OK, so ages ago I blogged about platforming. I asked the question "When is it all too much?" regarding whether a platform should stay really general if an author is writing in multiple genres or multiple forms or if said author needs to create multiple platforms for each aspect. This is especially apropos to me as I am a poet and a novelist.
But if you do the latter, platforming will take over and there will be no time to write.
Rachelle Gardner recently blogged about social networking in 15 minutes a day. It's a great article so you really should go check it out. She discusses a plethora of tools to use to cut down on the networking side and get the butt in the chair. These are particularly of use for the debut novelist as the writing is more important at this stage than the platform. (Really only if you're in fiction. Non-fiction is a whole 'nother can of worms.)
I'd like to add one more:
iGoogle
The September issue of Writer's Digest had an article devoted to how to use iGoogle to help cut down on the wasted time and allow you to get the butt in the chair so you are writing.
I only read this article on Monday. iGoogle is my official web browser homepage. And it remembers my google name and password so I don't have to log in to start using it in the morning.
There are literally thousands of gadgets to put on there.
My page has google reader, gmail, literary quote of the day, the date and time, and little eyeballs that follow my mouse cursor everywhere it goes on the page.
But you can put Yahoo! mail or Hotmail on there. Facebook and Twitter have gadgets for iGoogle.
It's an amazing little tool to put everything all together in one place. You can see instantly what needs your attention.
So try it out. Get the latest issue of Writer's Digest for more.
And don't forget to read Rachelle's post.
I read Rachelle's post. You are right; it was very helpful. I haven't implemented any of it, but I'm working on it!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. I love my writers digest and the writer as well (in that order). ;)
ReplyDeleteRachelle's post really was a great one.
ReplyDeleteAnne, have you read the new issue of the writer? Seriously one to keep handy throughout life.
15 minutes or less? Okay, I have to go read that. I will. I think I could do that. Maybe. I've given up on twitter completely. I just don't care and there's so many people on there I don't know. I'd rather stick to blogs and forums where I can build better relationships.
ReplyDeleteI do follow the hashtag talk occasionally.
I've never tried Twitter. But I also don't think I ever will. Blogs and forums are much nicer.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy to help!
ReplyDeleteI think platform building is wonderful, but to be honest I started my blog to commit to daily writing. And also to network with other wonderful writers who have taught me so much. I spend way more than 15mins, but at the moment I have that time to give to it. I think it is great to keep in mind what we are doing and why and where our time s going though. Great post :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteI am cutting my time down and the article was very useful, thanks.
ReplyDeleteGlad to help in any way.
ReplyDeleteI'm just starting on networking. Who knew to write a book you had to Twitter, write a blog, and do all that other stuff!
ReplyDeleteOh, BTW, I left you something on my blog. :)
I know, right? It's so weird. But it's somewhat understandable.
ReplyDelete