Friday 22 March 2013

Using Social Media to Help Your Writing by Melissa Gijsbers #ChaBooCha



Using social media to help your writing
 by Melissa Gijsbers

I am a pre-published author. Technically that isn’t correct as I’ve had articles published in magazines (OK, so it was one that I edited), and have been a blogger for years; however I am yet to have a book published.
Last year, I set up a Facebook page for my writing blog. Some people thought I was mad as I didn’t have any books to promote, however I have found the community there incredibly useful.

In the lead up to this years’ challenge, I was researching a very different story from the one I’m writing. I would often post questions on my page to help with my planning. This could be anything from a character name to what kids do on the other side of the World, or even asking for recommendations to websites where I can find information I’m looking for.

I am also a member of a number of writers groups through Facebook where I can post these questions also.
Another resource I use quite a bit is Pinterest. I find interesting pictures to help me with descriptions or even serve as writing prompts. Many of my boards are set up for different projects I’m working on, from novels to chapter books to picture books to non-fiction pieces. The people I follow often post interesting pictures I can add to my boards, or I will search for something based on a keyword.

Writing is a solitary business, and having this community to help me with my writing saves me hours sitting and trying to think of names or other details that I need help with, especially at times when I can’t ask my kids! I am also hoping that by getting the community involved they will feel ownership of my book and want to buy a copy once it has been published.


Melissa Gijsbers is a pre-published author, blogger and Mum in Melbourne, Australia. She has been a blogger since 2008 and currently blogs at www.melissawrites.com.au. This is her second year participating in the Chapter Book Challenge.



Melissa has a giveaway for you. She is offering one lucky person the book "Writing Hannah: On Writing for Children" by Libby Gleeson. As usual, you have to be a signed-up member of the challenge in order to enter and then all you have to do to be entered into the drawing to win this book from Melissa is to leave a comment on this post no later than noon GMT on the 26th of March. Random.org will be used ot choose a winner at that time.

12 comments:

  1. I was looking at this book..would love to win...and melissa..you are doing great

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks, Melissa. I have learned so much from the world of writer's blogs. There is such a treasure of helpful ideas out there given generously away by writers. I'm glad you are blogging. I need to get back to doing just that.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's been great reading your posts - I had no idea about social media when my first book was published, big learning curve. Still going!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have been following your blog Melissa, it looks and feels very professional. I use pinterest as well for inspiration and create 'mood' boards for some WIP.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Social media is so important for writers.

    ReplyDelete
  6. me me me..pick me!
    Great to read!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have resisted Pinterest for so long, having heard that it is a delightful, inspirational time drain! I did finally make the leap into Pinning, and it is easy, fun and creative. For now I try to use it as a tool when I feel "stuck" but I am sure that I could spend hours wandering down interesting Pin paths!

    ReplyDelete
  8. social media is a useful tool - but I find I can get too drawn into it sometimes.... so I need to go on FB vacations or take a blog break. Pinterest is interesting - but resembles what I already do on my walls - and I like tactile and 3-d prompts (I have banners, flags.... things I can touch, different surfaces)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for this post, Melissa...I'm going to look you up on Pinterest!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a great prize - this book was recommended on a course I went to many moons ago. I never got around to getting hold of a copy but would love one now. Socila media is a great tool for sharing knowledge and ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hope is truly the driving force in us all. Finding someone you believe in, and who believes in you braids that hope into success.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Setting out on a digital journey with this Software Development Company has been transformative. Their web development expertise goes beyond coding; it's the human touch that makes the process smooth.

    ReplyDelete