What’s Up Wednesday
It’s time for our weekly Wednesday check-in about reading, writing, and life in general. And once again, there’s snow on the ground in Eastern NC. This round of snow hasn’t been quite as bad as the one a few weeks ago, but we still got about 3-4 inches. The temperatures are not supposed to be as cold though, so it’s not going to be as big of an issue for us. Elsewhere in the Southern US is a different story, as I’m sure you’re all aware (being the aware-of-things people you are). How’s life otherwise? Let me tell you!
What I’m Reading
Still reading Stephen King’s THE STAND. There are other books I want to read (*ahem* CRESS *ahem*), but I’m trying not to rush through THE STAND just because other *CRESS* books are vying for attention and crying out to me in the wee small hours of the night. This is a good book, especially if you’re used to King’s style. I would be interested in reading the original, edited version. I think I can spot some of the bits that were put back in (there are a lot of them–about a YA novel’s worth I think), and I’m not totally convinced they needed to be put back. Anyway, I’ll give a full review when I’ve finished.
What I’m Writing
If you saw my Writer Recharge update on Monday, you’ll know I’ve got my First Reader comments and I’m going through a short round of revision based on those comments. This novel should be ready for Beta Readers by the end of the month (email me if you want to be a Beta Reader). I’m also working on a short story, and I’ve started writing some flash fiction for the 2014 A-to-Z Blogging Challenge. So I’m keeping busy.
What Inspires Me Right Now
#WriterRecharge, #YABWordSprint, and the writing community who are just the best group of cheerleaders a writer could ask for. I’m getting stuff done, and those hashtags are helping a lot. Thanks guys!
What Else I’ve Been Up To
Not much else, really. I’m trying to be better at social media, particularly Twitter. I wish I was as fun and witty as half the people I follow, then I’d have more to say other than “I’ve posted a new blog article!” YAAAAWWWN. If you follow me on Twitter, thank you! I did learn something from someone on Twitter (and if I was better, I’d remember who it was, and I’d have re-Tweeted it… *sigh*). Anyway–did you know that Amazon was originally Relentless.com? And what’s more, www.relentless.com still redirects to the Amazon site. Try it! Now, aren’t you glad you visited today?
What’s up in your life? If you want to join in the WUW fun, visit either Jaime Morrow or Erin Funk‘s blog for details and for the linky list. And don’t forget to drop in on some other WUW-ers!
I saw Sarah LaPolla tweeting about Amazon’s former name yesterday, Colin. That may have been who you saw as well. And from what I’ve noticed, you’re doing great with Twitter, though I admit, it’s hard not to compare yourself to those really active, witty tweeters out there. Still fun, though. 🙂 Happy reading and revising!
Maybe it was Sarah. Sorry Ms. LaPolla! [Not that she’s reading this, but just in case… :)] And thanks for the Twitter encouragement. You’re right, some people really have a knack for 140-character wit, it’s hard not to feel inadequate. 🙂
I’m burnt out of twitter, I think. Tweetdeck is (almost) always open on the background, but I barely check it. I never know what to say anymore, and I don’t want to post stuff about my books too much, or people will think I’m annoying, and then the time to read all the tweets and interact. I think it’s just a phase, but for now, I’m laying low.
Oh, wow, I had no idea about amazon’s former name. That’s interesting.
I know what you mean. ALL the Twitter advice blogs say something along the lines of “Don’t keep Tweeting about your books!” When you have books out (as you do, Juliana–congrats!!), that must be tough. Not that you want just want to advertise, but you’re excited about being published, and you want to talk about it.
Like you, I have TweetDeck open, and I try to pay attention to what’s going on, but it can be hard. I’m trying to do better about picking up on interesting/funny comments, and either replying, retweeting, or favoriting. I try not to follow too many people. I can’t imagine how you would follow 1000s of people on Twitter. The feed must go whizzing by! Surely you end up only ever interacting with a small group of people anyway?
