My first experience of being ‘live’ on social media.

Friends,

I went on my first ‘live’ last night on the TikyToc.

I had honestly been looking forward to the live event. The host even did this wonderful countdown video prior to its start time. And while I wasn’t 100% sure that this was the ‘space’ for me, I jumped in feet first, determined to insert myself as a player in the world of indie authors.

Because that is what we are supposed to do. Right?

Build a community. Reach out to our intended audience. Gain followers.

This is what I have learned.

Some people are meant to create fabulous videos and catchy’ catchphrases’ and stir the pot as far as controversy is concerned. They can form an admirable and enviable bond with the audience. These creators can say the damnest things, and somehow, their following skyrockets.

And then there are others, like me, that I think are meant just to write.

Sure, I can be funny behind the screen. If given the time, space, and freedom, I can rephrase and add my own flare for the dramatic. I love research, connecting the dots, learning new myths, and along the way- I know that I’m going to fail 100 times and get 1 or 2 wins.

But, put me on the spot. Nope. That’s not my area of expertise. I need to think things through. I don’t understand scarscam all the time. Jokes fly over my head. I am more literal than figurative.

And it honestly bites me in the ass.

I missed the mark. Or my over-thinking is telling me that I missed the mark. Duly noted when the host said, ‘You missed the mark.’ And the funny thing was that I was agreeing with them.

What the f**k.

Interestingly enough, this was something I actually already knew about myself. I learned it in the military. I wasn’t one of the cool kids on the block. I wasn’t a big drinker. I didn’t like to stay out all night dancing until I had blisters and no voice. And I sure in hell didn’t know what to do at BBQs.

Who the hell has that much to say without saying anything?

Here’s the other problem. Come in closer because this is a secret. Even with the intellectuals- I can’t keep up. My passion comes from stories about our past. Not dates, times, and places. That crap doesn’t really excite me. But without those small details- no one takes what you do know seriously.

The thing is- my brain won’t remember what it needs to remember.

I can tell you the story—why something happened, what caused it, and its effects. I can find connections in history that most people can’t see, and I pride myself on that ability.

Will I do another live? I don’t know. I’m sure when I get famous I will look back on these days and laugh. I will stand in front of a crowd (with notes) and remember these embarrassing moments.

Everyone keeps telling me this is what I signed up for. That once I put my art out for public consumption, I was luring the lions in. I just didn’t know that it would turn out to be a pack of hyenas. Hungry hyenas. With enough time on their hand to put Sherlock Holmes to shame with their digging into people’s past. With enough passion to tear down a person’s livelihood or mental health and walk away whistling.

It’s a funny world, this social media thing. People use it to escape reality. To find people across the world to connect with. At least, I think that’s why it was first invented.

Now?

Well, now it puts CNN, FOX News, and BBC to shame with its investigating abilities. It makes The View and Oprah look tame. I’m willing to go as far as to say Congress has a better chance of getting along than people on social media.

At least Congress agrees on a couple of things- budgets are not critical to running a country, and the TikyToc is the devil’s playground.

Until tomorrow, my friends- Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.

If tales of legend, myth, and fantasy topped with a cup of coffee interest you, I suggest checking out my book, The Writer and the Librarian. It’s a historical fantasy about a middle-aged woman faced with a decision: accept what is written in the history books or find out for herself the truth behind the stories. Limited edition copies are now available on my website (Shop – R.L. Geer-Robbins / Author (rlgeerrobbins.com) or at

Amazon: https://a.co/d/flQhakX

Barnes and Noble: The Writer and the Librarian by Rose Geer-Robbins, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Target: The Writer And The Librarian – (the Raven Society) By R L Geer-robbins (paperback) : Target

And on any of your favorite Indie Book Store websites!

Current sales as of today= 171/1500

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