✍️ (Writing) Community Focus: Why I Love Twitter
NOTE: this was written before Elon made it weird (and not in a good way)
This is the first in a series of posts about various writing communities I am a part of, both free and paid. Each one has unique features, and I hope by showing you why I'm a member of each, you might find one (or more!) that fits your needs and interests. :) It is not meant to be an all-encompassing list and only reflects my own experience(s).
For all the (understandable) grief Twitter gets, there is something really special about its #kidlit pockets. Once you set up your account, here are some things I did that I found valuable as a children's literature writer.
Follow. Forget getting followers of your own: I think what this platform is most valuable for, bar none, is listening and observing those you hope to learn from. Want to know what your favorite editors and agents are up to? This is the place to get the goods; it's where they talk shop--publicly. To start with, I would follow this list of kidlit editors that illustrator (and social media superstar) Debbie Ridpath Ohi curates. Then, follow YOUR favorite authors and illustrators--and any agents you are dying to learn more about! Make sure, too, to follow your writing friends (if you are new, don't worry, that step will come--see below), including searching for people in writing communities you may be a part of off of Twitter (#scbwi, #12x12pb, #inkedvoices, #storyteller, etc.). Finally, educate yourself! (Follow accounts like We Need Diverse Books, for starters!) If you ONLY ever take these steps, you will learn a lot about the world of children's publishing each time you visit "Tweeters" (as Johnny Rose would say). I pinky promise.
Boost. Ready to wade in a little further? Share your book review recommendations from Amazon and Goodreads (you're doing those, right?) with Twitter! (#ChewyReviewy is excellent for this!) RT the content you find helpful and inspiring, and let others know about upcoming pitch competitions or pressing issues! RTing and reviewing are low-stakes ways to raise the profile of things you care about--and they can make a big impact, esp. when paired with off-Twitter activities.
Participate. This is where it gets really exciting. You probably won't be surprised to learn that people who love children's books are, on average, waaaaay more fun (and funnier) than regular Tweeps. Here are (IMHO) some fabulous places to meet other creatives and to actually (no, really) make friends. The easiest way to participate, of course, is to respond to a Tweet you found interesting or thought-provoking! One-on-one interaction is one of the cheap thrills of the platform. (Obviously, do so with the care you would do in any public place.) Also, when you can, show up for Twitter KidLit events, like...
#Kidlitchat - Every Tuesday at 9 PM Eastern/6 PM Pacific.
#PBChat - Every other Wed. at 8 PM ET.
#AskKidLit - These sessions are more pop-up style, but still great.
#CookiePitch - Usually happens twice a year--it's a fake pitch event, and so very funny.
Twitter Pitch events - I'm too scared to list all of these because they change constantly, but the link has a good run-down of how these work and which ones might be right for you.
NOTE: Remember to add the appropriate hashtag(s) to join the conversations!
If Twitter isn't your thing after all this, no worries. Over the coming weeks and months, I'll be doing a whole series on other options I have found extremely valuable. Tune in for more. :)
Yours in well over 280 characters,
Elayne
See others in this series: