get chatty about it

If you are a new writer, you might wonder where to spend your time. Should you be writing right now, or should you be tweeting, posting and chatting to learn and promote? Social Media v. your craft.

Of course, the answer is simple.

You must do both.

I spend time each day working on my current manuscript, and I connect with others online to keep up with new ideas or trends. More importantly, I get online to keep my name and face out there. Since the majority of a writer's time is spent offline, locked in a room, chained to a desk, practicing ways to combat carpal tunnel or searching for the best synonym for "just", she must sneak out and remind the world she's here. Get social.

I enjoy chatting with other authors, readers, bloggers and industry people. I learn from them, and they make me laugh. My suggestion to new writers, find a group or two you click with, and join the conversation. Choose your social media plotform. For now, I tweet.

Here are some great twitter chats to start you off. Pick a day!

#LitChat - Run by @LItChat via travel writer Carolyn Burns Bass. Variety of topics on all things books. Mondays @ 1PM Pacific

#KidLitChat - Run by writers Bonnie Adamson and Greg Pincus. All things books and writing for children, middle grades and YA. Tuesdays @ 6PM Pacific. More here.

#YALitChat - Run by publisher and editor Georgia McBride. Delightful and informative chats about young adult lit for authors and lovers of YA. Wednesdays @ 6PM Pacific.

#StoryDam Chat - Run by writers Patricia Plynne and Brett Jonas. Thursday @ 5PM Pacific.

#K8Chat - Run by author assistant Kate Tilton. Lively, friendly, lots of ideas for indie authors. Thursdays @ 6PM Pacific.

#ChocLitSaturdays - Run by writer and book lover Jorie. Brand new on the chat scene. Promises to be a fun place to spend an hour of your Saturday. Saturdays @ 8AM Pacific.

I have participated at least once (if not numerous times!) on each. The moderators are welcoming, and the discussions are fruitful. Try one. Try two. See you online!

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