Edie Melson's Blog, page 423

Interview With a Conference Director—Linda Gilden—Carolina Christian Writers Conference

I have known Linda Gilden from way back when. We both started in the industry about the same time. I respect her writing, her leadership, and her heart to help others live out the dream God has planted in their hearts. And it's an honor to introduce her to you!
EM: When did you take over this conference?
LINDA: This is my third year directing the Carolina Christian Writers Conference. In 2011 it moved from Anderson, SC, to Spartanburg’s First Baptist Church. There is plenty of room, and it is a great facility.
As the director of this conference, as well as the CLASS conference, can you share a little of your philosophy behind running a conference?
When I first attended a writers conference, my young children said I had gone to “writers paradise.” I think that’s because when I returned home I was so excited and happy. I had found where I belonged. I had been to a place where there were people just like me who loved to write and shared a mission to tell the world about God’s love.
I want everyone who attends one of the conferences I direct to come away just as I did from my first conference – feeling like they had truly experienced a taste of heaven on earth. I want new writers to feel encouragement and leave knowing so much more about God’s calling on their lives and their direction for fulfilling that. I want intermediate writers to discover new ways to use the talent God has given them and feel an extra little push on their journeys. I hope experienced writers will network and explore ways not only to take their writing to the next level but to encourage others to do the same.
EM: What do you offer that’s different from most conferences? (I love the Friday night event, so that’s why I included this, but you have several things to share.)
LINDA: Friday night genre groups have been very popular. Participants choose which genre they are most interested in. We offer fiction books, nonfiction books, children’s, magazine articles, marketing, and more. It is a very informal after-dinner discussion time. Three or four faculty who write in that genre lead the group. They make a few introductory comments then participants ask questions. The questions have always been so good and well thought out and open the doors for lots of good information and discussion. Everyone loves the sweet interactive time of network and learning. Since it is on the first day of the conference, it also is a good way for people to quickly get to know each other.
EM: What are some highlights from years past—for you and for attendees?
LINDA: As a director, one of the greatest joys is working with people like you who give so generously of your time, talent, and wisdom (couldn’t think of another t word even though I love alliteration!) For me there is so much joy and satisfaction in having a faculty who shares the same philosophy and excitement of helping new writers get started. I love being able to relax and enjoy the conference because I trust every faculty member completely. I know they will be kind, encouraging, and show the love of Jesus to the attendees as they help them learn and grow as people and as writers. I believe as we help and mentor new writers, we are investing not only in their work but in every one of their readers. So as we share our knowledge and expertise we are vastly expanding the scope of our own writing ministries.            For the attendees, it is a highlight of every conference to see them experience aha moments. Discovering what you have to say and that you can say it in a way that will change lives is exciting. Recently a young man gave me a copy of his book. As he handed it to me he said, “This is a conference success from last year. If I hadn’t come to the Carolina Christian Writers Conference, I never would have seen my book in print.” What a joy for the author and for every faculty member who encouraged him and gave him direction.

