The Bosom Buddy Connection

Photo Credit: McBeth/Creative Commons

While growing up, many of us had “best friends” or at least a close-knit circle of friends. Our “bosom buddies” often shared our interests, kept our secrets, and listened with a well-trained ear.

Today, because of the depth and breadth of social media and online connections, it’s easier than ever before to hook up with like-minded and fun-oriented folks. Granted, some of the relationships aren’t as emotionally satisfying as one-on-one, face-to-face interaction, however, mutual interests and the sense of community are great precursors to lifelong friendships.

I’ve made a lot of friends in the writing community through Facebook and Twitter, two of the social media tools Michael Hyatt recommends for growing our platform. I’ve used both of these for a little over a year, and I’m having a blast. (Let me be clear though: while it’s important to grow our “platform” as writers, I don’t think any social media tool is effective without genuineness and empathy for others. If our “statuses,” comments, and posts are a constant stream of me-me-me, folks are going to see right through that and resent it. Our numbers will only grow consistently if we’re intentionally involved and people-oriented.) Last week, Mary Keeley offered great insight about this subject.

I like the “pages” feature with Facebook because it allows me the freedom to communicate with friends who are interested in my writing news or day-to-day happenings. And actually, I prefer Twitter over Facebook, as far as the ease of popping in and out throughout the day. I find I make better use of my time with Twitter than FB, and I’m able to stay in touch with a wider range of friends because of the way I’ve organized my lists. Also, Twitter moves at a faster, more up-to-the-minute format when organized with something like TweetDeck, HootSuite, etc.

I also enjoy blogging, which I continue to do three days a week (M, W, F), but it does take discipline, focus, and commitment. I like sharing my thoughts and “chatting” with you.

Now, if you’re daunted by social media, you’re not alone. I found the best learning curve (for me) was when I jumped right in. I wasn’t too proud to ask for help along the way, and I’m still learning. (We’re all in this together, and I’ve found that folks are only too happy to lend a hand and answer questions.) *Waving at you, Jill Kemerer!*

I’ve not yet tackled Pinterest. I see what the draw is–organizing our interests in a beautiful bulletin board-like pictorial, but I worry I might spread myself too thin with yet “one more thing” as I write. (For those of you who use it, I’d like to hear your thoughts.)

Since writing is my primary focus, I look at social media as a way to “enhance” the process rather than promote it. That makes a huge difference I believe. It’s not about the numbers (though, yes, I realize numbers are important); it’s about the lasting relationships and the “faces” behind those connections.

Photo Credit: Rakka/Creative Commons

I enjoy the bosom buddy connection with my Facebook friends, Twitter followers, and blog readers.

It’s a blast meeting some of my newer “buddies” (face-to-face) at the American Christian Fiction Writers conferences. Some of these folks I’ve gotten to know through social media beforehand so it’s always a charge when we hook up in person. Generally, there are a lot of laughs when we connect at a large venue like that and we’ve never met face-to-face before. Based on our interaction with one another before conference, we have some idea of what our friends are like.

And I have to say, I’ve never been disappointed. A little surprised maybe, but never disappointed. Like when a lovely friend squealed, “Oh! I thought you were a blond! Are you wearing a wig?”

Nope.

Not blond.

No wig.

No kidding! (LOL!)

******

Have you made some bosom buddies during your writing journey?

What do you think is a key ingredient to lasting friendships?

What aspect about social media do you enjoy the most?

Photo Credits: Creative Commons 

Blessings Always,