I’ve met wonderful writers, mostly on Twitter (I know, X) and some have turned into great friends—friends I will probably never meet. I am the host of #LineByLineTime on Twitter. LBLT (looks like a sandwich) is a mini-critique hour where writers share slivers of their work on Wednesday evenings. I have learned a great deal, and it’s exciting to see how we’ve progressed as writers in the last five years.
LBLT has fostered Beta Readers and Critique Partners. Folks come and go, but each Wednesday evening I am eager to see what the human mind can conceive.
On Twitter, Blue Sky, and others, writers post a “come on” about their books and then highlight other authors, asking them to do the same. I’ll bet that Members of the Cast has been re-tweeted to 400K people. I continue to sell copies, but am beginning to doubt that Writer-Friend-Nice-Person re-tweeting my link one more time will help.
Don’t get me wrong. These are fine writers, and I have read many of their books, and many have read mine. But while I love the intent, I’m not sure being members of “The Mutual Admiration Society” is doing any of us a service. I fear, some who follow me wish I would quit pitching my books and my friend’s books—every day—day after day.
Is there a solution? Not sure, but LBLT, Ernie Fink’s #WriteChat, and other chats do allow writers to be real people talking about the craft. And for me, it is the people. Often, it’s the people behind the writing that leads me to buying a book or reading it on KU.
Examples:
I’m reading K.T. McGivens’ The Secret at Sunset Hill. It is pitched often, and I had downloaded it as a Kindle Unlimited book but didn’t become enthused until I read an interview conducted by Joanne Paulson, (JC Paulson) a splendid author in her own right. Reading the interview was eyeopening. First, I had confused K.T. McGivens with another author and somehow I thought this was a male author. (I know, look at her picture, George. Apparently, I didn’t look.) Second, I didn’t realize how prolific K.T. is. Stunning. So, I am immersed in her book.
A second example is that I have posted a few snippets from my WIP. Last LBLT, one person said, “I can’t wait to get my hands on this book.” Another said, “George, you’re breaking my heart. I can’t wait to read this book.” (I know, that’s only two people.)
Do I want author friends to quit mentioning me? Sorta. It would be nice, from time to time. I just ask to be forgiven if I don’t respond with a re-tweet six days a week. You are a wonderful, caring bunch, but I believe we are overspending our welcome with our followers.
If you have a new splash about your book, absolutely post it, and I will repost. The key there is new. I don’t want my re-tweets to become an irritation.(Probably too late for that.)
Best Wishes,
George
