I only have so much bandwidth. The social shell game continues, and we peanuts are in the hands of the gamester magicians moving the shells around. We just want our peanuts salted, for goodness' sake! But they keep changing the salt shakers.
I’m on Bluesky but I do almost nothing on it. Twitter, even a decade ago, made my brain agitated and unable to concentrate on writing, so I don’t anticipate doing much with Bluesky. I’m querying agents now and many on Query Manager ask for your Twitter handle. There’s no space for other social media sites, though, and I find that slightly annoying.
Out of curiosity, what was so bonkers about the production of Sunset Blvd?
I bet if you put a different social media handle in that twitter spot agents would figure it out.
But re: Sunset Blvd OMG: there was basically no set and no props. Literally one chair the whole show. Everyone wore black and white and there was a FULL STAGE-SIZED LCD screen that went up and down and showed close ups (I'm ready for my close up Mr DeMIlle) of various scenes captured by camera operators on stage, live. There were title credits and closing credits like a movie! And there's a whole number where the lead guy and the company LEAVE THE THEATER and preform while walking along 44th street in Times Square!!!!!!! It was amazing!!!! The more I think of it the more I'm sure it was my favorite production this season. (it's not a good *show* but this production is great.)
I'm enjoying Bluesky, and the early Twitter vibe there with jokes, and the ability to follow a diverse set of folks. See you over there! Bring on the jokes.
Bluesky is no different than Twitter in that the expectation is to share, create and give away for free so that a tech company can benefit and get rich without sharing any of the wealth. At least with Substack and Notes, we are compensated (if we want to be).
I am a writer hoping to break into the MG fantasy market. I used to be on Twitter, but left the moment Musk bought it. Needing a distraction from that evil day two weeks ago, I joined Threads and Bluesky. Though I do have moments of enjoyment, especially when connecting with fellow authors, it always feels like time on there is time I could be writing, querying, or doing other things. Long story short, how important is it for fiction writers to have a large social media following before being published? Do agents really take your social media presence into consideration when deciding whether to represent you?
Kate I very recently moved over to Bluesky. Not sure what to make of it yet, or what I expect out of it. But I’m there… if you have any tips on how to make the most of it, I’m listening.
I enjoy being on Mastodon. There's no algorithms and no rich fucker capitalizing on our posts. I like that I see everything in chronological order. I love that there are so many speculative fiction authors there. In case anyone here is on the fediverse and wants to link up, my link is https://c.im/@Shanmonster
Whichever one the author's readers use. My preferences don't matter in this one. It's more what the author wants to use and what's effective for their (potential) readership.
I love crocheting! It's so soothing! It's how I can watch horror TV and still sleep at night. It doesn't matter that I make the same scarf over and over. Someone always needs a scarf. I'd love to hear what you're making!
I too am making a scarf! I'm practicing some stitches I don't know well so I'm just doing sc in the back and front loops making a kind of stripy rib pattern. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I'm going to try a hat next! And an amigurumi kit with my kiddo!
One of the advantages of Bluesky (and I am the only one who sees it and thinks BLUE-SKEE?) if the platform continues to grow is tying it to Substack. When Elon tried to buy Substack and was rejected, he threw a hissy fit. At first, he wouldn't allow links to Substack at all. He changed that, but if you post a link, it doesn't display the card, and it gets absolutely buried by the algorithm. The only way around it is a custom domain (which Substack annoyingly charges $50 for when they create a text record for a DNS CNAME entry) and I still think those don't get as many eyes.
Thanks - this might just tip me over the edge into eX-X user territory. And i might then be able to stop showering 4 times a day 😆
I only have so much bandwidth. The social shell game continues, and we peanuts are in the hands of the gamester magicians moving the shells around. We just want our peanuts salted, for goodness' sake! But they keep changing the salt shakers.
I’m on Bluesky but I do almost nothing on it. Twitter, even a decade ago, made my brain agitated and unable to concentrate on writing, so I don’t anticipate doing much with Bluesky. I’m querying agents now and many on Query Manager ask for your Twitter handle. There’s no space for other social media sites, though, and I find that slightly annoying.
