Writers are often reminded that they need a solid platform,
that they need to use social media and maintain websites and blogs, but they
are rarely cautioned that the same things we use to build ourselves up can also
be our downfall. The public image we present will stay with us for a long, long
time and can even affect our success.
Editors and publishers like to see an presence when a new writer queries them. A
web-site should give information about the writer, his or her experience and
expertise, contact info, and links to published works. Remember that the
website is about a person who writes and needs to provide an opportunity for
the public to “meet” the writer – however the image presented has to be
appealing to potential readers, publishers and clients.
When you are deciding what to include about yourself on your
website, think if it something you would want the public to know about; chances
are you don’t need to brag that your usual blood alcohol level in college was
higher than your grade point average UNLESS it is relevant to what you write
about. You also don’t need to give away personal information about your family
members if they don’t factor into your writing material. While we’ve all done
foolish things in our youth, most of these do not need to become a part of our
public image. It’s great for our public to feel that they know us and that they
know that “this writer” is a human being – at the same time we don’t want to be
viewed as a detestable human being.
Maintaining blogs, different from a website, is an effective
way to promote our ability to write. Folks will enjoy hearing our thoughts and
sharing our experiences. It’s best to post fairly regularly, allow
comments/feedback, and keep the blog theme-based so folks can develop an
interest and know that they want to come back to read more. Participating in
social network sites is a terrific way to interact with the public (similar to
the way readers come to a book-signing to meet the author), but it is important
to maintain a touchable image. Some sites like Facebook allow for “Fan Pages”
for a professional image and regular timelines for personal interaction with
friends and family. Think about using high privacy settings on your personal
timeline (friends only?) and not allowing folks to tag you without your
approval in photos, but keep your Fan Page open (public) and allow comments.
Whichever site you use, keep your private life PRIVATE, no
one wants to hear that the romance writer is having relationship problems. Stay
away from (most) controversial topics, but be honest about your feelings and if
the issue is very important to you then THINK before you comment and never be
purposely insulting (folks who disagree with your perspective are not all
idiots!). Welcome meaningful, interactive conversation and remember, the image
you present is the professional image you will be stuck with. If someone makes
a negative comment about you don’t react in kind, but if possible be
constructive and explain the positives of your position. Always be aware of the
image you project and always think before you react.
Be positive, it goes a lot further than negativity.
Writing Exercise:
Choose any major character in your current WIP (or a character in a
recently read book) and use one to three paragraphs each for (1) the worst
thing that ever happened to that character; and (2) the best thing that ever
happened to that character. These events should NOT be part of the book and may
only be perceived by the character as the worst and best.
Writing Prompt:
Your protagonist and your antagonist are both packing in a hurry
(separately) to move into a safe house (again, separate) - they have no idea
how long before or if they will return home. In addition to their basic
clothing, they are each allowed to bring five personal items. What five items
do they decide to bring?
