OH…Shiny idea! - So many to choose from!

Shiny Things!

​Part of my grad degree involves taking courses outside of my concentration of creative writing. One of the classes I’m taking this semester focuses on writing for social media. Which, let’s face it, if you’re an author like me, you need to know this stuff, right? To start, we learn about various social media platforms, then we get the chance to create content based on what we’ve learned to make successful posts. “Rules” to follow, mistakes to avoid, etc. are also covered. I already have a presence on Facebook, Twitter, my own website with a blog, and last, but not least, Instagram.

​I’ve read and learned about my social media platforms, except Instagram. I wanted to have a presence there, but I didn’t consider consistency when I started. This class made me think about that. I’ve posted about my dad’s railroad building (because he’s a blast to watch and I wanted to document his progress). I’ve posted about my dogs and my family’s dogs whom I love dearly. I’ve even tossed in a few posts about my books, my writers conferences and food. The latter because I was seeing that on Instagram and thought it’d be cool to share. I’ve learned I need to focus here. This class has really made me think about my brand. Who am I and what do I want to share with my readers? Since all my books (save one co-written book) have ghosts in them and I love to watch paranormal movies/videos, I thought to myself “Hey, I’m not afraid of ghosts and I love these types of investigations, why not try it myself?”

OH, shiny idea! I’ve decided to dedicate my Instagram to 3 main subjects: Dad’s train building, dogs and my favorite new shiny thing: Spirit Seeking (aka ghost hunting/paranormal investigations).

While doing this, the class studied YouTube videos, so I thought I’d like to do a YouTube channel documenting my experiences being a Novice Spirit Seeker. So, that’s two social media platforms talking about Spirit Seeking.

But wait…here comes along another shiny for me to look into. Podcasting! How cool would that be? I could talk an ear off anyone once I’m comfortable. Being “invisible” would be like icing on the cake. An idea popped in my head about what the podcast would be on and how to keep it consistent and entertaining. Oh, the ideas started flowing in like a dam breaking. It’s like when I write my stories, scenes started popping in my head. 

Now, I’m stuck because after taking a moment to really think about all of this, I’m now wondering if there are too many shiny things catching my eye. Can I do it all? Should I do it all or go back to simply the three originally suggested?

Realistically though. I need to decide here. Let’s break it down.

1. FB and Twitter are permanent must haves (plus I have an assistant who helps me with those two platforms).
2. My website/blog is already something else I’m committed to and is only set for a once a month time slot.
3. Instagram isn’t difficult as I’ll be going on investigations and can easily post about those events at that time they occur.

​That gives me one more platform I genuinely think I can commit to doing outside the Instagram, as I still need to write my stories. That’s what started this whole thing, right? 

So, which one would you recommend?

1. 1. YouTube
2. 2.  Podcast

 
I’d really like to know your answer.
Comment below if you have a moment.
Thank you & have a great turkey month!

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Tip: Most often when writers are starting out, one key thing that is always mentioned and, in todays society, required by authors is to have a platform you participate in. It’s important because once you publish, your readers are going to want to know about you and your writing. They’re going to want to be able to contact you. Publishing companies expect you to be on social media and help promote yourself and your books. You’re told to pick 1-3 that you’re “good” at and stick to those. Don’t overextend yourself. Remember this last sentence here, I say to myself, repeatedly.

Bennett: "Say What?"

Ellie: "Did you say "Shiny" or "Snack"?