Send to Kindle
In the last five days, I have been on a social media diet, trying to figure out what is most important to me. What feeds my soul. What makes me jump out of bed itching to start my day, ‘with bells on,’ as Mama used to say.
An unexpected change in my plans to attend the New Media Expo Conference, coupled with Mr. bobWP being out of town, gave me the thinking time I needed. That is when it all fell together.
Time is your most precious resource when you are writing a book. And the hours you spend online are subtracted from your daily page count. As I moved from blogging coach to author, I picked up this insight. I knew I was wasting time, but didn’t realize just how much.
So in the last five days, I cut down my presence on Facebook by 75 percent. I opened up my TweetDeck just two times a day. And I took a break from blogging (actually, for two weeks).
Strange things happen when you decide that nothing is going to stop you from writing your book.
What I learned on my 5-day social media diet
Social media encourages me to talk about things, not do things.
It’s a fact of life in the writing world. There are the talkers and the doers. I confess that for a long time, I was in the first category. I spent so much time talking about writing that there was no time left to write.
And it makes sense. Because talking about the writing life is easier than doing the work. If it wasn’t, every wanna be writer in the world would be published.
What it means for me: The realization that talking about writing doesn’t earn me as many points as the writing does.
Cats in sunglasses, political rants and pics of Dim Sum sap my energy.
If you are a curious person, if you enjoy engaging people and hearing what they think about things, Facebook is the ultimate distracter. An interesting discussion starts and, well, I have something important to say about that. And before I know it, I’ve wasted 15 minutes and worse, those message notifications keep pinging me.
Someone else has something to say! I wonder what it is!
Unlike a blog post, where I can consume the content and run, social media platforms like Facebook keep me above the ground, on the grass , when I should be below, deep down under, thinking about my story, plotting how my character will react to what just happened to her in the scene before.
As Kristen Lamb, one of my favorite writer-bloggers said recently,
“I hope these tips help. Now back in your hole.”
What it means for me: I will immerse myself in at least three hours of uninterrupted writing a day and spend no more than 30 minutes on Facebook and Twitter during writing hours, no more than 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at the end of the day.
I don’t need another inspirational quote to remind me to go for my dream.
I say this even though I own the fully annotated, Third Edition of The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. But inspiration for me comes not from reading other people’s words about how I should live my life, but in getting in there, showing up and writing my own words.
What it means for me: I will strive to read fewer quotes and make my own writing inspiring enough that other people will quote me.
My blog won’t get me a publishing contract.
I know, I know. “What about Julie and Julia?,” you say. “That started out as a simple blog and then it became a book and then it became an Oscar-nominated movie with Meryl Streep.”
Oh yeah. That’s right. Like out of a zillion blogs, a couple went on to become best selling books. And they are the ones we talk about. Truth be known, most blogs do not have the potential to become a book.
What it means for me: My blog will continue to be the home base for my author platform. It can be used to attract interest from agents and editors, but the completed manuscript will sell the book.
Marketing works better when you have something to market.
A book is like any other product. To sell it, it needs to exist first. Sometimes, for authors, social media tempts us to get the whole thing backwards.
What it means for me: Writing is the number one priority. Always.
Introverts who write need time, space, focus— and solitude.
This one is huge for me. I know that I am a hard-core introvert, with all the baggage that comes with that. Telling a book-length story requires that I dive deep into the characters’ worlds, that I spend quality time with them, even though, in memoir, I already know them.
What it means for me: I will honor my introvert self by carving out uninterrupted time to think and create.
Doing the work is the hard part.
The phenomenal authors make it look easy. Well, I say, they just must have a natural born talent for this stuff. But this past year has taught me one thing: doing the work is the best predictor of success. They may have talent (or not), but it is the hard work and discipline that got them there.
This Stephen King quote says it all:
“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented from the successful is a lot of hard work.”
Is that stitched on a pillow somewhere? It should be.
What it means for me: ‘Talent’ (and ‘luck’) often manifest themselves through work. The more I write, the more ‘talented’ I get.
Okay. This post was for you. But it was also tough love for me. A little self-directed kick in the pants. (Wait a minute. Is it even physically possible to kick your self in the seat of your pants?)
2013 is going to be a big year. But only if I make it so.
How do you manage the social media madness?
Does the multi-tasking it requires ever wear you out?
How to you make time for yourself and your own goals?
About the author
- More at
Ow, ow, ouch! My bum is now heavily bruised. This post is for me! Big time. I’ve been saying the same things to myself, but myself has not changed one bit.