EM: Who do you have coming this year?
LINDA: Cec Murphey is our keynote speaker. He is such a master of words and such an encourager. I can’t wait for our participants to meet him and learn from him.            Kathy Carlton Willis will be there to lead a special Friday morning workshop on marketing. You know, when we submit a book proposal these days, one of the things the publishers want to know is how are we going to help market the book. Kathy is an expert in marketing and so creative. She will be spending time with individuals helping them come up with great plans for marketing their books, whether already in print or in process.
EM: Why do you think writers conferences are so important?
LINDA: Oh, wow. So many answers. But, for me, conferences have provided so much learning and inspiration and given me such confidence in God’s calling to be a writer.            When I attended my first conference I was scared to death (sorry about the cliché!). I only knew the one person who had come with me. Not being super comfortable in crowds, I decided the best way to get some feedback was to submit a manuscript for critique. Best investment I ever made in my writing.
The editor who critiqued my work came up to me at supper to chat. I wasn’t sure my knees were going to hold me up! I just knew he was going to tell me to go home and learn more about writing before I came back!
But you know what? He came over smiling and the first thing he said was, “Ohhhh, I loved to skip stones when I was a little boy!” (My story was about skipping stones.) Not a word about my writing.
What did I learn from that? That the heart connection is what writing is all about and that we first have to make that connection with the editors before we can make it with our readers. If we learn all we can and write our stories well, our writing will have done its job in communicating what is in our hearts.
The editor bought the article and published it in HomeLife but that experience was worth so much more than the exciting, although very small, check I received!
We would love for all your readers to join us at the Carolina Christian Writers Conference March 14-15. A few scholarships are still available so visit our website if your’d like to apply for one. If you don’t need a scholarship, register today at www.fbs.org/writers           
If you live in the Southwest United States, I also direct the CLASS Christian Writers Conference which will be October 22-24 this year in Albuquerque, NM. Would love to see you there as well.
Linda Gilden knows the tremendous impact and power of words and loves helping new writers discover the joy in choosing just the right ones. She is the author of the "Love Notes" series, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, (New Hope Publishers), Mama was the Queen of Christmas and Personality Perspectives (OakTara). She is looking forward to the release of her newest book coauthored with Edna Ellison, Called to Write. Linda has written and ghostwritten many other books, hundreds of articles, and is a regular columnist for just18summers.com and presidentialprayerteam.com. She teaches regularly at national writer's conferences and directs the Carolina Christian Writers Conference and CLASS Christian Writers Conference. Linda leads a writing group and is managing editor of The Encourager, a magazine of First Baptist Spartanburg, SC.
Linda is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She finds great joy in time spent with her family. Recently she and her eight-year-old granddaughter coauthored an article for Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Jr. magazine. Her favorite activity is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren! www.lindagilden.com

Steps to Block Someone from Following Your Facebook Page

by Edie Melson

I've gotten a lot requests for directions on how to block someone from a professional Facebook Page. It's not all that difficult, but you have to know what to look for.
Although I encourage Facebook users to try methods other than blocking first, sometimes it’s necessary to block someone from following your Facebook Page. Also note that your page can be followed by a person or another page. The directions to block them are the same for either. But before you take those steps, here are some good reasons to proceed with this drastic step:If the person is stalking you online or physically and you feel threatened. In this instance it’s important to limit their access to your information.If the person or page is posting obscene or objectionable material on your Facebook page. This could include things with sexual components, hate-filled posts, or things that make you feel threatened.If the person is using your page as a free advertising platform, promoting themselves or their product.
Facebook, like Twitter, pays attention to user accounts that have been permanently banned (more on that terminology later). They will frequently flag the banned account so only take this step if truly necessary.
NOTE: a personal squabble, hurt feelings, or intent to harm someone’s online reputation is not, in my personal opinion, a legitimate reason to ban someone.
As I said, this is an extreme action. But there are some times when it is the right and best thing to do. You should not sacrifice your own feelings of online security in the desire to be nice.
Steps to Ban Someone From Following Your Facebook PageNOTE: These are steps for a page, not for a personal profile. I will share those directions in a later post, if necessary.
Step One: Go to your FB page and look in the Admin Insights section. This will usually pop up when you go to your page. Click on the SEE LIKES panel (pink arrow in the screenshot below).
Step Two: Scroll down the list until you find the offending person or page. You will see a small light gray X beside the MAKE ADMIN option. Click on the X and chose okay to remove them from the page or click on the box next to BAN PERMANENTLY. If you choose okay, they will no longer receive updates from your page. But they will have the option to come back and LIKE your page again. If you’re dealing with a stalker, I recommend you ban them permanently. If it’s just an irritation, like posting ads on your page, start with removing them. Then, if they don’t get the hint and LIKE your page again, you can take the added step of banning them permanently. See what I’m referring to in the screenshot below.


