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.
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.
