Though I find it odd to speak to a camera and release the recording for anyone who happens to come across it, I have been posting two videos per day on Instagram and TikTok since July 1st, 2022 (@author.afsgreen).
I post one video about my existing publications — including seven issues of Second Draft Journals — and one video that serves as a book recommendation every day. Much to my surprise, I’ve received a few comments from bestselling authors! Lisa Genova (author of Still Alice and Every Note Played), Michelle Good (author of Five Little Indians), Alka Joshi (author of The Henna Artist and The Secret Keeper Of Jaipur), and Cheryl Diamond (author of Nowhere Girl), liked and commented on my reels (I post the videos on both platforms, but I received their comments on Instagram). How extraordinary that accomplished women listened to my comments and reached out to me from near and far!
A Shift In Social
I’m enjoying connecting with people online, but it’s strange to think about how things have changed. There was a time when no one would use their real name or show their face, and now, it seems to be the thing to do.
I wonder what our ancestors would think about such connectivity? Even those who worked in publishing pre-internet or in the Golden Age of Hollywood would be blown away by the fact that we can reach out to those who inspire us and whom we admire around the clock. It really is extraordinary.
For all the negativity that surrounds social media (yes, there is a lot of it) and our reliance on technology, instant connectivity is the obvious silver lining.
What is your favourite social media platform?
*The image used in this blog post was generously provided by dole777 on Unsplash.
**This blog post also appears on The Write Results.