Lately I’ve been spending a fair amount of time on social networks, so much time that I am almost becoming addicted to it. Being such a solitary occupation, it’s good to meet other writers, discover what they’re writing and joining in on discussion boards. The problem with all of this of-course is when does the writing happen? Somehow my writing has dwindled down to a poor second place.
The timing of this post was perfect. I’ve been reading JA Konrath’s A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing (which I heartily recommend, by the way) and follow his blog. Once again, he gives me the kick in the pants I deserve. Where exactly does all this social networking get you as a writer if you’re not writing? You need to be showing that you are actually putting the effort in and getting your work published in order to maintain the interest of others, otherwise you will just be seen as another ‘wannabe’.
As writing is seen as a business, the way I am managing my way around this issue is to come up with a schedule and stick to it. If the unexpected comes up, make up for that amount of lost time. After a certain amount of writing has been reached (a word limit or number of hours for example), then and only then get onto social networks. See it as a reward for your writing efforts.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some work to do.
I’m with you, girl. Stick to the plan. It works.
Thanks Lia. It’s early days yet, but it seems to be working so far. If I could get anywhere near your word count today, I’d be pretty happy! 😉
This is a great post! Thanks for the reminders!
And thanks for connecting on FB! It’s great to meet you!
Hi Lauren. What great timing – I just finished posting to your blog! 😉
Thanks for stopping by and posting. It’s a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to seeing more of you throughout the campaign.
Hi Debbie,
I can definitely relate to this post. Just like being addicted to chocolate, coffee, books, wine, and more chocolate, social online addiction will be the next big addiction. Hello, my name is Renee and I am addicted to social networking…lol.
I spend far too much time reading other blogs and writing my own blog, that I sometimes forget that I actually want to write books. I can’t do that if I allow myself to get distracted all the time. It’s like everything I suppose… it’s good in moderation 🙂
Hi Renee, good to see you again. Yes, social addiction does sound a bit like being an AA member. 😉 I too, tend to spend a lot of my time on my blog – what to post, fiddling with the way it looks, reading the works of others. I tend to spend less time on my other writing projects, but as you say – everything in moderation. I’m working on it!