Thursday, July 26, 2012

How To Use Today’s Technology To Benefit Your Writing Career


I’m part of a generation who had to actually wait at home by the phone if I was expecting a call. Worse than that, if I sent a query to an agent, I had to wait weeks, even months, for a response by snail-mail. What torture. If I had been a nail biter back then, I’d have worked my way to my knuckles in not time.

I love that today I can sit at my computer in South Carolina and see my grandchildren in California via Skype. Now that’s priceless.  I can sit in my car, on my front porch, or at the park and read a book on my iPhone, check up on sales of my latest novel, post a blog, check in with my friends on Facebook and Twitter, or write and send an email.

So, what about you? Are you taking advantage of this technology to benefit your writing career? If not, here are a few way you can start. 

First, keep up with updating any files and programs you have. Set your computer for automatic updates and you won’t miss any. When you plug in your iPhone to charge, connect with iTunes and check for updates. I know the ‘app store’ will alert you of any updates, but make sure your entire phone is up to date. These updates not only help to speed up your computer and hand-held devices, they also keep all of your apps up to date and add any new time saving features.
Second, check your pages often. We have this technology, so let’s use it. If you have a website or blog, check for feedback and comments then respond immediately. A quick response makes the reader feel his/her comment was as important to you as it was to them. That is how you acquire loyal followers.
Third, take advantage of the perks. We have so many social networking sites (next week’s blog) that keep you connected to family, friends, readers and followers. Get on those sites and connect with the world. For example: if you are looking for a publisher, type ‘book publishers’ in the search box and be astonished at the number of results you’ll have to choose from.

Thank God for those wonderful ingenious people who invented modern technology. I love it! Today, we can connect with anyone, anywhere, and at any time. I not only find this new technology helpful and convenient, but also absolutely necessary. I, for one, would be lost without it.

What is your take on the latest technology? Have I missed anything? If so, I’d love for you to let me and all my readers know.

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