Maintaining a web presence is a crucial move for many writers. In order to be read, you have to be out there, but unless you're a mega-author, the only way to get out there is to do it yourself. The internet links people worldwide. It can get tricky when you start devoting a regular time to working online.
Many people can have an active internet life for years without seeing a single complaint from a family member or acquaintance. They are able to do much in a small amount of time. Other writers aren't so lucky. Sometimes they see ridicule and criticism from all those around them every time they get on the internet. It may seem family, neighbors, friends, co-workers, or the entire world is against your progress. How is it possible to keep yourself up virtually without risking everything in reality?
Another concern for the online experience is the capacity for a writer to feel isolated in real life. It comes with the territory. The internet is packed with writers of all genres and interests and once you meet a group of writers whom you feel a kinship with, it's easy to lose yourself in discussion and debate.
Maximizing your internet time is really an easy feat and takes little more than prioritization. There are no mysterious tricks or secret instant servers. This is a helpful look at ways to make your internet time more rewarding, efficient, and worthwhile.
1. The internet is the internet. It is in no way equal, or meant to be equal, to the world outside your door. Of course, you interact with real people online, but they can't possibly be expected to take the place of those closest to you. Use careful judgment with any bridges you decide to burn in real life. You'll always find someone to chat with online that you have many things in common with, not so in the real world.
2. Yes, the internet can help your sales and readership. However, it can also be taking away time from your real life. No matter how many people know you online, it will never equal those in your real life. Would you rather have someone saying they'll buy your book through an email or actually see someone purchase a copy in real life?
3. Prioritize! Don't do everything at once. No one has that kind of time. If you need to, create a to-do list. What must be done today? What can be done tomorrow? You can always plan to help you remember what takes precedence for the day.
4. Make a schedule. Don't just go online and wait for an idea to hit you. Know where you need to go ahead of time. This can save you countless blocks of time and make your work much more worthwhile. Which message boards do you need to visit? Do you need to update your blog? Upload HTML files? Make a list and do it. Then, if you have time, you can waste it doing something frivolous.
5. Write emails and blog entries off-line. If you have a number of emails to write, you can even compose them offline. You can hit the “send later,” option and they will be stored in your Outbox until you are ready to go on. You can create a “journal” file on your hard drive to keep your blog entries in. Write everything down and post in when you have the chance. You can always note it was written earlier if needed.
6. Never exclude reality. Even though you might feel like your closest writing friends are online, don't forget those who know you best. This will often not be seen as anything aside from selfishness by the real persons around you. Make time for everyone who is there when things happen outside the computer.
7. Don't waste time! There's too little of it as it is. This is the most important factor. Downloading music, chatting, hitting the message boards, watching internet videos, it's all good and well. But, time does fly when you're having fun. Save these frivolous activities for when you can enjoy them.
8. Don't go “out there.” Remember you are promoting a product, your creation, not the creator. Don't let pretension become a problem. No matter how many readers enjoy your work, there will always be another author who is bigger, bolder, and more appreciated. Use what you have to your advantage.
9. Your written material is your “art,” not you. You're “presence” revolves around this.
10. Don't be obsessive! You will reach the audience you do, period. Don't push too hard. It takes a long, long time to start achieving popularity in search engines and directories. Be patient and enjoy meeting others you never see in real life. Approach the online world with no solid expectations and a relaxed attitude.
With moderation and a sense of direction, finding time to do everything you need to online can be quick, painless, and without issue. When you start thinking the people who are around you in real life are just, “jealous,” or are somehow wanting to, “hold you back,” you know you are the one with the problem. Take a good look and see things for what they are. The virtual life can be helpful, but it is still virtual.
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