Here are a few things Jonathan says to remember.
"We're in the entertainment industry." Chose the personality you reveal on social media. You want the readers to remember you, not the title of one book. Stay out of politics and avoid religion. Use humor but keep your audience in mind as far as level of crudeness. Share personal stuff but not private stuff. Ask questions instead of just making statements. Don't say, 'I love this movie,' but rather ask for an opinion on the ending. And don't be a celebrity all day long. Talk about things other than writing or your books.
"Never respond to a negative review." Jonathan shared a personal story of making that mistake early in his career. It really is a no-win situation for the writer. In addition to that, never talk about rejections on social media. Only share your successes. Also use your social media to be a cheerleader for your genre. Here's what Elizabeth Spann Craig has to say bout responding to negative reviews.
"Remember this is a business when talking to agents or editors." This isn't about social media but about not making a fool of yourself to another professional. Jonathan pointed out how many writers make sport of the quality of writing in such series as Twilight or the Fifty Shades of Gray books. We claim our writing is nothing like that. Jonathan points out that any agent or editor would love nothing more than to contract a hit series like those books. We're talking major money like in the billions. Every agent wants to discover the new Twilight. Saying our work is nothing like that series only shows that we don't understand that writing is a business.
And now this picture because we all need a smile today. Have one of those at work?
Like many of you, I get most of my news online. When news worthy events are unfolding, Twitter can be the source of fast up-to-the-second reports. But it's really scary to see the viciousness expressed on Twitter. What is more disturbing? That people have such hateful thoughts or that they share their virulence for all to see? Let us all be kind in words and deeds.
Hot weather found us last week and we're expecting more of the same this week. I love this weather. Not sure if I'd feel that way if I didn't have my pool, but I do have it so I'm loving it. Ankle has healed enough that I'm back to walking but a ways from jogging yet. And I'm staying on flat surfaces and not setting any speed records. It still feels good to be exercising outside again. And it gives me an excuse to buy more music.
Do you agree with what Jonathan said about Twilight? Have you read some horror stories about authors responding to bad reviews? What would you like to see in vending machines?
