How Can Writers Use Twitter?

Twitter Can Fritter Time Away, or, With Practice, be Useful

May 11, 2009 Pamela Mooman

According to The New York Times, Twitter is “one of the fastest-growing phenomena on the Internet.” TIME Magazine says of the program: “Twitter is on its way to becoming the next killer app.” Newsweek said, “Suddenly, it seems as though all the world’s a-twitter.”

Celebrities use Twitter to stay close to their fan base, whilst other artists, including writers, are using it to try to build a fan base. And of course, some are simply using it to follow their favourite celebrities and stay in almost constant contact with their favourite people.

What Exactly is Twitter?

To begin to experience Twitter, go to Twitter.com. Sign up with an email address, create a password, and that is it. Once in, members of Twitter can invite people to join, and form a network of sorts that can keep the members updated on whereabouts and activities in almost real time. Mobile phone alerts also are available to ensure members are never unconnected.

Similar to the concept of MySpace and Facebook, Twitter can connect people quick-snap; in fact, that is really the purpose of Twitter, although members can enter some personal information and download a photo that appears every time they “tweet,” or make an entry.

How is Twitter Useful to Writers?

Writers, due to the nature of Twitter, can use the program in a number of ways, such as:

• Use it to write a novel, with each 140-character tweet as part of the work as a whole. According to an article by Sarah Weinman called “Are Authors Who Twitter Any Fitter?” in Poets & Writers, May/June 2009, novelist John Wray is doing this, and says it is a good challenge and exercise, as he has to write clear and simple in each entry, without extraneous words.

• Share daily snapshots of their lives with friends, family, and fans, and try to build up a fan base.

• Stay connected to the world at large, and look for moments of beauty. Twitter is rather like a treasure hunt on cyberspace, a treasure hunt for lovely words and thoughts.

The Downside of Twitter

Weinman talked to novelist Tayari Jones, who said she originally signed up for Twitter because it seemed to be the hottest thing around. Jones told Weinman that she has boosted crowds at her readings because of Twitter.

• However, writers must be careful they do not get distracted from the work at hand, Weinman said. “Twitter is a crazy time-vampire,” novelist Jones said.

• Author Amanda Eyre Ward, who eschews direct self- promotion, according to Weinman, uses Twitter instead to connect with readers by writing about moments in her daily life.Einman said Ward thinks connecting with readers on Twitter is hit-and-miss, because there is so much material there, and much of it may not even be vaguely interesting or worth reading.

Twitter is about what Weinman calls “perpetual conversation” and “accidental discovery.” Perhaps writers do not need instant communication with their readers. Perhaps a blog or website is good enough, not to mention a new novel or published work.

Time will tell whether or not Twitter is worth the effort, and each writer must decide what is most important to their career at that moment and point in time. Perhaps more writing and less instant communication needs doing this day.