And that's all there is too it. Now it's time for your questions. Be sure to post them in the comments section below.

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

TWEETABLES

Step-by-step instructions to block someone from following your Facebook Page - via Social Media Mentor @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

If you need to block someone from following your professional Facebook page @EdieMelson has step-by-step instructions (Click to Tweet)

12 Surefire Signs You Really Are a Writer

by Edie Melson

Many of us hit places in our journey where we wonder if we're really cut out for writing. Insecurity and the general insanity of the business can whittle down our confidence until we're ready to throw in the towel. 


In the past I’ve shared a couple of blog posts on 10 Reasons Not to Become a Novelist and 20 Things to Never Say to a Writer. 
Today I'd like to share a list of things that can reverse that insecurity. If you find any of these familiar, you're definitely on the write . . .  uh . . . right path.

1. You look forward to the holidays and getting together with difficult relatives because it gives you more ideas for quirky characters.
2. Eavesdropping is a way of life—how else can you learn to write realistic dialogue?
3. You never go anywhere without a pen and paper—you never know when inspiration will hit.
4. Your husband bought you a digital voice recorder because he was afraid you’d wreck the car writing notes when inspiration hits.
5. You frequently act out scenes for your book, and even ask your family to participate.
6. Going too long without writing can bring on a case of hives.
7. Your personal computer has several files on how to commit the perfect murder.
8. You can’t pass a bookstore with going in.
9. Your spouse now sleeps with a mask on because you frequently flip on the light to take notes in the middle of the night.
10. When something funny happens to a family member, his/her first reaction is to beg you NOT to write about it.
11. Your frequently have conversations—out loud—with your character.
12. You have at least one non-writer friend who refuses to go to lunch with you any more—one too many discussions about how to poison someone.
Now I'd love to hear what you'd add to the list. What things confirm your calling to the writer's life?
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
Tweetables
Do you suffer from these personality quirks? Then you might be a writer! Fun list from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
12 Surefire Signs You Really Are a Writer - via @Edie Melson (Click to Tweet)