Today is the day. Thank you Judy, you Dunn it again! You probably hate having your name played with right? Could not resist. See I have very little self-control!
Ok I am done,
Susie
susie klein recently posted..Where I Had A Flashback to Mendocino
Susie,
Haha. Talking instead of doing? I can relate. You know, I try to beat people to the punch when they start the Dunn joke. Once when I was a teacher and I was standing at the copy machine, another teacher said, “Are you done?” I had been married for a few years, so I said, “Yes. I’ve been Dunn for three years.” She squinted at me and frowned. It doesn’t work as well when it’s said out loud. : )
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..My 10 Most Popular Posts in 2012: Want to Find Yours?
Hi Judy – Yeah for you! I agree it’s so much easier talking about writing than sitting down and doing the work. I’ve recommitted myself to my writing this year because it slacked the end of last year. I also agree you need to separate yourself so you can get to know your characters. So important. I’m still on social media, but I too am trying to use it strategically. I think you’re right. This is going to be a fabulous 2013!
Jen recently posted..Is Your Business Mobile, Visual, and Relevant?
Jen,
I know you can relate to this because we have talked about the time management issue before. I’ve decided to be much more strategic about my use of social media and if I miss some things, so be it. And, yes, it’s going to be a fantastic year. Let’s keep sharing notes on our progress, okay?
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted.. Guy Kawasaki Hits a Home Run with His New Book, ‘APE’
“Marketing works better when you have something to market.” Thanks. I needed that.
Bess Gilmartin recently posted..The Pride & Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge 2013
Bess,
Hello. (And thanks for the follow on Twitter. Looking forward to chatting with you over there, too. Yes, the marketing needs a finished product, doesn’t it? I’m getting there!
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..Cowboy Macaroni and Divorcing Witches: The Changing Face of Blogging
Great post. I am very easily distracted on the Internet and social media, there are so many great posts about writing out there that I can easily spend a couple of hours reading through them and then complain that I don’t have enough time to write. I have actually just started blogging myself this week in the hope that the regular posting schedule and the accountability factor will get me back in the swing of things. Now, I’m sure there was something else I was meant to be doing …
Alana,
Congratulations to you for diving into the blogging waters. This is an exciting time for you.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..My 10 Most Popular Posts in 2012: Want to Find Yours?
I agree that the writing is the key to success – but I also think successful management of social media and your(my) online presence is important, too. The difficult part is separating the work of being on social media from the play – discerning whether time spent is an investment or a waste. Blogging and social media go hand-in-hand, in my opinion – how else to share blogs? It’s a dilemma for me as a writer.
Sharon Greenthal recently posted..Mine, All Mine
Sharon,
Nice to see you over here! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you at the FB #GenFab page. And, yes, think you are right. It;’s a prioritization/time management issue (at least for me). I’ve been blogging for 5 years and social media has really helped me in terms of finding new audiences/subscribers. But Facebook in particular encourages the “play,” as you aptly called it. I’m just trying to compartmentalize, which is the story of my life. : )
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..My 10 Most Popular Posts in 2012: Want to Find Yours?
It’s the cats! It’s always the cats. Clear out the cats and the Internet would be a lot more work friendly not to mention have a lot more room for important pictures of….hmmm.
It is amazing how much time is wasted online. The more you need to be online for your job, the more time seems to get wasted with “squirrel” moments as various things distract you. Please report back in a couple months and let us know how well you new regiment is working.
Haha. I hear you. It IS the cats. I’m a sucker for cats.
I don’t know what’s worse. Working for someone else and trying to cut down on the squirrelly behavior or working for yourself and having no one watching you and keeping you in check! I will definitely blog about this experiment again. Thanks for popping in and sharing your thoughts.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..Stuff that Matters: A Blogger’s Creed
This is so true!
Internet-marketing blogs and texts without promoting a tangible product can be a nightmare. And yes, overusing Social Media leads to procrastination :>)
Ellen Dolgen recently posted..Menopause News Flash: Research, News and Information
Ellen,
It was great meeting you on the Facebook #genfab page. What an interesting group over there. I think you are right. Sometimes social media gives us a conveniently, social acceptable excuse for putting off our won writing. Thanks for sharing your wisdom here. : )
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..Cowboy Macaroni and Divorcing Witches: The Changing Face of Blogging
I’m trying the 3/3/3 approach. Every day, first, before everything else, I write for an hour (or until it get 1,000 words down). Next, I market for one hour. And for the third hour, I edit. Sometimes the marketing can take a bit longer than an hour. But I’m trying to learn what works the best—where to spend that hour. Also, marketing can sort of edge into writing emails to people, being on Facebook to see what the kids are up to, but also chatting with other people. Good luck with your new insight. It all sounds good to me!
