When ‘A’ is for awkward

Peak awkward. (Screenshot by me.)

Writer’s lifts. Follow for follow backs. Tagging games. Social media can be fun, but it can also sometimes feel like being in the middle of a massive party that you weren’t quite invited to but are somehow attending.
 
Perhaps it’s because I’m a Geriatric Millennial. Or it might be because I was taught that ‘good girls’ need to wait their turn before making comments. (Yes, there’s a lot more to unpack there but this a blog, not a manifesto.) I’m not necessarily shy when I post but I do sometimes wish I had more guts, so to speak, when it comes to putting myself out there. 
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​So why don't you just do it?

Well for one thing, it goes completely against my nature to barge into what I often perceive as the middle of a conversation. (I’ve tried figuring out when conversations actually begin on certain platforms and I’ve never been successful.) Secondly, I often don’t think that what I have to say will contribute in any meaningful way and therefore staying silent is the best course of action. 
 
Alas, I just don’t an iota of influencer in me. 
 
I am concerned that this could impact me when it comes to marketing my work. Currently, I have one book out in the world and plan to release another before the end of the year. I’d like to think that they will sell themselves, but we all know that’s not how the world works today. 
 
Earlier this month, I did try to engage more. I told myself I needed to create more posts, follow more folks, and make more comments. 
 
Reader, it drove me to the brink! Being on social media almost constantly throughout the day affected my mental health so negatively that I had to take an entire weekend away from all of my accounts, this blog, and my website. (This is why there was no post last weekend.) 
 
So, I am exploring other ways to get the word out about my work. I’m not deleting my accounts; I do find some comfort in interacting with people I’ve come to see as social media pals. And there is a benefit to seeing what other authors are saying and doing online. I just know now that, moving forward, I need to spend my time online wisely—and a little less awkwardly.
 
A Thing I Enjoyed This Week
 
I’m probably not alone here, but I’m really loving Loki (Disney+). I was a fan of the Norse god long before the MCU (I’ve always had a Thing for bad boys). In addition to the character development, I’m a huge fan of the retro futurism design! The show is fun and very well done. 
 
Until next time, Serrulata pals!  

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