Social Media Monday—Know What You Can & Can’t Legally Pin on Pinterest

by Edie Melson

Pinterest is one of the fastest growing
social media platforms around.Pinterest is one of the fastest growing social media platforms out there. Although it’s still not on my list of sites writers HAVE to be a part of, it’s getting close. It’s a great way to connect with your readers. But with the added visibility it's even more important to know what you can and can't legally pin on Pinterest.
For those not familiar with Pinterest, it’s like a collection of virtual bulletin boards. It is also an image driven site. Which means the emphasis is on pinning pictures and graphics. Everyone who joins can build their own boards and then others can follow those boards. Here are just a few things that writers can share to connect with potential readers:
Build boards with your book’s subject.Build boards that help you with world building or setting.Share blogs from others who write in your genre.Build boards from books you love—you can legally post the book covers and links to Amazon or the author’s blog.Build a board and share the blogs you follow—as long as the blog has a picture you can post it.Build boards with your personal interests, like knitting, sewing, bird watching, there’s no limit to the topics you can choose. 
BUT, you must still be careful about the images you pin. This is especially true when you pin from another Pinterest board, and not directly from a website.
Copyright Basics for Images
We still have to follow copyright laws on Pinterest.Images—photos, sketches, graphics, any kind—are covered by the same copyright law as our written words. As soon as something is recorded in tangible form, it is covered by the law of copyright and belongs to the person who created it. This is true for images, graphics, photographs, everything. There are NO exceptions.
Unfortunately, there is lots of sharing going on over the Internet, and it’s not legal. When we pin or post images without permission, even when we acknowledge where we got it, we are stealing. I truly believe that’s not usually the intent, but ignorance is no excuse. If we’re going to work in the digital world, we need to educate ourselves on what’s right and what’s not and then lead by example.
How to tell if an Image is Legal to Pin 1. Look for a statement on the website inviting you to pin the images you find there. On my site, I share an image every Saturday. In the body of the post, I invite people to use the image any way they wish online.
2. Look for a PinIt Button on the website. If the website owner has a PinIt button, it’s a good bet they’re fine with sharing their images on Pinterest.
3. Email and ask permission. Even though I have that invitation for people to use my Saturday images and a PinIt button that pops up on all my images, I still get emails asking permission to use specific images. I never mind answering those emails. It shows diligence and respect on the part of the user.
Things to AvoidYou’ll notice that those three steps to find out if an image is legal to pin happen on the originating website—not Pinterest. That’s because you can’t often find that information on Pinterest.You should never repin an image from a Pinterest board without going to the originating website first. I know it sounds like a lot of extra work, especially since it’s on Pinterest already. But the fact is, I have a lot of friends who have had pins removed—because of copyright infringement—by Pinterest. All of these instances have come through repining something without visiting the originating website. Pinterest has sent the user an email stating that a pin has been removed because of copyright infringement. An image with a watermark is a sign that it's
not legal to use without permission.You should never pin an image from a site that doesn’t have a PinIt button or link to Pinterest, unless you email and get permission. Don’t assume that it won’t matter because you’re linking to the originating website or that it will be good advertising. Some people do not want their images shared and that is their right.You should never pin an image that has a watermark on it. Any image with a watermark is a copyrighted image and in 99% of the cases, it has been used illegally. Below is an example of a watermarked image:
SPECIAL NOTE: There is one other reason not to pin an image unless you’ve been to the originating site. I’ve heard of two instances where someone pinned an image and, when it was traced back to the original site, it was a small part of a pornographic image. That is not something you want the followers on your board to find. So take the time to verify every image you pin back to the original source.
Now I’d like to hear from you. Have you ever had a pin removed by Pinterest? Have you ever asked someone to remove an image that you own? Be sure to leave any questions and/or comments below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TweetablesDon’t get into trouble on Pinterest, know what you can andcan’t legally pin. Tips from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Copyright laws are not suspended on Pinterest –stay out of trouble with these tips from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

If you want to know more about copyright and where to find images, here are some posts that might be of interest to you:

Copyright 101, Part 1
Copyright 101, Part 2
Copyright 101, Part 3
Where do I Find Pictures for My Blog?
Where to Go for Free/Copyright Free Images

Weekend Worship—Are You Following, Running Ahead or Just Complaining about the Journey?

Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do this. Psalm 37:5

A few summers ago, a group of us drove to the beach. We took several cars and, although I’d never been to that particular beach, I agreed to drive. Things were a little crazy when we left and, after we got on the road, I realized I hadn’t gotten written directions, or even the address to plug into my phone.
The car I was following was driven by a close friend, and I knew she could get us there, no problem, but it still made me a little nervous.
I was careful to keep her car constantly in sight, and stay alert to any signs that she planned to change direction. I had to rely on her to get me safely to our destination. 
While I groused about not knowing exactly where I was going, it hit me that my life with God was like that trip. As a believer, I know that my ultimate destination is Heaven, but I have no idea what path my journey between here and there is going to take. But just like the trip to the beach, I must follow God closely to stay on the right path. I have to stay alert, look for His directions and not get separated.
Not easy for a girl with control issues.
It’s hard for me in a lot of ways, but especially when it comes to my writing career. When I started this path, I had a very clear picture of what my life as a writer would look like. I knew the things I’d be doing, the things I’d concentrate on and how it would lead me to success.
Make that my version of success.
The plans made perfect sense. They were reasonable and attainable. I was so certain about where I was headed, I even ran ahead of God. And I learned it does us no good to get ahead of God, only He knows the correct path for each of us. Because very little of what I had planned has happened.
I have become a full time writer, but my path has been very different from what I’d imagined and infinitely better!
I discovered early on that my God is a BIG God and He has plans to bless us beyond anything we could hope or imagine.
As I’ve learned to relinquish control to God, He’s taken me down paths I hadn’t dared dream about. I’m here to say I’m not the one in control, God is, and I’ve learned to trust that He knows the best way to get where we’re going.