You have plenty going on at the moment, Juliana. I’m sure Twitter’s the least of your worries. 🙂
I do follow over 1000 people. Actually, I think it’s over 1500 …
I’m thinking about spending some time on twitter and tweetdeck to create lists with the writers and other people I most interact with. Then I can put those lists on a separate column and I can try to pay more attention to it, and hopefully, interact even more …
Oh wow! Perhaps have a list of writers you want to interact with, and maybe readers/fans too? I don’t know. I’m hardly the one to be giving Twitter tips! 🙂
I think you guys down south have gotten more snow over the past couple weeks than me up here in the north. Kind of scary, now that I think about it.
Social media is harder than it seems like it should be. I haven’t been on Twitter in forever, partly because I don’t have time and partly because I don’t have much to share. I need to try to get back to it.
It certainly seems like we’ve been getting more snow than y’all [did you catch my attempt at a southern accent there? :)], but we really should be about done with this stuff now. I know, I said that last time, but the temps are gradually warming up. However, I don’t know the same can be said for you northerners–you may still have a month or so of this to go. Sorry! 🙁
If you do decide to get back to Twitter, be sure to give me a shout. I’ll at least shout back. I can’t guarantee it’ll be entertaining, but it’ll be almost like conversation! 🙂
I am so bad at twitter, it’s not even funny. I have made a few good connections and had a few good conversations via twitter. The problem is that since twitter is all in real time, in order to make a significant number of connections and then stay connected, you need to be on there all the time. I do not have time for this. Which is why I suck at twitter. If you figure out a good way to go about tweeting, feel free to let me know.
So much of social media takes time to develop. Even blogging–I don’t think I network my blog as well as I should… partly because I’m too busy writing! Some people have a gift for the whole social connecting thing, both in-person, and online. I’m not one of those people. I feel guilty that I don’t always get to visit my fellow WUW-ers every week!
Perhaps we need to set up a Twitter group for people who suck at Twitter. It’d probably end up in the Guinness Book of Records as the quietest Twitter group on the ‘net! 🙂
I’m terrible at twitter, I hardly ever go on there now. I can never think of anything to say that people would actually want to read.
I had no idea that Amazon used to be Relentless – that’s pretty interesting.
I wonder if there’s a particular personality type that lends itself to Twitter. Perhaps someone who instinctively knows what makes for an interesting Tweet? I don’t know. Maybe we should just start conversations with each other? “Hello Laura!” “Hello Colin!” “How are you?” “Fine, how are you?” “Fine.” “How’s the weather?” *cue tirade about snow…* 🙂
Sounds like you’ve been super busy with writing. That’s awesome! Wish some of that would rub off on me. 😉 I’m glad so many of these writing hashtags/initiatives are working for you. I know what you mean about Twitter and social media in general. I used to tweet a whole lot more than I do now (and regularly post on other social media platforms), but at some point that petered out. I think for me it came back to a situation of how I’m spending my time. As a writer, you definitely want a platform and you want to connect with others in the writing community (both are awesome things), but sometimes all of that stuff can detract from the actual writing. For me, that’s what eventually caused me to unconsciously take a step back a bit. That said, I think you’ve found a great way to balance those things by taking part in the various online writing initiatives you do. Basically, this is a long-winded way of saying that you seem to have figured out a good balance. Again, I wish some of that would rub off on me too! 😀
What with everything else, I really only have a few hours’ writing time each day during the week. Those hashtags/initiatives help me to focus that time and not waste it. Seeing others in Twitter talking about what they’re writing for #WriterRecharge, or when the next #YABWordSprint is happening spurs me on to do *something.* This is probably where Twitter is most useful to me. Unfortunately, it’s not so much what I’m putting in, but what I’m getting out. I wish I could contribute more to Twitter… maybe with practice! 🙂
Relentless??? That’s an odd name for a retail site, it sounds more like a place for potential stalkers to get tips. Or the personal site of Javar from Les Miserables.
I am inspired by the same things! Some days I have no motivation to write/edit, but then I see everyone else is doing it, so…
It’s the good kind of peer pressure!
I thought that too. I wonder if it says something about their initial business plan? Relentless in their pursuit of great deals… relentlessly squeezing out the competition? 🙂
Positive peer pressure–definitely a good thing!