Jan,
That’s an interesting approach you have there. My problem is that, with the editing, I have to give myself enough distance so when I come back, I can be objective. So I’m writing the entire first draft, letting it sit, and then coming back starting with Chapter One again. I also have a phenomenal professional editor who gives me that extra set of eyes. It’s quite a process, isn’t it? : )
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..A Holiday Wish from the Dunns
Ah, well, the editing is never for the current work in progress. It’s either for another novel or a short story. I should have made that clear. Like you, I plow through the first draft before doing a substantial editing. And I have a fabulous professional editor, too, for when I’ve done as much as I can in that process. Yes, it’s involved, isn’t it?
Thanks for sharing what works for you, Jan. This is my first book, so did considerable “wallowing” before I discovered my process. I can’t say enough about finding an exceptional editor. Victoria Mixon has made the world of difference for me.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted.. Guy Kawasaki Hits a Home Run with His New Book, ‘APE’
Introverts like us do prefer solitude, but we still blossom when our work gets the attention it deserves. In my newspaper years, we referred to it as the “byline fix.” Some needed it daily; others could dive under for a length of time and surface with a special feature and the kudos that it brought.
The draw of social media, for me, and I suspect for many, is the validation. Sure, I like to return the favor and “like” my friends’ posts and pics. But the bottom line is I stopped engaging a long time ago with those among my 300+ “friends” who haven’t validated me when I posted about my published freelance articles and my latest wearable art creation. Just today I had twice as many likes for a picture of a cat up a tree that I merely shared than for one of my “please validate me!”-type posts. That was enough to keep me off Facebook for the rest of the day!
Haha. The cat thing rears its ugly head again. That is the exact problem I encounter with Facebook. Too many people (even biz owners) seem to be on it to share their “silly stuff.” I’m as entertained as the next guy by cats and beautiful castles in Europe, but I lose sight of my goal, the reason I’m on social media in the first place. Interesting discussion here.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..Thanksgivings Remembered
Thanks for the reality check. I was thinking I may be wasting too much time on social trivia…you provided the proverbial kick in the butt to get me to act.
Walt,
Thanks for weighing in here. And, yes, we all need a kick in the butt now and then.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..My 10 Most Popular Posts in 2012: Want to Find Yours?
Judy, So blessed by your post today. I was at the New Media Expo, thanks to you! I saw your post on November 12. I went over to your husband’s blog, entered a comment and won a pass. Now, I am trying to sort through all of the information I gleaned at the conference, as well as decide what is beneficial for me and my readers. I too am easily distracted, wandering from the hard task of writing, by facebook, twitter and pinterest. Thank you for your honesty, exhortation and practical ideas. Now to get the the hard work!
Cathy Horning recently posted..Speaker. Encourager. Writer.
Cathy,
So glad you got to attend the conference. Bob told me how much he enjoyed having lunch with you. For the beginner, NMX is a lot to sort through. And, yes, the hard part is applying it all when you get back. Thanks for visiting the blog.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted.. Guy Kawasaki Hits a Home Run with His New Book, ‘APE’
Very timely post in my life…I want to write a book. I was told to just write one page a day. I am so busy, I have written no pages to date! I am just not sure how to make this work…other than a diet from my full time job! At least you have me thinking!!
Pam,
Yeah, that “just write one page a day” advice can be confusing. For me, it didn’t work too well. First of all, I needed to nail down the theme and message of my book and plan the plot, characters, scenes, and conflicts. Now I have an outline to work by and I wander a lot less.
And, yes, it certainly helps not to have a full-time job at the same time (although the determined authors seem to have succeeded in spite of it). Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. And best of luck with that book!
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..My 10 Most Popular Posts in 2012: Want to Find Yours?
Ahhhh a wonderful New Year reality check! And spot-on as always Judy. I must confess I’ve been on a self imposed social media diet for the past six weeks … first three to do work (write) and the past three to do life (be a person)! My creative well is almost refilled for another year hard at it, but as you say “2013 is going to be a big year. But only if I make it so.” I need to remember this year to tune out occassionally to be at my best for my most
Happy NY
Di Mace recently posted..Editing clips: Inverted commas
Di,
I’ve missed you! Sometimes taking time off is the best way to rejuvenate. We are going to Boston for our daughter’s college graduation in May and I am looking forward to unplugging for a week or so. I don’t know what SIX weeks would be like. Wow.