What about you—are you following or trying to anticipate what comes next? Take a deep breath and relax. God's got this. 

Social Media Image—Understanding the World Around Us

I love to read science fiction and fantasy, and watch movies from those genres. I see in the worlds of Frank Herbert and Isaac Asimov mirrors of the struggles facing our world today. I also find hope, that one person really can make a difference.
What books and movies have you seen that help you process and understand the world around us?
Oh, and if you're curious. This is an UNTOUCHED photo. I took it at the Indianapolis ACFW conference in 2010, on the roof of the Hyatt Regency. It was a reflection in a window of the building behind us. Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. "Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It's a way of understanding it." - Lloyd AlexanderShare your thoughts in the comment section below. 
I also invite you to use this image any way you like online. Post it to your blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, anywhere you'd like. All I ask is that you keep it intact, with my website watermark visible.
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie

Life Lessons—Equip Yourself for the Writing Journey

by Edie Melson

Stephen King once said, “Life isn’t a support system for art. It’s the other way around.”
I'd like to go one step further and add that choosing the writing life isn’t a choice for the faint of heart. If you’re serious about having a career in publishing, you’re going to need some tools to equip yourself for the writing journey. Beyond that, you’re going to have to make some decisions about how you spend our time.  I did. And I haven’t regretted a moment of it.
Life is a series of small decisions that link together as a journey toward your goal.
So what is your goal? Do you want to be published, have a career filled with multiple books? Or are you hoping to become a full-time freelance writer or editor? Any of those are going to take time and commitment.
Then you’re going to have to decide right now if you’re willing to pay the price. Here are some of the things you’re going to need in your arsenal.
1. Writing is done alone . . . by yourself. It’s just not a group activity. You’re going to have to commit to considerable time spent one-on-one with your computer, banging out words.
2. Writers need a team . . . I know I said it’s done alone, but you still need a support system. We live in our heads. Something considered abnormal by the majority of the world’s population. We need people around us who understand the frustration and the exultation that comes with writing.
3. Writing is easy . . . mastering the craft is hard. It takes time and study to do it with excellence. You’ve got to be willing to put in the time.
4. Writers need drive and determination . . . most of all. We need it a whole lot more than they need talent. See the bullet point above. We can master the craft if we work at it. It’s the work-at-it part that’s hardest.
5. Writing is political . . . yes, I'm going there. I know, this one may not make me popular, but it’s true none-the-less. In this business, it’s important who you know. You need to be networking, online, locally, and at conferences.
6. Writers need to believe in themselves . . . no matter what. Sometimes an internal sense of I’m on the right path is the only thing that stands between success and failure.
7. Writing is a mind game . . . yes you write alone, I'm not changing #1. but I forgot to mention those voices that take up residence in your head when you make the commitment. You’ll hear things from inside your head like this. This is awful, why do you even bother?or Nobody want to read this, just quit.

8. Writers need to set priorities . . . and then stick with them. If you decide to write every Saturday morning, then do it. It doesn't matter if the house is a wreck before (or after is hubby is in charge of the kiddos). Honor your commitment to yourself!
These are the top eight things I’ve needed for my writing journey. What are some things that you’ve had to bring you success?
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TweetablesThe writer's life is a series of small decisionsthat link together as a journey toward your goal. (Click to Tweet)

Have you packed what you need for your writing journey?@EdieMelson shares some things you'll want to include. (Click toTweet)

The Craft and Art of Being a Writer

by Edie Melson

So many of us agonize over the fact that our words aren't beautiful when we first put them on paper. Some even go so far as to interpret that lack as a a sign from God. They sigh and mope and finally shrug their shoulders. "Perhaps I was never supposed to be a writer." To which I say, "Poppycock!"

