Social media: what I can glean

I've interacted with others in the publishing world (or others who want to be in the publishing world) for three years now. I was twenty-six when I started; hence my twitter username mgray26. (Why must I have such a common name?) Anyway, today I've been thinking about the benefits of social media. A lot of writers feel the activity is burden, just one more thing to do. I know I did/perhaps currently do. But lately I've been thankful for the opportunity. Here's a brief list of why:

1. Common interests. This is obvious, of course. I'd much rather talk to someone or read their tweets or blogs about books than endure an hour of the glories of coupon clipping.

2. Learning from the pros. I love to follow my favorite authors' tweets. Not only do I get insights into their everyday lives, but I learn about professionalism from their examples. Veronica Roth posted earlier in the week about the dynamics between reviewers and authors on YA Highway. It was so insightful. I plan on reading more of her posts. Gayle Forman posted today about stepping away from bitterness; it's so easy to blame others when our writing careers don't work out at first. I learn from Tahereh Mafi's adorable voice, from Lauren DeStefano's candid, unique tone. I get to live vicariously through my friend, Krista L. Jensen's book launch, I get to follow my agent's upbeat tweets on books. Thank you, internet, for allowing this to be! I feel so connected to everyone. My long days tending my children are lifted by the connection to other writers' worlds.

3. Potential to network with writers on the same level and in the same field. I recently connected with Jen McConnel who has also signed with my agent, Kat. Not only do we both write YA fiction, but we've both been seriously writing for about four years, and are in almost exactly the same spots in our careers. Now, I could go to the library, sign up to join a writing group, or I could connect with someone like Jen and know we have approximately the same level and knowledge and passion for understanding the industry and writing stories, or I could be stuck with, say, Homer and his memoir about donkeys for fascists. My first choice is Jen.

These are the three obvious benefits of social media I've been thankful for today. Obviously there are other benefits, like exposure and sales when your book is actually released. But I'm just so happy I've finally hit the point where the primary emotion I feel for social media is endearment in lieu of dread.