It is, I’m sure, a common conundrum. Aspiring writers, like me, who are trying to both write their book and establish an online profile at the same time. I’ve been working diligently – well, as diligently as I can while looking after young children – to try to get this blog, and my Twitter and Facebook profiles, up and running. And, well, while it’s great to get followers and feel like you’ve reached out to people, it is time-consuming.
And therein lies the conundrum. I have limited time on the computer due to real life commitments, and I have to ask myself: Am I better off spending this time getting my profile established, writing blogs like this one and posting on Twitter and Facebook and the like, or should I instead be working on my manuscript, without which there will be no book and, therefore, no need for an online profile?
I find myself doing a little of both, but not giving either enough of the time they really require or deserve, and I feel as though I’m short-changing my book, my profile and myself. Add this to traditional mother-guilt, and that’s a lot on my conscience, almost all of it self-inflicted. And this is not a good thing. Therefore, I feel the need to streamline my activities in order to simplify things.
Today is Wednesday. As I said on the weekend, Wednesday is my writing day, especially now holidays are over so I have no distractions in the form of small children. That is, aside from the baby, who is another matter for another day. This means I will spend most of the day concentrating on my manuscript. I will also (obviously) blog on Wednesdays, as I’ll be at the computer anyway. However, other social media like Facebook and Twitter can be reserved for use on my phone, when I’m off the computer. Thus, fewer distractions from my writing, which is what I’m trying to focus on anyway.
Does anyone else have any suggestions for how to manage limited computer time yet still get everything done? Has anyone managed to strike a compromise that works? Am I on the right path or getting totally lost? Any feedback would be most welcome.
Thank you!
I struggle with this problem constantly. If someone has the answer, I’ll cherish them forever, and also be very surprised.
It is a bit like that, isn’t it? Even now I’m thinking I should be writing, but then again you took the trouble to comment on my blog so it would just be rude if I ignored that. (Thank you, by the way!) There can be a fine line between concentrating on your work and alienating your online contacts, and not everyone understands the creative urge. I’m thinking now that just making an effort on both fronts is probably enough at this stage. If it gets to the point that one is more important than the other, then I’ll adjust my focus, but the 60/40 that I’ve got going (being 60% writing, 40% social networking) seems to be working okay for the time being.
Never feel like you need to reply to me – I’ll always understand. I think social networking is important for your profile, but your writing is the actual POINT. I tend to treat my social networking like productive procrastination (and I should probably cut down!), but it is also fun. It can be a good opportunity to let the fog clear sometimes and create a little, often necessary, distance from the real writing, this can allow new thoughts and ideas develop. Who was it that said, “The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time”?!
Aw, aren’t you nice? *hugs* But I do feel that it’s only polite to respond to blog comments. At least, I do now, when I get so few of them. ;p And I’m not writing right now anyway – I’m setting up a Goodreads profile. (Procrastination much? But as you said, time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.) However, as you also said, writing is the point of it all. Hmmm. *looks at open notebook next to her, full of almost incomprehensible scribbles* Okay, you’ve talked me into it. Time to redefine one of my characters’ main traits!
That’s the spirit! Back to work! … I suppose I should do the same…
This is a conundrum. Sometimes I find myself using the networking thing as a form of procrastination. Beware of that!
For me, the ideal networking kills two (or more) birds with one stone. Meaty discussion about writing makes me feel much less guilty than many other activities we can pursue in the interest of establishing a ‘platform’ (a term I dislike!).
Oh, definitely. Social media can certainly be a form of procrastination, but then again I console myself that it’s all for a good cause. I suppose with me, too, there’s the time element. When I get onto the computer, usually it’s for half an hour or less, so I find myself doing things that take little time and can be achieved easily. If I get a decent amount of time, though – like on Wednesdays, which I’ve said before is my designated writing day – then yes, dallying on Facebook or Twitter is certainly time that could be better spent.
I agree, too, that having a nice meaty discussion about writing is always good for the soul, and if you can have it via a social networking medium then you are indeed killing two birds with one stone. I’ll see how I can go with that!
Thanks for commenting; I always appreciate the feedback.