Facebook. My Latest Adventure.

         This month we will be talking about internet resources we use for writing. I feel as though we are still talking about distractions. So often the internet becomes a distraction for me. I constantly check my email. I visit websites. I get lured into reading blogs. Not to mention the online workshops and chat sessions. Is it any wonder that this great tool is also at times a great dristraction?

         But I am a product of my time. I love the technology of our age. I enjoy connecting with people instantaneously all over the world. It’s thrilling that I can make new friends and rediscover old ones whom I’ve lost touch with over the years. That happened just recently not long after joining Facebook, an online social networking group.

         My grown children convinced me to join Facebook. As soon as I joined, I wondered why I’d hesitated. Then, when I saw how much time it sucked from my day, I wondered if I should delete it. As with all things in my life, I realized I needed to find that balance that allows me to enjoy productive work time alongside my playtime. I’m glad I did. There are several benefits I would have missed had I arbitrarily dismissed Facebook out of my life. One of which was reconnecting with a dear friend whose email I lost several years ago. Through her, I rediscovered several other mutual friends. Like I said, I love technology!

         But what does that have to do with being a writer? At first glance, not much.

         Look closer.

         Writing is a solitary business. We create entire worlds in our minds, but if we expect to share them with others, we’d better spend a good amount of time sequestered away with our notebooks (paper or electronic, it matters not). Sometimes that gets lonely. Reaching out and connecting with a live person over the internet can be refreshing. An added bonus is that I control when and how long I visit. Unlike the friend that just did not seem to comprehend I write during certain hours, I can control which online friends I talk with and when. I have even been known to ignore an instant message chat. Not often, but I always have that option.

         Facebook is also a quick and easy way to keep up to date with all my friends (at least all those I’ve convinced to join Facebook ). As soon as I log in, I see whatever they’ve written on their status update. I can see that status and comment on it in one central place. So much faster than email! It’s like living in a giant house and saying, “Hi! Good job.” or some such thing to a friend as I pass by her on my way to my own activity. Those little touches are what build and maintain relationships. At least for me. Facebook allows me to give and receive those little touches of friendship even when separated by miles and miles.

         Obviously online communication should not be my only connection with those I love (and it isn’t!), but it certainly stretches and complements the impact of those face to face times. And it makes it so much easier to stay in touch with those far away. As long as I can stay on top of the time spent there, I’m going to continue to enjoy Facebook.

         And I’m only now starting the think about how to use it as a writer. Should I create an author page? Look into creating an application that advertises me and my books (whenever they get finished and published LOL)? Or combine my personal and author site? Like I said, I love technology!

         Do you? Or are you like my friend who refuses to even get an email address because, to her, it separates instead of bringing together?