I think Twitter (and other social media) is mostly a waste of time. I don't buy the common wisdom that a huge Twitter following will translate into books sales. Social media addicts are social media addicts. Twitter readers read Twitter. They are not going buy your book. The other authors on Twitter who have bought into the "you need a huge social media following" might buy your book. If they like you and can afford it. They are authors after all (broke or working a day job.)
Live your life. Social media a distraction from living life. Don't give it much of your time.
The key word is "mostly" and sometimes I think it's actually more useful to have a smaller following. The conversations - should you actually have them - seem more authentic and connected. Well, mostly. And there's that word again.
I have found it very hard to have anything more than a "jokey" conversation on Twitter. It is not geared for real interaction. It is more a "performance" medium that encourages meme and shallow responses (don't get me started on the inane questions writers post constantly.) I have had far better conversations on Medium and Substack.
But I agree, a small following on social media is actually a benefit if you are looking for "social" activity. If you are using social media for promotion, or to show a publisher you have a "following", you will be spending way too much time on it. You better love it.
I think Twitter (and other social media) is mostly a waste of time. I don't buy the common wisdom that a huge Twitter following will translate into books sales. Social media addicts are social media addicts. Twitter readers read Twitter. They are not going buy your book. The other authors on Twitter who have bought into the "you need a huge social media following" might buy your book. If they like you and can afford it. They are authors after all (broke or working a day job.)
Live your life. Social media a distraction from living life. Don't give it much of your time.
The key word is "mostly" and sometimes I think it's actually more useful to have a smaller following. The conversations - should you actually have them - seem more authentic and connected. Well, mostly. And there's that word again.
I have found it very hard to have anything more than a "jokey" conversation on Twitter. It is not geared for real interaction. It is more a "performance" medium that encourages meme and shallow responses (don't get me started on the inane questions writers post constantly.) I have had far better conversations on Medium and Substack.
But I agree, a small following on social media is actually a benefit if you are looking for "social" activity. If you are using social media for promotion, or to show a publisher you have a "following", you will be spending way too much time on it. You better love it.