Working the Computer to Write

I am a writer that just writes as the characters whisper their story to me. When i sit down I have no planed idea on where the story will take me and unexpected characters can pop up in the story at any time. I have a notebook that I keep my characters names in with a little background on them that I always have out, but otherwise I create the story in my head as I write. My wife got me writing on the computer rather then the old fashion way I use to pencil and paper, (like she tried with my illustrations), and I have never looked back. Now as we work to come closer to our publish date in Oct. I am finding the wonders and untapped workings of FB and Twitter. I sometimes wonder how the authors did it before all this media hoopla, digital promotions, tours and such? Or maybe it really was easier for them in a way?