I know that using social media is a part of being in business, and being an author is indeed a business. But I struggle with going on Facebook or Twitter daily because there is so much negativity. Especially on Twitter. It seems as if people are constantly screaming at each other about something they don’t like. I’m a person who really tries to keep my head down and not get involved in online drama. (Or even real life drama) I have my opinions on everything, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t actually feel the genre needs to know my every thought or emotion on all subjects. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with voicing your opinion, but it does get depressing when the discussion turns personal or cruel. And it ALWAYS seems to.

My desire is simply to write my books and talk to readers. I have no need to fight with people and scream into the void. Fighting and aggression interferes with my creativity. I think creativity is something that needs to be protected. That’s why I don’t read reviews and I don’t seek out fights online or off. Creativity is fragile and interruptions and anger drains it away quickly.

I keep hoping the toxic nature of social media will die down, or change. Unfortunately, it seems to be getting worse. If you don’t agree with someone, others will often rip you to shreds, and even when you hold your tongue, you’re sometimes attacked for not speaking up. It truly is a lose lose situation for those of us who hate fighting with others.

So if I don’t hang out on social media a lot in 2020, you at least know my reasons. It isn’t that I don’t enjoy my fellow authors or talking with readers. It’s simply that I don’t want to fight or watch other people fight. I will stay safely in my creative cocoon, talking with positive, like-minded author friends and readers, and writing my stories.

S.C.