“So, you’ve got something to say, huh? Go ahead and say it. Really. Just throw it out there and let the chips fall where they may.”
I don’t know that I can support that ideology.
Here’s why;
As an author, the most important thing to me is my marketing platform. Bluntly put, I want to sell books. Now, in order to do that, I have to present more than just an interesting theme and a good story to my, hopeful, readers.
I also have to sell myself. That could be a bit difficult for many reasons, but I don’t want one of those reasons to be because I have a questionable character. No doubt, incendiary comments I may make on various social media platforms can certainly be telling of my character, thus becoming a turnoff to those readers I’m trying to snag.
Incendiary – the operative word.
Quite frankly, I’ve seen all types of awful comments made … and some of them from well-established authors. I’ve also seen a number of word-fights on social media platforms, too.
In this digital world our readers can watch what we say, follow our lives, and even chat with us. That being said; social media opens us up to critical eyes, I think. Just like reviewers drop questionable reviews on Amazon and B&N, isn’t it feasible that they could also be commenting about the writer’s character?
I wonder how, if at all, those instances affect those authors’ marketing platforms.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not being judgmental. I merely want to engage a discussion on this topic. I’m neither for, nor am I against folks saying what they want when they want. Do what ya like, as far as I’m concerned.
I just want to know what others think about it.
Can our words hurt us?
Yes, social media isn’t written behind closed doors… most is public. Then there’s your stories, are you a teacher and write erotica? How about people, readers, who find your stories and your persona, that you put out there, something they feel conflicts with their views! There are the writers who forget how their words can hurt others. We need to remember that words are powerful tools and awful weapons!?
You raised a very good point, John. What we say in open forums carries more importance, based on the products and services we provide. In that point, though; what about the writer who’s in character? The one who is supporting a particular theme in their book? Does that help or harm?
I will openly admit that I have unfollowed several authors based on their words around social media. Even authors that seem to have great stories to tell- personalities have left a very bad taste in my mouth and I will not so much as attend an event or like a status. We do have to promote ourselves as much as we do our work. It is a fact. Readers do want to interact with authors. I think this is a great thing. I by no means think an author should stay dry/cut/professional. I could care less what they ate for dinner or what their cat is doing. I even less want to see photos of dinner and cats- But I like personality. I like knowing, “Hey- this author is a mom like me…” or “Look at that guy! He writes while dealing with this..” I don’t even mind seeing someone stand up for social and political opinions. I do mind when those opinions involve constant bashing of the other side. I used to think the simple law of not posting anything on facebook or twitter that you wouldn’t have on a billboard in your front yard.. But honestly, there are some pretty tacky people out there that WOULD have horrible billboards in their yards. LOL. So yes. I do think words can hurt you. I think it is a lot easier to have them help you with marketing through social media, but without a doubt, the wrong words can ruin you.
I happen to agree with you, Michelle. There must be a balance, though. I guess appropriate question is; how can we expose parts of ourselves for our readers without turning some off? At least, to the extent that it is possible at all.
I think that is as possible as creating a single book that every reader will treasure.
I think an author should be their true self, without being vulgar and trying to offend the public for publicity or plain and simple boredom. LOL.
That makes sense. Probably the right idea to have, too. In this world of marketing, though, so much and so many different methods seem to work. Albeit, there’s no magic formula.