Social media is a mixed blessing, to say the least.

Today, I wanted to focus on what I enjoy about using social media as an author, because there are benefits, and there are ways to use it that are quite helpful and inspiring.

First, I should say I am most active on Facebook. I have a TON of Twitter followers–upwards of 36k–but no one sees anything I post on Twitter or interacts with me there.

I’ve pretty much given up on it at this point.

I have an Instagram account, but I only just created it, and I think I’ve posted maybe 5 things total, ever, there.

So, I’m much more active on Facebook, and it’s Facebook that has inspired these insights more than other platforms.

What I like about Facebook is the support from fellow authors and the ability to connect with and find readers.

Creative writing can be a lonely, frustrating, disheartening business. I have found fellow authors on Facebook to be a wonderful group of people to connect with, commiserate with, and journey along with. The mutual support is great.

It makes you feel less alone in your writing endeavors.

Also, I’ve found readers on Facebook.

Facebook in particular is great to let prospective readers see who you are, your sense of humor, and your interests. That’s because it doesn’t limit word count on your posts.

Seeing something of who you are makes people more willing to give your book a chance, I think, if they connect with your spirit in some way.

And it’s just so uplifting when someone comments on a “What are you reading?” post that they’re reading your book and enjoying it.

Social media is no substitute for real life writers’ groups, or book signings, etc, all of which I need to look into. But it’s a place to start, to network, and even (through authenticity, good-hearted humor, and professionalism) to convince some people to read what you wrote.

It’s not all bad, for sure. Blogging has these same benefits, but it’s much easier to build a wider audience on social media than on a blog.

(We’ll get to the many pitfalls of social media tomorrow).