“The proper artistic response to digital technology is to embrace it as a new window on everything that’s eternally human, and to use it with passion, wisdom, fearlessness and joy.”- Ralph Lombreglia

I learned a new word: Luddite.

I had to check two dictionaries to find the definition but here it is:

One who opposes technical or technological change.

As a writer trying to connect with my audience, stay on top of what’s happening in the fast-paced and constantly changing world of publishing and publicize my book, I was told you HAVE TO use Social Media. HAVE TO.

So what does this mean for me? I have an author Fan Page on Facebook. I am supposed to be tweeting at least 10 tweets a day. I am on Pinterest. I have email for my job, email for writing and email for my personal stuff. I have a website for my book. And I just started texting on my phone. Phew!

I also have this blog. I have committed to writing three times each week and barring catastrophe I intend to do so.

I have numerous friends who think I am nuts. I am constantly warned about the dangers of doing “that stuff.” At the heart of the matter they are right. Social Media definitely should be marked with a  “Proceed with caution” sign. Because accounts do get hacked, identities and vital information can and do get stolen, people do post stupid, controversial or hurtful things, and people you don’t want to be in touch with can surface. But…

Before you completely refuse to even consider using Social Media of any kind, take a step back, put your doubts on hold for fifteen minutes and think about how you can customize using some of these things in a way that works for you. My advice is to move slowly, follow other people on whatever site you decide is for you and decide who the people are that you think are using it well. And then start to do the same things.

I joined Facebook before I published MacCullough’s Women. The reason was because my daughter was moving to Dublin, Ireland. Facebook has been such a gift to me in terms of me keeping up with what’s happening in her life. More than a hundred years ago, my great grandmother had three children who made that trip going the other way. I can only imagine how her heart most have broken knowing that in a very real sense she was losing them forever.

If you are reading, this then you do have a computer and you do read things online. I urge you to continue to keep an open mind and embrace the technology that allows you to bring more joy into your life.

What Social Media do you use and enjoy?