Does Twitter Make Me a Better Writer?

I have realized that the time I spend on Twitter actually does make me a better writer. Hear me out, okay?

Those 140 characters, that's what gets me. Watching the number of available spaces diminish as my hands flutter over the keyboard really makes me aware of the words I use.

Lately, I've found myself editing my tweets. Not the usual changing "to" to "2" or "and" to "&" - since those new keystrokes take up less characters, but I've been more in tune with the number of words I've used and how I could say the same thing with less.

This can only mean good things when it comes to my writing, right? I would think so. Since an overabundance of words can slow the pacing.

This isn't the only reason why I'm a better writer - there are so many people who post links to really great articles about writing. These articles talk about craft as well as the publishing industry as a whole. Learning as much as a writer can about the business side is also important. Conversations between people also provide a lot of information. Just recently, I saw a person ask about self-editing books. She was flooded with recommendations. Other writers post tidbits about craft in their 140 characters.

Twitter chats are a plethora of information. I try to attend #kidlitchat and #yalitchat each week. #kidlitchat is on Tuesdays at 9pm, EST. #yalitchat is on Wednesdays at 9pm, EST. Both of these chats are attended by writers, illustrators, agents, and publishers. It's AMAZING the amount of information that flies by in those 140 characters. Never, other than in the internet world, would a wannabe writer have access to these industry professionals. Part of me wonders why more writers aren't participating in these chats. You are missing out, people!

So, does Twitter make me a better writer? Craft-wise, probably not that much. But it does make me feel more connected and informed of more than what I would normally know from here in my living room in Michigan.

Do you tweet? Do you find it something you "have to do" or are you enjoying this new explosion of industry information?

A to Z Blogging Challenge

I was perusing Laura Pauling's blog and noticed a cute button that said A to Z Blogging Challenge. I clicked on it and was taken to Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog. I looked over the criteria - blog each day of April, except Sunday, on a topic from the letter of the alphabet. It sounded like fun, and a way for me to get into the habit of blogging each day. I signed up and am number 745 on the list. You may want to check out his blog only to see the other 740+ blogs that are listed! Holy smokes!

So starting on Friday, April 1st I'm going to blog each day about some aspect of writing, editing, publishing, or something from a to z.

I think it will be fun.

What are your new habits?

MG...huh?

When people ask me what genre I write, I immediately answer middle-grade. The response is usually something like a smile, followed by a nod, and then a "what?"


I'm always baffled that many adults do not know what constitutes a middle-grade (MG) book. "You mean, young adult fiction, right?"

Umm...no.

I then explain that it's for readers 9-12, sometimes up to 14, but that I really stick with the 9-12 age range. That I write boy-based stories that revolve around, or involve, hockey. My audience is that reluctant reader who may or may not play hockey, but has an interest in the sport.

There's still more nodding and then I usually just give them a spiel about my stories.

Why is there such a discrepancy between MG and YA? Do parents just not understand what their kids are reading? Or, do they just classify them all as "young adult" or "kids books"?

Do they not know about The Book Thief or the Percy Jackson series? How about Diary of a Wimpy Kid or The Graveyard Book? Maybe they know about The Name of this Book is Secret or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Surely they've heard of a certain character named Harry Potter.

What do you say when someone asks you what you write? Or if you're a parent, do you know what your kids are reading?

What's your favorite social media outlet?

Websites
Facebook
Twitter
Blogs
Online forums and email loops

The internet, and specifically social media has brought the world together. Literally. We can watch the Superbowl in our home, yet share Tweets and FB status updates with any one who is connected. At home alone watching The Oscars? You're not alone if you've got your smartphone (iPod, iPad, etc.) on  your lap and you're logged into Twitter.

With published (and unpublished) authors now more accessible than ever, I'm curious to know which social media site people flock to.

I love Twitter. I can follow anyone I want and am able to read what's on their mind. From pubbed authors, agents, unpubbed authors, illustrators, screenwriters, and editors, I can learn so much about the publishing industry just by reading the timeline. It doesn't hurt to have a few celebs, columnists, artsy, and regular people in the timeline as well. Sometimes I'll tweet someone and they'll respond. That's always a plus.

Blogs are also a great tool. I can visit, leave a comment, and check back to see what's going on with the discussion.

 Facebook, for me right now, is good for connecting with friends and family. I'm "friends" with many authors who I don't personally know. FB is easy to use and I like the run down of status updates. Many post the same thing on Twitter, but if you aren't watching the Twitter timeline feed constantly, you may miss important announcements.

I think the best thing about social media is that it opens up discussion. We writers can be solitary individuals. We spend so much time in our heads that it's good to be able to "talk" with other writers, even if it's just online.

What's your favorite social media outlet?