Sometimes I am at a loss about what is the best method for me to use in communicating my ideas to others. I am a writer, so I need to write; and believe it or not—I’d like others to read what I write.
Yesterday, I made my bi-weekly trip to New Sharon and then, Rangeley. I’m managing a grant related to aging in place. I thought about tweeting about it, but refrained. Knowing your demographic is important, at least that’s the wisdom offered by social media gurus, and other marketing “experts.” A good chunk of my demographic is 60-years-old, or older. Since they’re not on Twitter, tweeting does no good. I could use Facebook, but even Facebook has a limited reach, at least from my own experience with the demographic apt to read my blogging.
Press it!!
While the clamor about print’s demise continues unabated, print is still a viable platform. My Sunday b-Section column about Wilton, linking back to my blog, brought a host of traffic. The article also received a favorable response using the social media metrics the newspaper utilizes.
Speaking of print, I have several articles coming in June; one about summer reading for The Portland Phoenix, a feature in Portland Monthly’s Summer Guide issue, on Portland’s literary scene and local bookstores, and another Explore column for the Lewiston Sun-Journal.
I have a book that should be landing in June, too.
Long ago I decided that writing was an act of faith. Faith that someone would find them, faith that someone would read them, faith that they were worth reading, and faith that someone would understand or enjoy them.
It seems your own faith is being rewarded. Keep it up.
Jim, I agree that there is still a place for “print” out there and printing technology makes it less expensive than ever. I just got a mailer for The Moxie Recipe contest and not only was the artistic work done well, the cost to print it was affordable and the product is great to look at, pick up, and hold onto. As LP says, keep up the good work!
@LP
Writing as “an act of faith” is quite accurate, I think. I couldn’t help but think of scripture, Hebrews 11:1 on that one. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
When I took my writing to the next level, back in late 2003/early 2004, beginning to write for the now defunct Portland Pigeon, I had this kind of faith and belief in my writing, long before anything came of it. In fact, one of the woman that was part of this small group of writers, illustrators, and photographers told me not long ago, after Down East published my second Moxie book, Moxie: Maine in a Bottle, “you always had that belief in what you were doing back then (in 2003/2004).”
It’s never easy continuing with things that don’t always offer apparent and immediate validation, accolades, or great financial rewards. In large part, this has to do with how we’re socialized—don’t diverge from the group, taking a different path is a mistake, etc.
There have been times, even lately that I wonder if it’s not all a mistake. Maybe I should do something different. Then I remember someone, like Norm Fournier, and our discussions, and realize that I may never know whether or not my writing mattered. I think it does.
Thanks for your validation, and your willingness to weigh-in on whatever topic I resolve to take on that day.
@JAB
Every book is better in print. The salesmen continue to tell us that digital is better. Heck, with digital reading devices, we can embed videos, other interactive features, all designed to “enhance” the reading experience. Here’s a little secret that some of us, all products of mass education haven’t had beaten out of us by the drumbeat of the techno hustlers—imagination is superior to anything technology can deliver. Engaging that imagination only enhances the experience.
A local bookstore owner told me not long ago that it’s often the younger crowd that comes in and tells her how much they enjoy holding a book. I found this interesting, as the hucksters continually lie to us, telling us that the youngsters don’t want books. Perhaps this will result in a backlash at some point—one can only hope.
I’m glad the materials for the Moxie Recipe contest are looking stellar. Yes, print is still very affordable and the end product is something tangible, not something owned by Google or Amazon, which can be erased at some point if they so desire.