Books aren't written—they're rewritten. Michael Crichton
Writing is more than just stringing words together in an attempt to convey an idea. It’s a craft learned and practiced. Some would say that the true artists of wordsmithing write so well that the end result looks effortless. This ease and natural style of writing doesn’t come from something they’re born with. It comes from years of hard work and dedication. There are no short cuts in the world of writing.

A professional writer is an amatuer who didn't quit. Richard Bach
There are two parts to writing, the craft and the artistry. It's up to us as the author to intertwine the craft with the creative and find the balance that touches the souls of others. Do this and you will discover your voice and your connection to the stories hidden within yourself.

Easy reading is damn hard writing. Nathaniel Hawthorne

What are some of your favorite quotes? Share them with us and . . .


Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,
Edie
TweetablesThe writer's job is to intertwine the craft & the creative, finding the balance to touch the soul. @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Writing is more than just stringing words together - it’s a craft learned and practiced - via @EdieMelson(Click to Tweet)

Time Off is Rarely Time Wasted—Even for a Writer

by Edie Melson


Time off is a GOOD idea.I’m not always the brightest bulb in the batch, and what others learn quickly sometimes takes years to sink in. But one thing I have learned is this:
Time off is rarely time wasted.
My natural tendency has always been all or nothing. I go and go and go . . . and then I drop. Not really the healthiest way to do life.
I think part of the reason is that I’ve always equated down time with wasted time. But I’ve discovered that downtime, instead of being wasted, is when those create reserves are refilled and renewed.
It’s really hard to get water from a dry well.
In recent years I’ve worked hard to rewire my automatic responses. I’ve forced myself to build time off into my schedule. And I’ve been a much healthier and happier version of me.
Here are some of the things I’ve implemented that work for me Weekends off are now the norm, not the exception!Weekends off are now the norm, NOT the exception. I just function best on Monday, if I have Saturday and Sunday for rest and relaxation. That means little or no time on the computer on those days. I’ve learned that if it’s urgent I’ll get a text or a phone call. Everything else can wait. One other thing I’ve learned by taking weekends off—if I don’t, pretty soon EVERY day feels like Monday.Families come first. My good friend, Lynn Huggins Blackburn said it best. “Sometimes writers don’t write—they bake cookies.” I wouldn’t trade the years I had as mommy to three growing boys. No best-selling book in the world would have been worth passing up that time. The same comes with hanging out with my parents now. Time is limited, and I try to never forget that.Relationships matter, and beyond that, they need nurturing to survive. This goes beyond the obvious family relationships. I’m talking about friendships here. Time spent going to lunch, or on the phone. By spending time with the people I care about, I show them they are valued. Yes, this is Scarlett's dress from Gone With the Wind.Field trips are time well spent. I took time to visit a museum over the Christmas holidays. No one could go with me, but I just wanted to go. I couldn’t have given myself a better gift. Take time to explore the cool places nearby, you won’t regret it, I promise!It’s okay (even encouraged) to have hobbies that have NOTHING to do with writing and/or reading. Many of you know I love to knit. I also love to do other crafty things. Beyond that, I have a group of craft-minded women that I meet with occasionally. We sit together and work on projects and creativity seems to just hang in the room. And none of these women are writers. But I always come away with a renewed enthusiasm for writing.How about you? What do you like to do to unwind? Share your tips for renewing and relaxing in the comments section below. Who knows, we may decide to visit a museum together and have a cup of coffee!
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie

Tweetables
Time off is rarely time wasted—even for a writer! @EdieMelson shares tips to help you take healthy breaks! (Click to Tweet)

Not even a writer can get water from a dry well. @EdieMelson shares the wisdom in taking time to relax & renew (Click to Tweet)

