Some of my sisters are really good with a camera. Like insanely good. They can tell a story with one picture, and when I have time, I love to look at their social media pics.
I have a deep appreciation of art and beautiful things. But can I take good pictures? I get a good shot maybe once every 10 years. I don’t take many pictures and try not to compare my lack of skill or desire with others. Between my sisters and sisters-in-law, there is no comparison. I’m all the way in the back.
While I consider myself an artist in the broader sense, I was not gifted in all types of art mediums. The written word and music are something I’m more at one with. Which is fine, until you want to share your words.
In today’s world, writers are told, they must have an online social media presence. We’re supposed to post to Facebook multiple times a day, portray beautiful Instagram pictures, and tweeting out thoughtful, or snarky tweets on Twitter. You need to be advertising yourself and your brand.
You MUST build a large following!
If you want agents and publishers to take you seriously, you must have a significant social presence.
But here’s the thing, I’m not a saleswoman.
My Grandfather was a salesman. He loved it and was good at his job. However, he neglected to pass any of his wizardries on to me. I got his love of moving from place to place instead. 🙃
I’m on Instagram and Twitter, but I seriously have no idea what I’m doing there. Facebook I have down, at least until Zuckerberg changes the algorithm again, and then I’m lost until just before the next change comes in.
I don’t like advertising or selling myself. I never have. Writing the “About Me” page here on my blog has taken multiple years.
My followers in the last 4 years have grown slowly. Likely because I’m doing everything wrong- at least that’s what the experts would say.
Would I like to publish a book one day?
Yes.
Do I really care about social media?
No.
But what I do care about, is my deep and abiding desire to help others. This is what this blog was born out of. I may rarely go viral. I may never have a huge platform from which to launch a book. But what I hope that people will always find here, is a place that they can find answers and support. A place where everyone is welcome despite religion, gender, disability, race, or anything else. I hope you will always find this a place where you are not alone. A place you can come and find a friend. A place where someone listens.
Don’t change!! I love being able to relate on a personal level. All the others just feel phony.
Go for it ..for writing a book. My sister, she did one on her personal life (we were adopted out and found each other after my mother passed.) If you are interested its …”Not really a princess” by Nicki Corrine White. Then she wrote a second book, “It’s Not About the Pie: A Fresh Look at Hospitality”.
I figure if she can do it, you can do it too. I know if you wrote one, I would read it!!
Just thank you for being you.
I’m just now seeing this. Thanks you for writing it. I needed your kind words today. I will totally put your sister’s books on my “to read” book list and as soon as I get time will read them.