It’s no secret that authors need social media more than it needs them. For 99.95% of us, the days of publishers feverishly grabbing your books, sending out press releases like confetti being dropped from up high, organising myriad personal appearance signings and having you feature in as many magazines and publishing publications as you can shake a stick at, is no more. (I’m going to clarify this is being said tongue in cheek in case anyone thought I was seriously saying this is exactly how it’s done -maybe for the 0.05 %)

The bottom line is you can’t rely on the publishing house to get the word out about your books. They are there to support, encourage and pay for the publication, and the covers, and the editing. They are there to create a professional rendition of the book you spent so much time writing. Of course, they may contribute to blog tours and Facebook events and do their damn best to help you. But it’s the author who needs to create their own brand and way of getting the word out. The author must build their platform and use their wiles and creativity to formulate a brand that appeals. It’s the same as you’d do in any business, so why would this be any different?

Welcome to the world of social media. Where with a click of a mouse, or a key stroke or two, you can create emotions in people you’d never even have dreamed of. Where anything you type, or stream,  instantly goes out for the world to see, so you’d better damn well make sure that you’ve thought about it before you commit it to a Facebook post, an Instagram image or a tweet. If you don’t, the consequences can be dire and immediate. This is virtual living at its best and most savage, and only the brave need apply. For most of us, we manage to straddle the very thin line between being what we need to be, to make people socialise with us and engage, and the one we’d LIKE to be when we fancy replying to a particularly stupid or contentious comment about which we hold strong views. We want to tear that person or commentator limb from limb, stomp them into the ground then pour the dregs of our coffee over them. Then we’d puff out our chests and show the world just how the hell not to mess with me. We see this all the time, and there are people on social media who seem to do this for a living. For enjoyment even.

I’m not talking about a rational, well-crafted comment giving another point of view. I’m not referring to someone who is trying to make a point and actually respects other people’s views in doing so. I’m not talking about those with far more experience in a particular area who bring fairness and an educated point of discussion to the table. I’m talking about the Ranters, the ones who aren’t happy unless they are stirring the pot and creating chaos. The ones we want to empty our coffee cups on. I’ve found the best way to deal with them is to ignore them, and not engage at all. They have power only if we choose to give it to them. And honestly, if they are someone virtual you don’t even really know, what’s the point in potentially ruining our own good names and reputations to get all up in their faces?

For me, I prefer to sit on the side-lines and watch as people get all frothed up about the latest drama. I sip my tea, and watch the show. I have been known to participate when things get really personal, and please, don’t even ASK me about Brexit, because that will send me on a rant. Overall, though, I try to be a lady and steer clear of drama 🙂 Perhaps more people should be doing this.

Earl Grey, anyone ?