Carina Press turned a year old a few weeks ago. I was delighted to be among the “launch” authors with On Her Trail, my debut novella. And just this last month, almost a year later, The Shoeless Kid was released.I’ve been thinking a lot about the changes that have taken place in my life between those two releases.
Before having On Her Trail accepted by Carina Press, I didn’t know about “blogs.” Not really. I certainly didn’t follow any and I’d never even heard of blog tours. I still don’t have a personal blog—frankly, I don’t see why anyone would want to read my ruminations on anything.
When I was told I really should be on Twitter, my first reaction was, “What the heck is a Twitter?” As for Facebook, that was for kids, wasn’t it? Kids who posted pictures of themselves that would embarrass them later in life?
The thought never even crossed my mind that I should have my own web site (even though as a writing workshop and conference organizer, I *detest* it when the writer I am trying to contact doesn’t have an online presence).
But I was an e-author now. I had to have an electronic presence, even if the thought terrified me. So I took every opportunity and seminar I could (thank you, Carina!) to learn about Twitter, Facebook and blogging. There were times I thought my head would explode. I begged my friend to design and set up a web site for me (remember the quasi Luddite part?). I still don’t understand half of what she did, but I can at least update it on my own.
So here I am a year later, blogging, Tweeting and Facebooking, and the proud owner of a web site. What I learned during this crazy year was that the road to social media is filled with friendly strangers willing to share their knowledge and help a recovering Luddite along the way.
So, thanks, eh. It’s been a heck of a year. Let’s hope my head stays on for the next one.
Marcelle
