Hi Janell: Spending 90% less time (it’s a ballpark thing; I’m NOT timing myself) has been incredibly freeing. I’m feeling less anxious, less pressured, and more creative. Funny thing…I haven’t even lost followers or friends…maybe one or two. What this tells me is that the socials weren’t that effective. Instead I’m keeping an online writing journal on my website and I post links to the entries on FB. Plus my monthly newsletter. This has been fun plus I’m really enjoying my writing time.
Absolutely with you on social media - most of it's loathsome, and the damage it's doing to young people is terrible. I'm so thankful it wasn't around when I was a teenager and in my twenties. I'm on Bluesky and Pinterest, but am under no false impressions that they lead to sales. Write to your own rhythm and best of luck in 2025.
Shelley, seeing the amount you do, I'm not surprised you're feeling burnout. So much promotional/ media stuff as well as personal appearances and writing. I couldn't be that busy! I've got two blogs, I seldom post on either of them these days, plus the only social media I'm on is FB and WhatsApp, the latter I restrict to family and friends. I dumped Twitter when Mush took over - typo but I like it! On the other hand I haven't published two great novels and you have.
All writers are different, except for that one thing, the writing. That's what's important, you're absolutely correct. And yes this writing business was probably better before all this technology took over. I've been enjoying Pink Dandelions, it's interesting and worthwhile for the reader, but do you need it? I hope you do, just asking the question. Take care of your imagination, don't let it get lost behind all the other stuff.
Go Sue! Well, the things about Pink Dandelions is that it’s MY mailing list outreach! So it’s actually the one place I most likely can reach my actual audience. Readers/fans sign up to receive these emails DIRECTLY. I’m not dependent on Facebook’s algorithm, etc. Moving my list/newsletter to Substack has been the best decision I’ve made in a long time. Deliverability is 100% working better than Mailchimp and I didn’t have to “authenticate” with Google and Yahoo. I’m happy to spend time creating good content here versus social media.
Oh I so feel this - and it feels like the social media hamster wheel is even worse this year.
Hi Janell: Spending 90% less time (it’s a ballpark thing; I’m NOT timing myself) has been incredibly freeing. I’m feeling less anxious, less pressured, and more creative. Funny thing…I haven’t even lost followers or friends…maybe one or two. What this tells me is that the socials weren’t that effective. Instead I’m keeping an online writing journal on my website and I post links to the entries on FB. Plus my monthly newsletter. This has been fun plus I’m really enjoying my writing time.
Absolutely with you on social media - most of it's loathsome, and the damage it's doing to young people is terrible. I'm so thankful it wasn't around when I was a teenager and in my twenties. I'm on Bluesky and Pinterest, but am under no false impressions that they lead to sales. Write to your own rhythm and best of luck in 2025.
Thanks, Emma! I feel such a sense of freedom when I’m spending less time and energy on socials.
Indeed!
Good luck to you, as well, in the coming year!
Shelley, seeing the amount you do, I'm not surprised you're feeling burnout. So much promotional/ media stuff as well as personal appearances and writing. I couldn't be that busy! I've got two blogs, I seldom post on either of them these days, plus the only social media I'm on is FB and WhatsApp, the latter I restrict to family and friends. I dumped Twitter when Mush took over - typo but I like it! On the other hand I haven't published two great novels and you have.
All writers are different, except for that one thing, the writing. That's what's important, you're absolutely correct. And yes this writing business was probably better before all this technology took over. I've been enjoying Pink Dandelions, it's interesting and worthwhile for the reader, but do you need it? I hope you do, just asking the question. Take care of your imagination, don't let it get lost behind all the other stuff.
Have a great Christmas. x
Go Sue! Well, the things about Pink Dandelions is that it’s MY mailing list outreach! So it’s actually the one place I most likely can reach my actual audience. Readers/fans sign up to receive these emails DIRECTLY. I’m not dependent on Facebook’s algorithm, etc. Moving my list/newsletter to Substack has been the best decision I’ve made in a long time. Deliverability is 100% working better than Mailchimp and I didn’t have to “authenticate” with Google and Yahoo. I’m happy to spend time creating good content here versus social media.
Love your thoughts on burnout. I also think you have a strong following that will follow you where you take us!
I hope so! Thanks for the vote of confidence. It means a lot.