{"id":1121,"date":"2013-07-16T02:44:00","date_gmt":"2013-07-16T02:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kayleenwest.com.au\/portfolio\/?p=1121"},"modified":"2015-08-28T21:25:00","modified_gmt":"2015-08-28T11:25:00","slug":"are-writers-or-illustrators-twits-if-they-tweet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kayleenwest.com.au\/portfolio\/are-writers-or-illustrators-twits-if-they-tweet\/","title":{"rendered":"Twitter for authors and illustrators"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are Writers or Illustrators Twits if they Tweet?<\/h1>\n

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We have to be social on the Internet but how do we balance it?<\/h3>\n

Twitter for authors and illustrators? I mean come on, who has time for all the social networking available to writers and illustrators? And when will we have time to write or illustrate the \u201cimportant\u201d stuff?<\/p>\n

I have picked up so much helpful information lately on many topics relative to the business of writing and illustrating. I have been up since 4am trying to document all the gems- my head is spinning! I have discovered so many answers that I know will benefit me (and you) when I get to share it all. There is so much information available to us but it is a maze to sort through and now again this week the question is raised: Am I a Twit if I Tweet?<\/p>\n

Social media can be extremely consuming but I truly believe it is a vital part of a writer\u2019s or illustrator\u2019s business. I can honestly say it has bought me work, connected me to some great people and put a lot of fun in my break times. Yes, it has been worth the time but I do my best to be disciplined. I must be mindful of the balance between the Internet and my creative and family time \u2013 not always easy!<\/p>\n

Twitter – Tried it, didn\u2019t buy a T-Shirt either.<\/h3>\n

Years ago when Twitter was new I opened an account and fiddled but never really gave twitter a go. Now I wouldn\u2019t even know my account login.<\/p>\n

After digesting Michael Hyatt\u2019s view on Twitter in his book Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World<\/a>\"\" I am seriously considering opening a new Twitter account with a renewed curiosity. Michael has convinced me that Twitter may be a valuable community platform and it may well be worth my time. I bought his audio book which was a great time saver (listening in the gym) but I now want the hard copy to bombard with a juicy highlighter pen, as it was so full of great information – thanks Michael!<\/p>\n

So am I a Twit if I use Twitter too?<\/h3>\n

Although I understand the need for social networking, I have to be precious about my creative time (especially as I am getting busier and busier!) I don\u2019t like jumping around aimlessly on social media without building relationships in the process. I don\u2019t like the spammy “look at me, look at me!” attitude at all.<\/p>\n

I write, so obviously I like to share what I think is valuable. I also appreciate the heads up from others so I\u2019m willing to test the Michael\u2019s theory. But there is a reason I have renewed courage to take on another social platform when my work opportunities are accelerating: I now have tools to streamline my social networking and make it more profitable for the people I connect with too.<\/p>\n

So Twitter here I come, you are on my radar in the next few weeks. I will let you know if I was a Twit or not in a few months but in the meantime, I would love to hear about your experience if you Tweet regularly. OK, I am all ears \u2026 or is that eyes here?<\/em>
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