Anyway, welcome back.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..A Holiday Wish from the Dunns
I’m new to both blogging and GenFab. This post is timely for me. I recently took a 6 week break from Facebook and Twitter, and I was amazed (and embarrassed) at the amount of “free time” I suddenly had. Now that I’m making an attempt to blog AND Facebook, I’m looking for the right balance. In my case, I think I’m discovering that “less is more.” (And in Facebook fashion, I wanted to “like” the section about introverts.)
Brenda recently posted..31 Random Facts About Me
Brenda,
I’m having great fun with GenFab. Still mostly just lurking and getting my sea legs (it’s a lot to take in). What an interesting group of women.
Another 6-week “breaker,” huh? I think what you say about balance is key. And I’m considering (other than the GenFab FB page) substituting Facebook with Google+ for a time and see what happens. I hear there are some very cool author circles over there. Also, if you are a writer/author, you should check out the Boomer Lit group on Goodreads. Lots of people writing from the Baby Boomer perspective and people seeking out those kinds of books to read.
Welcome to the blog and do come back and visit us again!
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..Stuff that Matters: A Blogger’s Creed
“2013 is going to be a big year. But only if I make it so.” Wiser words were never spoken my friend. I relate to each and every point you make (except, perhaps, the introvert part…I’m an ambivert, for sure:)
I didn’t consciously go on a social media diet, but I’ve been blogging less frequently, I pared down my “follow”/reading-to-be-done’s lists and have to constantly remind myself: you need to consume less and produce more…just like exercise! Wonderful, wonderful post my friend. I will be referring to it often as a reminder to myself. Cheers! Kaarina
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..How to beat the January Business Blues
Oh yeah, rub THAT in, will you? : ) Being an ambivert has to be very cool. You can just use whatever part makes sense for the situation you are in.
For me, consuming less is tied to the platform and whether it tempts my back-and-forth involvement, as Facebook does. Blogs are nice because you can recognize someone’s post, add your two cents and move on.
Here’s to a spectacular 2013—for both of us!
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..Cowboy Macaroni and Divorcing Witches: The Changing Face of Blogging
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..How to beat the January Business Blues
Judy, this is probably the most powerful post I have read in a long time! So timely for me and obviously, many others. 2013 does feel like the start of something big but only if we show up and do our work, whatever form that takes. Completing your book will be a success for you, but also for the rest of us. Thank you, in advance!
Colleen,
Wow. Thanks. And, yes, most definitely. It can apply to whatever one’s “most important work” is.
Thanks for your words of encouragement and best wishes for a successful new year!
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..My 10 Most Popular Posts in 2012: Want to Find Yours?
Your post speaks to me because I noticed my blog commenting was preventing me from getting enough done. It wasn’t that I dislike doing it, but that I looked at how much time was involved and it was too much.
Action requires more than intent so here we are.
Josh recently posted..Write For People And Not For SEO
Josh,
First of all, I love the title of your most recent post. BobWP always stress that point in his workshops. I need to pop in and visit that post.
And, yes, I failed to mention blog commenting, which can also eat up the time. For me, I’m deciding on a strategic plan for that, too, based on my goals as an author. We just can’t do everything, can we?
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..A Blogger’s Dictionary: First Edition
You are so right with this blog post. I read it and read it again saying YES! Thanks for encouraging me to see this truth!
jean Wise recently posted..Katching Kindness
Jean,
Thanks for stopping by. Now we all need to just go out and give our collective selves a kick in the pants, right? : )
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..My 10 Most Popular Posts in 2012: Want to Find Yours?
Tru dat; social media encourages me to talk about things instead of doing them. I started my ‘diet’ about early November and started paying more attention to my day job. Let’s just say my brain doesn’t feel like mush and I finished up the year fantastically.
Correlation? Who knows but I’m excited about 2013 and we will just have to see where it takes me.
I guess this might kick us off Danny’s list, huh?
Bill Dorman recently posted..Treat your blog like the dog that it is
Bill,
November? Well then. You are way ahead of me with your SM diet. Part of mine has been dropping off my commenting on other blogs until I can figure out my goals for 2013. I am sure I have missed a lot of good stuff over at your house.
