To Share or Not to Share? - by Wendy H. Jones
Love it or loathe it there is no getting away from Social Media. Most of use use it for most things these days, especially to share news of any stripe be it good or bad. I've even had one friend say, tongue in cheek, "I've been in A&E for the last three hours but forgot to tell Facebook. I obviously haven't been here." The fact is, social media is ingrained in the lives of most of us.
I love sharing good news on Social Media and when my friends do likewise, I celebrate with them and cheer them on. When bad news is shared, I commiserate and let them know I am thinking of them and that I am there for them if they need someone at hand. It's a great way of getting, and keeping, in touch with friends, family, readers and fellow writers.
However, sometimes I take stock before I post wondering how what I am saying will impact others. I very seldom post anything Political as this can be the fastest way to a social media bunfight since Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web. Staying away from anything contentious is the best way to peace and harmony. Just before I wrote this post I went to share some exciting news with my fellow writers, readers and friends. I signed two publishing contracts with Malcolm Down and Sarah Grace Publishing - one for a young adult mystery, the other for a children's picture book. I'm not saying this to boast or show off, I consider myself both blessed and fortunate in equal parts. I'm also thrilled beyond measure and, of course, I want to share it with my friends. However, I am aware that there are some people who would love to sign a publishing contract and this has so far escaped them. How would they feel? I know I feel for them and it must be tough. On balance I made the decision to post and share. I know my friends will be thrilled for me, regardless of whether they are published or not. It gives others hope that it will happen for them one day. I know I want to hear about and celebrate everyone's successes and I am sure that's how others feel too. At the same time, I am cheering for those who are struggling, and rooting for them every step of the way. I will be the one cheering the loudest when they too, sign a contract and I will be chuffed to toasted teacakes for them.
However, sharing goes much wider than sharing our own news. I share my friends posts when they have a new release or a special offer for their books. This benefits both writers and readers. Writers get wider exposure to my followers, and readers find new books. Every way it's a win. Many people say the book world is overcrowded. I say there is room for everyone if we all work together and support each other. Readers, on the whole, are voracious and always looking for books. My sharing fellow authors' posts is not going to limit my sales.
One thing we should be sharing as far and wide as possible is the Books are My Bag National Bookshop Day on Saturday 3rd October. Bookshops need our help and support more than ever at the moment. Let the world know about them be they Christian or mainstream. use the hashtags #BookshopDay #ChristianBookshop #Bookshop #booksaremybag #localbookshops. Shout it from the rooftops. Be proud of what you do as a writer and author. The more books which are published, the more there are for us to read and the more bookshops have to sell. Letting people know about your successes mean that the bookshops will have more customers..
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So in conclusion, I'm coming down on the share everywhere side of my question. I would welcome your thoughts in an honest debate.
About the Author
Wendy H Jones is the Amazon Number 1 best-selling author of the award winning DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries. Her Young Adult Mystery, The Dagger’s Curse was a finalist in the Woman Alive Readers Choice Award. She is also The President of the Scottish Association of Writers, the Secretary of the Association of Authors in Scotland, an international public speaker, and runs conferences and workshops on writing, motivation and marketing. Wendy is the founder of Crime at the Castle, Scotland’s newest Crime Festival. She is the editor of a Lent Book, published by the Association of Christian Writers and also the editor of the Christmas Anthology from the same publisher. Her first children's book, Bertie the Buffalo, was released in December 2018. Motivation Matters: Revolutionise Your Writing One Creative Step at a Time, was released in May 2019. The Power of Why: Why 23 Women Took the Leap to Start Their Own Business was released on 29th June, 2020. Marketing Matters: Sell More Books was realised on 31st July 2020. Bertie Goes to the Worldwide Games and the third book in the Fergus and Flora Mysteries will be published before Christmas 2020.
Wendy, I agree. You are always incredibly generous in sharing others' news and I for one was over the moon to read your good news. When I first joined ACW and came on the Facebook page, I loved the mission statement: "The purpose of this group is to encourage and support Christians in their writing." It's a journey, isn't it (such a cliche, but it's true). When I first joined, I was a freelancer, writing articles and trying to get more work. My dream since childhood had been to be a "proper writer" ie of fiction, but I had no hope it would ever happen. Through ACW with lots of sharing and advice, I changed and grew. Everyone on here is a writer, and it doesn't matter what kind. We're a loving, supportive community and I am so happy to be a part of it. Thanks for posting this today, Wendy. Let's continue cheering each other on, celebrating successes and helping with difficulties.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad you found this encouraging. You too, are supportive of others and generous with time. I was genuinely excited when you signed a contract and can’t wait to share tour book when it comes out.
