Friday, March 19, 2010

I *Heart* The Internet

Over the past few years, I've come to see the internet is the author's best friend. Three primary reasons spring to mind, though I'm sure there are others:

1) RESEARCH. I can't believe that once-upon-a-time, not too long ago, I would have to go to a library to research my books. Medical issues, cultural/regional information, historical facts. All of it now, available online, click of the mouse. Saves me a trip to the library, some gas money, and more importantly, time. Amazing. Of course, we have to be careful where the internet information comes from. As I tell my students during their research projects, even a 12-year-old can create a web page these days. So, accuracy and reliability are KEY.

2) FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER (STRUGGLING) WRITERS. Messageboards, blogs, writer-friendly sites - all of it is here, right inside my computer. If I need a question answered about status inquiries, I go to a messageboard to see how other writers are handling it. If I need extra encouragement from other writers, I visit a blog and realize I'm not alone. If I need information on how to write a solid query letter or advice on editing, it's online, too. Everything I need, free and easy.

3) CONTACT WITH PUBLISHED AUTHORS. Just today, I stumbled upon this blog by one of my favorite (British) authors, Raffaella Barker. Her blogs are just as witty as her books. I love how accessible some published authors make themselves (some even have their own Facebook or Myspace pages!), and I enjoy following their writer's journey online. So much fun, to peek behind the scenes and see how things "really" are for them.

I *Heart* the Internet!!

3 comments:

  1. I also love the internet. I've met so many fantastic people that I would never possibly be able to because I live on the other side of the world. Isn't technology great.

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  2. The internet is a fabulous place!!!! You can find anything, befriend anyone... technology is amazing!!!

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  3. True, there is so much info available to us through the computer. And lots of fun ways to communicate with fellow writers. But my feelings fluctuate when it comes to using the internet.

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