“Social Media Doesn’t Work for Me!” How to Fix It, Part Two

by Edie Melson

In yesterday’s post I listed out some of the reasons social media doesn’t seem to work. I also shared some suggestions on how to start making it work. You can read the details in “Social Media Doesn’t Work for Me!Part One.
Today, I’d like to give you some ideas of where to come up with social media updates that don’t just add to the noise. That’s the whole key to posting things on social media—learning to share something of value. But it goes even deeper than that, learning to share something that’s valuable to YOU.Learn to be Genuine I love to interact with others on social media when I’m fairly certain the person behind the profile is real, not just cardboard. Not just a real human—that’s usually obvious. But someone who is being genuine. That’s when those serendipitous relationships and insights appear most often. That’s what you want to do. You want to portray yourself as yourself, not a cardboard cutout of who you think you need to be online.
So where do you find valuable things on the Internet? It’s easier than you may think, and it ties directly into being genuine. Simply share things that interest you.
Now don’t get me wrong, don’t get too broad in your sharing habits. You still want to be focused. For example, I’ve determined the focus I want for my social media. I share about writing, for businesses and writers, and I share about writing, and about reading speculative fiction. So I look for things that interest me within those broad categories.
When you’re still defining your audience—figuring out who they are—you can be a little bit wider in the big categories. But during that phase you have to pay attention. You’re not just shooting buckshot, trying to hit anything in sight. You’re trying to narrow your focus, and find your audience. So you need to: Pay attention to the comments your social media do and do not generate. If you’re updating about shopping and you never get a single comment, then cross that option off your list. That audience isn’t for you.Notice which updates get shared. With social media there are levels of interaction. Liking a post or favoriting a tweet is good, but it’s the easiest thing to do, requiring the least effort on the part of the audience. The next interaction is commenting on FB or replying on Twitter. The best thing is sharing on Facebook and retweeting on Twitter.  Notice what happens—and how often—these things happen. Hootsuite is a good tool to let you see this. 
Offering Something of Value—The SpecificsI’ve talked theory, no let’s get specific. There are many different ways to offer something of value to your audience. And it’s important to utilize several different ones for variety and interest. Promote someone else—this gives you credibility with your audience. Don’t be afraid of the competition. It may seem counterintuitive, but the relationships you build with others who offer similar products or services can advance both of you.Don’t waste people’s time just to get your name out there. Make certain that what you talk about online has value.Keep it positive. Don’t ever forget that what you say online may outlast you. Take it from someone who knows—don’t say anything negative about a person, product or service—ever.Don’t be a Stream Hog. Translated this means keep yourself to no more than a couple of social media updates in a row. Otherwise you’ll highjack the stream and irritate those who follow you.
How I Find My Updates Every morning I spend about thirty minutes scheduling my main Tweets and Facebook posts for the day. I usually line up at least 20 – 30 updates for the day. I try to schedule them evenly throughout the day so I can reach people in different time zones. Here are some of the things I try to include every day.I search my inbox for interesting articles from my favorite blogs and online resources.I post updates from my regular writing related blogs, including My Book Therapy, the Blue Ridge Conference site, Novel Rocket and Chip MacGregor’s blog. There are many others, but these are some of my favorites.I look to see which of my friends’ blogs have sent me an email update and I try to highlight those. But be careful here. Your loyalty is to your audience, not your writer friends. You won’t be doing anyone any favors by posting things your audience isn’t interested in.Most days I include something about my blog or books, but not always. A lot of the people I interact with on social media are as diligent about posting info about others as I am.During the day, while I’m working I check Hootsuite periodically to see who’s retweeted or mentioned me. I do try to do an @reply to anyone who highlights something I’ve done. This accomplishes two things—it gives them a mention and it’s a public way to say thank you. A lot of people ask me if my schedule has been beneficial? You better believe it! I’ve reached over 12,000 followers on Twitter and I’ve been adding between 15 and 20 followers a day.
Now it’s your turn again. How can I help you with your specifics? List your questions and thoughts in the comments section.
And . . . don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
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