I love Twitter as a place to interact with writers, but I completely fail at being interesting and funny and entertaining my followers. I usually end up talking about my writing goals, but I don’t think that’s of much interest to readers…
The only thing I think I’ve really learned about being on Twitter, is you have to get to a point where you’re comfortable to be yourself. I don’t consider myself very interesting–especially not in 140 character bites–but I suppose if that’s me, there’s not much I can do. 🙂
Twitter is trick for me, too. I always forget about it! And I’m also not as creative or witty as others. Good luck with getting your manuscript ready for betas!
Thanks, Prerna! I’m guilty of not always thinking about checking out Twitter… probably one reason I’m not good at it. I suppose you have to be alert to things you see or think that would make good Tweets. It must be an acquirable skill–I seem better able to think of blog articles, though.
Different social media works well for different people. As in so many cases, Tyler-Rose and I are a good contrasting example: I love Twitter; she really doesn’t.
And speaking of Twitter, it sounds like I really need to check out #WriterRecharge. Thanks for the heads up!
*work well (grammar!!!!)
That Latin gets you every time (medium = singular, media = plural)… though I think it’s becoming acceptable to use “media” as a collective singular now (in English, anyway), so you can say “media is…” instead of “media are…” In your context, however, where you’re talking about different types of media, I think you are right to correct yourself. Grammar fun! 😀
You’re right, Susan–different things work best for different people. I don’t do Facebook. I have a FB account, but it’s really just there to encourage people to interact via my blog or Twitter. I tried to be good about FB when I first started the account, but it’s just TOO MUCH. I would get absolutely nothing done if I got sucked into FB! At least with Twitter, I can watch some Tweets, try to think of something to say, maybe say some things, then walk away.
We’re about half-way through #WriterRecharge,but feel free to join in. I’m sure it’s not too late, especially if you want a good motivator. 🙂
I did not know that about Amazon. Thank you for enlightening me 😀
You sound like one busy writer. I hear the weather in NC is a bit chilly right now. Stay safe and warm!
You’re very welcome, Cole! And yes, I’m trying to keep busy. And the weather here is downright chilly! It looks like Central NC (Raleigh-Durham area) is about to get hit hard with snow and stuff. I really hope this latest snow-sleet event is the last that us folks on the East side of the state get to see for a good long while. :\ Thanks! 🙂
What you said about Twitter totally made me laugh. I love that there are lovely, witty Twitter users out there, but I tend to use it more for conversation and sharing quick links. The quick draw wit isn’t the way my brain works. 😉
I would love to beta read for you, but my plate is pretty stacked right now. I’ll send you an email if that changes, though. I love the premise for your story!
Also, thanks for mentioning YAB Word Sprints! It’s hard to know if we’re on the right page with them, because some days we have a handful of participants, and other days nada. It’s great to hear that you like them!! 🙂
Have a great week, Colin!
I don’t know whether it’s because I’m totally drab, or I find it hard to be witty in 140 characters–either way, I have a love-hate relationship with Twitter. I much prefer it over FB, but I’m not good at it. 🙂
Thank you so much for even floating the possibility of maybe perhaps being a Beta Reader for me. Please drop me an email if this becomes more than a possibility. 😀
Especially at the moment, the Word Sprints are very helpful. I can’t always participate, and I can’t always participate the whole time, but when I do, I get stuff done. And that’s great! 😀
I’m not great with Twitter either. I’m too wordy for 140 characters most of the time and there’s a certain lingo to it that I haven’t really mastered (and probably never will). Usually my day isn’t interesting enough to give a play-by-play of it either lol. I get what you’re saying about improving your participation in social media. That’s one of my goals this year too. There’s just so much to do offline though!
Hope the revisions continue to go well and that the reading goes quickly so you can get to CRESS soon! Have a great week!
Hmmm… tendencies toward verbosity might also explain my Twitter problems… 🙂 And I can’t imagine a play-by-play of my day! Not that my life’s boring, but it’s hardly Hollywood.
Thanks, Erin! CRESS beckons… 😉
Hiya
I have just started Writer Recharge 🙂 It’s been great. And I am also working on setting up posts for A-Z Blogging challenge. I haven’t signed up yet, but I should do that today, as well as put their badge on my Blog bar 🙂
Word sprints are great 🙂
Have a great week.
