new media

I thought I would take a moment to pay tribute to someone who influences my writing life on a regular basis. Mur Lafferty, whose “I Should Be Writing” podcast offers a wealth of resources and inspiration. Mur generally writes sci-fi and fantasy, which are not my cup of tea, so I almost blew off the podcast at first. However, despite its slant toward those genres, ISBW can help writers of all kinds. Today I went to the gym, strapped on the iPod, and let Mur help me work out my writing issues while I sweated on the stair climber. Can’t beat it!

Not only does ISBW provide support for writers, but it also demonstrates by example how to use podcasting and other new media to market our books. Like many writers, I find that the marketing aspect gives me the heebie jeebies, and Mur and her various guests lead the way in tapping into the power of new media.

One of the best things we writers can do is to find those who hold the lanterns and lead the way for the rest of us. Listening to her show, I feel less isolated and more a part of that great tradition of writers who toil away, always looking for ways to become better writers…and to learn better how to share what we’ve written with others.

For anyone who’s interested, visit www.ishouldbewriting.com, or look up I Should Be Writing on iTunes.

My first job was as an accounting secretary for a small manufacturing firm in Peoria, Illinois, and my equipment consisted of a manual typewriter. Copy machines were new-fangled curiosities, and Windows wasn’t even a gleam in Bill Gates’ eyes. So forgive me if I’m a little late to the New Media party. Still, I think I’ve adapted a little better than some of my peers. Recently I heard some major freaking out by writers who were learning that Facebook, blogs, etc., are a really good idea. There was a collective, “Gee, do we have to?” in the room.

Unlike some of my gracefully aged and fabulous peers, I’m fascinated by New Media. Since getting on Facebook a few months ago, I’ve stayed in touch with family members that are scattered to the winds. I’ve never been much for small talk, but in the simple “here’s what I’m up to” in my posts and the posts of my friends, we are building better relationships. I like that.

Recently I learned that I was “supposed to” do a blog. Okay, I thought, it’s good for writing warm-ups and introducing new material. What I didn’t understand was how easily we in the writing community can find each other for support, encouragement, and good ideas. Still a newbie, I’m learning how to find others’ blogs and create connections. Already, the friendships are building, and wow! There are some really cool people out there, and a lot of them are writing! And when I write my little musings, omg, people write back.

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but give that old dog an internet connection, and you just never know!