Out of curiosity, what was so bonkers about the production of Sunset Blvd?
I bet if you put a different social media handle in that twitter spot agents would figure it out.
But re: Sunset Blvd OMG: there was basically no set and no props. Literally one chair the whole show. Everyone wore black and white and there was a FULL STAGE-SIZED LCD screen that went up and down and showed close ups (I'm ready for my close up Mr DeMIlle) of various scenes captured by camera operators on stage, live. There were title credits and closing credits like a movie! And there's a whole number where the lead guy and the company LEAVE THE THEATER and preform while walking along 44th street in Times Square!!!!!!! It was amazing!!!! The more I think of it the more I'm sure it was my favorite production this season. (it's not a good *show* but this production is great.)
Thanks for this, Kate. Helpful.
I just wish BlueSky would run posts chronologically. There’s no way to know whether you’ve caught up.
Afaik Bluesky is chronological. I don’t think anyone ever catches up unless they only follow a handful of people.
i also joined Bluesky in mid 2023 and forgot about it but don’t know what to do with it now so thank you, this has been instructive !
I'm enjoying Bluesky, and the early Twitter vibe there with jokes, and the ability to follow a diverse set of folks. See you over there! Bring on the jokes.
Bluesky is no different than Twitter in that the expectation is to share, create and give away for free so that a tech company can benefit and get rich without sharing any of the wealth. At least with Substack and Notes, we are compensated (if we want to be).
I am a writer hoping to break into the MG fantasy market. I used to be on Twitter, but left the moment Musk bought it. Needing a distraction from that evil day two weeks ago, I joined Threads and Bluesky. Though I do have moments of enjoyment, especially when connecting with fellow authors, it always feels like time on there is time I could be writing, querying, or doing other things. Long story short, how important is it for fiction writers to have a large social media following before being published? Do agents really take your social media presence into consideration when deciding whether to represent you?
Check this out! https://katemckean.substack.com/p/how-to-build-an-author-platform-as?utm_source=publication-search
Remember, regarding platform as a children's author, remember you're talking to parents, teachers, booksellers, and librarians. Not kids directly!
Kate I very recently moved over to Bluesky. Not sure what to make of it yet, or what I expect out of it. But I’m there… if you have any tips on how to make the most of it, I’m listening.
Follow lots of people and use it in a way that you enjoy!
I enjoy being on Mastodon. There's no algorithms and no rich fucker capitalizing on our posts. I like that I see everything in chronological order. I love that there are so many speculative fiction authors there. In case anyone here is on the fediverse and wants to link up, my link is https://c.im/@Shanmonster
I just followed you over there 👉
What site would an agent prefer a client to use? I heard Instagram, but don't know if this is true or not.
Whichever one the author's readers use. My preferences don't matter in this one. It's more what the author wants to use and what's effective for their (potential) readership.
thanks!
Kate, I’m glad I have writing because I really have no crocheting skills . Thanks for your thoughts on Bluesky. I’m there and liking the feel.
I love crocheting! It's so soothing! It's how I can watch horror TV and still sleep at night. It doesn't matter that I make the same scarf over and over. Someone always needs a scarf. I'd love to hear what you're making!
I too am making a scarf! I'm practicing some stitches I don't know well so I'm just doing sc in the back and front loops making a kind of stripy rib pattern. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I'm going to try a hat next! And an amigurumi kit with my kiddo!
One of the advantages of Bluesky (and I am the only one who sees it and thinks BLUE-SKEE?) if the platform continues to grow is tying it to Substack. When Elon tried to buy Substack and was rejected, he threw a hissy fit. At first, he wouldn't allow links to Substack at all. He changed that, but if you post a link, it doesn't display the card, and it gets absolutely buried by the algorithm. The only way around it is a custom domain (which Substack annoyingly charges $50 for when they create a text record for a DNS CNAME entry) and I still think those don't get as many eyes.