And, NO! This does not get us kicked off Danny’s list! Once on, forever on, no? Seriously, I think that my decision will just make me a better blogger because I won’t be so distracted by Facebook, etc.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..A Holiday Wish from the Dunns
Hi Judy,
As I’m currently in a daily battle to stop myself getting sucked into the social media circus, this post is music to my ears – at least, it makes me feel less alone in the struggle. It’s amazing me just how much time blog commenting eats up – I was thrilled when I started to get comments on my own site, but the time it takes responding and making reciprocal visits is frightening. I’m trying to get more disciplined about it, but it’s not easy. And the trouble with ‘diets’ is that you then end up with a backlog.
I often feel like I’m being ‘driven’ – maybe I need to take hold of the steering wheel and just put my foot on the brakes from time to time.
You’ve inspired me to make more of an effort to keep it all under better control, so thank you for that.
Sue
Sue Neal recently posted..Is This Mistake Ruining Your Chance to Make Money Blogging?
Sue,
Boy, I hear you. I’m considering taking an online class called “Author Platform” that promises me I’ll figure all this stuff pout and develop a plan that works for me. I think it’s all about creating priorities and sticking to the schedule one draws up.
If I do, I very likely will be blogging here about the results. Thanks for weighing in.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..Stuff that Matters: A Blogger’s Creed
Fabulous post Judy. I’ve gone through these bouts myself. I especially love your comment about inspirational quotes. I never thought of it that way, but, oh how true!!
My social media solution is to prioritize my young children and my writing. Everything else comes after that. I also “rank” social media in terms of its value to me. I usually spend the most time on other blogs, interacting with other artists and writers. After that, it’s Twitter, for the same purpose. Facebook is more social for me, and most of my connections there are people I know in “real life”. I go there when I have a free minute or two, not even every day. It works for me.
Lisa Ahn recently posted..Wing-Feather Fables: The Fates
Lisa,
Well, now. You have kids to throw into the mix. That makes it even more challenging.
I have come to much the same conclusion about Facebook. And now, I read that as few as 10% of my updates are getting to my FB friends? Hardly seems worth it. My posts are being shared more on Google+ these days and though I joined, I haven’t been very active. I am going to step up my participation there, because it seems like more “professionals” use it, and scale back my Facebook time to see what happens. And I agree about Twitter, especially since I created a column on TweetDeck for writers and weeded out some of the inactive and “robot” followers.
Thanks for adding to the conversation, Lisa.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted.. Guy Kawasaki Hits a Home Run with His New Book, ‘APE’
Judy, have you noticed that many bloggers in your community are all have similar life affirming moments? Well, I have. I chock this up to growth. Many are maturing as content producers. The volume has gone down significantly but the quality has increased substantially.
I haven’t taken a hiatus but I have “slowed my roll” in a big way. There are a few things I need to get done this year, however, blogging is still a priority because it’s about the content, ideas and testing my thinking that is the value this forum brings me. My intent remains to engage to ensure I continue to learn and grow as a designer.
I have my go to places. This will remain one of them. Cheers!
Ralph recently posted..QOTW 2013: Week 3: What is our obsession with knowing everyone’s preferences?
Ralph,
Yes on the quality vs quantity issue. So much better to have one incredible post a week than five so-so ones. I’m so glad you’ll be sticking around my blog. (Smile.)
And I am sure that you will be keeping the momentum going on yours, especially since you made Danny Brown’s list of bloggers to watch. Congrats on that!
I have decided to take a six-week intensive class on building my author platform and hopefully out of that will come a plan for judicious use of social media and blogging. I’m honored you stopped by, Ralph.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..Stuff that Matters: A Blogger’s Creed
Thanks so much for the post, Judy. I really enjoyed it (and need a good kick in the pants to get myself back up and running at the moment). I’m glad to get a chance to read some of your thoughts, and am really looking forward to starting class with you!
Jay Swanson recently posted..Merry Christmas from Montmartre!
Jay,
Wow. You already found my blog and we haven’t even started the class yet. That’s pretty cool. I’ll have to visit yours nows.
And, yes, I constantly have to redirect myself in the social media arena. That is one of the reasons I signed up for Dan’s class. I know there must be a way to manage it all and I’m sure I will have a plan by the time I finish this course. Looking forward to “going to school” with you, too. I’ll be the shy one who sits in the last row, taking it all in. : )
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..Cowboy Macaroni and Divorcing Witches: The Changing Face of Blogging