Angel
Hiya, Angel! Cool stuff. I’m not sure how often I’ll catch you on #WriterRecharge (time zone differences), but if I see your Tweets, I’ll be sure to give you a cheer. 🙂 A-to-Z is fun. I look forward to seeing what you do with it.
Have a great week yourself. 🙂
Hiya
I forgot to ask. Totally off topic.
I noticed that you use wordpress and don’t have a captcha or anything. What do you do to stop spammers? Cause i want to take of my sweet captcha for the A-Z Blog challenge but when I had nothing there i was bombarded with spam in a big way.
Any tips.
Angel
I’m using an installed version of WordPress (i.e., I have my own domain name and Internet Service Provider, and I have WordPress installed on my ISP account). There’s a service I use called Akismet, which I believe was offered as part of WordPress, that scans comments for spam. It seems to catch most spam (I’d say about 95%). For the rest, I have WordPress configured to watch for things (e.g., if a comment has 3 or more links in it). I check the spam filter periodically to make sure legit comments haven’t been mistaken for spam. The comments configuration in WordPress is on the Dashboard under Settings and “Discussion.”
I don’t know if that helps. If a service like Akismet is available to you, that’s probably the way to go if you’re likely to get a heap of spam without Captcha. Feel free to Tweet or email me if you want to discuss further. 🙂
Thanks Colin. I also have my WordPress installed on my own domain name. I use to have Akismet. Maybe I should look at it again.
Thanks for the tips. I will have a go at it.
Cool! You are very welcome, Angel. Like I said, Tweet or email if you think I can help you further. 🙂
That’s so weird. I did not know that about Amazon and I totally had to try it. I’m interested in the A-Z blog challenge you mentioned. Good luck with your flash fiction pieces 🙂
And it’s always great to get feedback from readers. Hope it was really helpful!
I know–strange. Before I mentioned it on the blog, I double-checked some other sources to make sure it wasn’t some kind of Twitter joke. Sure enough. It seems this factoid came out of a recent book about Amazon.
If you have the time to write the blogs, A-to-Z is a great challenge. Not only is it fun trying to come up with articles, but there are usually so many other participants, it’s a great way to meet new bloggers, and give your blog wide exposure–and possibly pick up some new followers.
My First Reader feedback is very helpful. It sounds a bit masochistic, but I love getting feedback–both positive and negative. Especially from people I know are well-intentioned. 🙂
I’m going to check out those hashtags. Over time, I have found myself on instagram more than any other social platform. I follow several writers there and just love seeing bits of their lives. Super fun, much more engaging than Twitter, at least for me. You might try that for a while, see if you like it.
Instagram might be interesting to check out, but I don’t know that it’s for me as a platform. As much as I suck at Twitter, it’s good because it doesn’t take much to participate. My blog takes time, writing articles, replying to comments, occasionally considering the design… and all this is good. But I really only want one place where I have to commit that kind of time and energy. Twitter is all about the words. And I can handle that. I just need to get better at it. 🙂
Thank you for your thoughts, Laurel. I’ll check out some writer Instagram pages. While it might not be for me, you’re right that it’s cool to get an insight into writers as people. 🙂
I always feel like a stalker on Twitter because I’m constantly checking it but I don’t often comment. I’m like you… wishing I could come up with something witty or relevant. Most of the time I find myself thinking, “I wish I’d thought of that!” Good luck with your edits, Colin.
Twitter Stalkers Unite… discreetly… when no-one’s watching… 😉 Thanks, Kitty! 😀
I know what you mean about Twitter! I always wish I could come up with something more interesting than what colour I painted my nails, what I had for dinner, and who annoyed me on the bus! Thanks for stopping by!
You’re very welcome, Lisa-Marie! I guess the art is not in avoiding the mundane, but finding a witty, 140-character voice for talking about it–one that makes the mundane interesting.
I feel so dull on Twitter. I believe I’m only funny when writing fiction.
Happy reading and writing.
Yes!! I feel the same way, Medeia. There are parts of my novel that make me laugh, and I wonder why I can’t be this funny IRL. Perhaps I’m just subconsciously saving it up for the writing. 🙂