laurensabel:

I’ve given a lot ofthought lately to what it means to have an online presence. The truth is,publishers expect it from writers. But what if you’re not a natural socialnetworker?

It’s not that I’m anti-social.I love speaking in front of audiences, I actually crave the energy it brings me- and I love writing from the creative parts of my mind. These two things bringme great joy. But since I already write fulltime for a living, writing more seems like a hassle rather thansomething fulfilling I can bring to my life. This is the truth.

However, I’ve come torealize that I need to have some sort of presence online, and for me toconsistently bring my authentic self to the internet, it has to be in a waythat is truly FULFILLING to me. Writing my books is fulfilling, and teaching isfulfilling, and talking to people is fulfilling. In fact, I love talking to myreaders, other writers, anybody - either teaching and lecturing, or just hangingout and chatting, but when I write blog posts on the computer it just feelslike work.

That’s why I’ve beenthinking so much about this lately, and the only thing I keep coming back to isthat I need to create an experiencefor myself online that I can’t or don’t get anyway else.

Personally, I have nointerest in posting about my breakfast foods or how standing in line at mylocal store is annoying (although I admire people who can make that stuff worthreading about). Last Spring, I tried posting a million posts about my book thatjust came out (in case you missed it it was called LIES I LIVE BY) or the book trailer I made to go with it, but IBORED MYSELF.

I keep coming back tothis: I’m a poet at heart. If writing books is like going on a fabulousvacation, then writing poetry is like settling into myself by a quiet river.

Poetry makes its way intoall of my books, and ever since I have embarked on a full-time writing career (andhad kids) I have not taken the time to write poetry. So that is where myauthentic heart, and worthwhile online experience, lies. Making the onlineworld a holy place to write and share poetry makes it attractive to me. “Let’sgo there now!” my soul yells.

But what does it have todo with writing young adult thrillers? EVERYTHING. Because all of my writingcomes from the still place inside myself where poetry lives.

Knock Knock?

I’m home.