead fell for her charms? Or he found a transport cafe off the M1 were someone wanted to give him something more than chips? What if he turned into whoever she was fantasising about? What if she appeared whenever he thought of her?

Food for thought? Or Lily's imagination going off on a tangent again?

Image by Marisa Sias from Pixabay

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I wish you an imperfect Christmas.

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I hope that

You forgot the cranberry sauce

You can’t all fit round the table

Someone coughs their way through Jingle Bells

The Christmas pudding is slightly overdone

An unexpected vegetarian appears

The lights have 99 knots

Uncle Alf forgets he is supposed to smoke outside

No-one monitors Aunt Mary’s sherry

Someone rings in the middle of the Kings speech

George forgets to top up the diesel

Julia forgets her wallet on her off licence run

Monopoly causes a row loud enough to wake Grandma

Grandpa takes all the labels off the presents

Billy puts something up his nose

The cat goes into labour

The dog gets out

You run out of batteries

The dishwasher won’t work

The bins so full you put some in the neighbours

Timothy wakes you at 3 am screaming ‘He’s been!’

Janie insists on carving the turkey three tequilas in

All the crackers have jokes with no punchline

The football tickets are ‘somewhere in the house’

Cousin Julie gives you 5 minutes warning to get to the panto

The twins cover the lounge in silly string

There are 73 whoopee cushions

There are enough after eights for the street

Sheridan starts a bowl the chocolate orange challenge

The smoke alarm is stuck on test

Marianne kisses someone she shouldn’t

The baby monitor reveals Simon’s secret

Jemima gets locked in the pub

There are no bin bags

Because you will remember this Christmas

And now whatever happens you will see it could be worse

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Are we doomed?

I

Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash

I log in to X and my follower numbers are falling. The rise in my BlueSky following reflects the mass exodus from Twitter. I read over and over ‘I’ve left’ or ‘I’m leaving’. Threads heaves with it. Musk killed the blue bird we all knew and loved and replaced it with a divisive platform where it appears anything goes unless you upset the boss man.

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An article in the New York Times shows more insight from a girl of 16 than many grown ups can muster. A friend tells me changes the Orange one wants are being rolled out. Brits and Canadians weep with their American sisters.

On the flip side some passengers of Titanic X are making new friends or reporting no change in the status quo. Can the iceberg of Truth Social be avoided? It seems the captain is seeking it out.

I sit thousands of miles from the disaster, the blue tick I agonised over I want to fly at half-mast. Each new attack sends refugees in numerous directions. Survivors make plans and pack their bags reluctant to walk from what they’ve built. The place I loved rallies it’s spirit and makes attempts to stand tall in the wake of it all.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/16/opinion/donald-trump-women-girls.html?unlocked_article_code=1.ak4.M9aj.G3KscTebLj2o&smid=url-share

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