THIRSTY & Self-Promotion at the Shanghai International Literary Festival (ssshhh, secret revealed)

Last Saturday, March 7, I did a session at the Shanghai International Literary Festival about self-promotion and social networking for authors. It was a full house; I had a blast yakking about all the ways there are for writers to connect, share their work, learn about others' work, and open their writing worlds; and since the 7th, two audience members have friended me on Facebook and two others have made their maiden voyages on Twitter.

Success. People got it. Took my words to heart and reached out.

Now for the secret...one of the things I admitted during my session is that I've got a love/hate relationship with all this social networking and self-promotion stuff. 75% of the time, I love reaching out...chatting with readers and writers all over the world...sharing links to pertinent info (and links to irrelevant but fun info as well), and talking books. 25% of the time, I just want to be left alone in my 23rd floor apartment in Shanghai to write. I want to say, "Sssssshhhhh, I'm in writerhead" (or when I feel REALLY sick of it all, "PISS OFF!")...and then, yep, quietly face the page...alone.

Of course, I'm hesitant to admit this love/hate relationship out loud. We're really not supposed to. I'm pretty sure that's in a rule book somewhere.

But I've always hated rule books. And other people's rules. So there, I've said it. Out loud. Most of the time I love reaching out, but sometimes I hate it. Sometimes I feel completely smothered by all the contact.

What's the answer?

A small hut in Borneo? With no electricity and no Internet? 

Mmmmm, a lovely idea, but a tad unrealistic. (Besides...I know me. I'd get lonely and start saying things like, "Wow, I wish I could Twitter.")

So I've decided that balance is a more viable answer. I'm learning (slowly) how to manage my time on Twitter, Facebook, my blog, and the blogs of others. And I'm writing my own rulebook. Here's what I've got so far:

Rule #1: Admit when I'm burnt out & in need of a break.

Rule #2: When Rule #1 moves into play, take needed break (preferably before breakdown...break should not be ).

Rule #3: Do not turn on Internet when writing creative stuff--novel, memoir, etc.

Rule #4: Do not turn on Internet when writing creative stuff--novel, memoir, etc. (Some rules are worth repeating.)

Rule #5: Before shutting down at night, I must close all but seven tabs on Firefox (my blog, the THIRSTY website, Facebook, Twitter, Typepad, Constant Contact, and Google Reader). No more of this keeping 30 tabs open. Too much browsing. Too much reading. Too much, too much, too much.

Rule #6: Take 1 weekend day off every week. Completely. No work. No writing. No Tweeting. No Facebooking. In fact, except on special occasions, don't even turn on the computer. (This will be hard for me.)

So that's where I am. How about you and your relationship with all this stuff? Love? Hate? Some combo? And how do you manage it all? (suggestions welcome)

Comments

[Kim]

I agree with you, while social networking is great (and the internet and blogs are an opiate to my lust for more and more information) Everything in moderation is how I put it (but more difficult to practice).

[Rose]

I like your self-preservation rules, Kristin. I think by writing it down it helps keep things in perspective. I cut back, follow my rules, start adding back more, get overwhelmed, start over again. The process of keeping myself in check is not linear. I am guilty of leaving tabs open, and not shutting down my computer at night. I'll take this to heart.

[Kristin Bair O'Keeffe]

Nice to hear how other writers handle this issue. Thanks to Rose & Kim for checking in and sharing your thoughts.

[Dawn Herring]

I totally understand the internet overload issue, Kristin. There is a place for it, no doubt, but it's essential to have your ground rules so it doesn't overtake your time overtly.

Connecting with others is important and even fun, but there is a time when you need to shut everything down and just be.

I can relate to having too many tabs open. I usually have my personal tabs like you described (it's cool to see another writer having a similar approach), but keeping it down to one or two to read at a time. Otherwise it can get overwhelming and time consuming.

Moderation is good in all areas in life, including life on the web. Thanks for sharing your perspective so honestly (and humorously. ;)).

Be refreshed,
Dawn Herring

[Spencer L Casey]

Yeah, I'm still trying to figure this all out. It takes way too much time, that's for sure. I could have written so many books in the time I've spend social networking and all, but I didn't right so many books before social networking, so that's not it. Just another justification or excuse.

Good luck. If I solve any of life's great mysteries, I'll be sure and let you know.

Cheers,

SLC

[Wendy Nelson Tokunaga]

So glad to hear about another writer's love/hate relationship with social networking. I'm trying to work out the best strategy as well and appreciate your 6 rules.