I brought a typewriter to college my freshman year.  It wasn’t just the times.  I was probably one of the last college students to let go of the writing tool I felt comfortable with.  When I turned in my first paper, my professor wrote a clear, direct note at the bottom: “Next time you will use a computer.”

So it’s no surprise I’m a reluctant convert to social media.  I like to hang back when new technology comes out, waiting to see what benefits it might bring.  A little like the Amish, who evaluate new tools like rollerblades or the telephone, and decide whether the new invention will bring them closer together as a community or not.

This blog came first – not so different from writing I’ve done all my life, a fairly comfortable space. Then I got used to Facebook.  I resisted Twitter as long as it seemed professionally possible.  But just like my college professor in 1987, my publisher and agent gave me stern instructions to get on the bandwagon and start tweeting.  Most of it still seems like mumbo jumbo, but yesterday I realized the immense power of a single tweet.

Because of one tweet, I got booked on WGN radio in Chicago.  A thoughtful parenting blogger wrote a stellar review, which mentioned Free Range Parenting guru Lenore Skenazy.  Lenore saw the review and wrote a short tweet: “Sounds like a good book!”  Because WGN follows Lenore, they paid attention and booked me.  Now I understand.

So now I’ve seen the power of this odd, new tool.  I still don’t care for it, but I’ve experienced its power and relevance to my writing life.

Is social media helping your writing?  Or distracting from it?