DeleteThank you. That makes me feel so happy. I've spent my whole freelance career writing about generosity - one of the greatest qualities there is.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post Wendy ☆ it's helpful and I've noted all those hashtags! I'm very keen to support my local independent bookshops and they have been very supportive of me. And I always have a large TBR pile as well - both physical and on my ereader. Yes we have to be both thoughtful and open hearted in sharing good news on social media. It's always a delicate edge to tread. You are so generous in encouraging and upholding your fellow writers Wendy. I do try to do the same - it's amazing how a quick comment or a retweet can lift a writer's spirits!
ReplyDeleteYou are one of the most generous and supportive people I know. You really are an inspiration when it comes to generosity in sharing.
DeleteI am always pleased to read of other people's publication news etc. I know when I was starting out, this encouraged me to keep working on my craft, keep submitting work and not give up etc. If it happened to them, it could happen to me - and it did. I learned so much from other authors, including your good self, about what can work, what you've found useful and so on. Also, in such a sad world, some good news is always welcome!
ReplyDeleteYou are also generous with sharing and praise. I agree, good news is always welcome and brightens up otherwise dreary days.
DeleteI loved reading this, Wendy and I was also so delighted for you when I saw your news. I so love that we can cheer one another on as a community of writers, as well as commiserate and comfort when things don't go as we'd hope. You are always so generous in your sharing and support of all of us, and I am so grateful for all you do. Be blessed!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz. It is good that we can cheer each other on and support each other. Thank you fir your kind words.
DeleteA thoughtful comment and thanks for addressing it. As I see it, whatever we do on social media will have repercussions whether good or not so. The lit world is full of opportunity on social media; be it tips, submissions, beta readers, writers groups etc. The bottom line being how discerning I am of my time saving or time wasting. It's great to feel on a buoyant roll rather than trying to extract one's self from a wolf pack. So, discernment and choices, and social media can go a long way.
ReplyDeleteI love your way of putting things. Thanks for taking the time to join in the discussion.
DeleteTotally agree. It all depends on the motive behind sharing - sometimes people can share out of their own neediness to be liked, but to be honest, we all have mixed motives and on balance, it's important to share your joys and successes with others to encourage them. I like to balance out my successes with the qualification that that success has not been easily won - because I think that it's even more encouraging to people (who might be struggling with their own rejection) to know that publication is a journey that has its ups and downs. Believe me, when I find the right publisher for my second book, I'll be shouting it from the rooftops!
ReplyDeleteFantastic way of looking at it. Yes, motivation behind the post is clearly important.
DeleteSuch an interesting and much needed discussion, Wendy. Thank you for this. I think part of our distinctive as believing writers is to rejoice with those who rejoice and yes, sometimes there is a cost but that is all part of sold-out discipleship. Re sharing our own successes, that's something I'm learning to do without worrying, in ACW, because everyone is so supportive and encouraging and understands just how tough the writing journey is.
ReplyDeleteI agree. ACW is encouraging and supportive. I am glad you enjoyed the post.
DeleteWendy you are right on target with your caution when preparing to share news or condolences online. Unfortunately, many do not care what they say or how long it will be available for others to see - and that is forever. My own preference is not to share my residence, personal photos, or personal information that is not related to my writing. I do, however, respond to those postings of family and friends. But then I am a naturally cautious person.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting as our culture frowns when we celebrate our success overtly. I certainly was brought up to not brag/boast/show-off - they were bad words attached to admitting that you had done something well. Of course it is psychologically confusing as at the same time our establishments show that they rate 'achievement' as the highest goal. So it is a dilemma. We don't want to be told we're showing off or think we are bigging ourselves and dragging another down. We will never please everyone, nor are we called to do so, as long as we encourage others. But I agree, there is room for all of our success and talents. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWendy - as usual you have place a topic I find incredible important into perspective. I am one who does not trust the online world. So I am extremely selective about what I post. If posting to readers and other authors, I will share successes about my writing. But am also careful not to post anything personal. By that I mean that while I do make personal comments to postings of friends, I never show photos of me, my friends, home or share activities outside of my writer's world. But that is just me.
ReplyDeleteAs you say, it's a balancing act between privacy and being social. Thanks for joining in the conversation
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