The Social Media Fear Monster

Fear is a funny thing. It usually crops up when it’s least welcome, and stays just long enough to keep you from doing something important, before dissipating like the morning fog, only to return when you’re driving at night. Fear is a fickle mistress that most of us serve more than once in our lives, often needlessly. I can openly admit that my foray into Social Media has been accompanied with a significant amount of fear, and I’ve been working hard to overcome this fear. The fear that my tweets aren’t interesting (I try to maintain a 50-50 level – if half of them are interesting, I win.) The fear that someone will misinterpret an @mention, and I’ll be blacklisted from ever working in the industry because I’m afraid of turtles and they were a turtle in their past life (there’s a HUGE amount we don’t know about the people we’re tweeting at). The fear that I’ll make a big fat spelling error (done) and misuse my punctuation SO badly that no one will ever read another script from me. The fear monster that lives inside me is ravenous and irrational with a +56 self doubt shroud. I’ve tried several techniques to combat the fear monster, but they all have varied side effects, and occasional residual scarring.

First I tried succumbing to the fear and keeping quiet. The idea was that my absence would simultaneously make me mysterious, whilst also causing waves of desperation from all those who were surely basking in my droppings of daily wisdom. However, it seems no one’s existence was shaken when they didn’t hear whether I chose the apple fritter or the blueberry muffin, or how many times I saw Inception that weekend. My absence did not bolster my mystique, it just made people forget about me.

I decided to use external substances to combat my fear of tweeting. Unfortunately, one too many mojitos plus copious tweets only results in two advil, a severe case of tweeter’s remorse, and a flurry of Direct Message apologies to anyone who may have been online at 3:07 AM that night. Again. Very. SORRY!

Next I decided to try and find a digital “look”. Just like writers in LA all wear Chuck Taylors and casual blazers, (right? Yup, I see you in the corner slipping your shoes off!) and Flavor Flav never leaves home without his clock, I needed something to distinguish me. Why couldn’t I apply the same principle to Twitter? I could be the girl with the Simpson’s character as her avatar. Just like all my friends. Wait, what?! Ok then, I could be the writer who only tweets in poetry. But nothing rhymes with “Pint of Stella” except “bread with Nutella”, and we all know the rules about food tweeting, so I’m screwed there. It seemed every “digital look” had already been taken, or would be way too labour intensive to keep up.

This brings me to now. I have no theory. No battle plan. I just go into every day and tweet and facebook and blog. I tweet at people who I KNOW will never tweet back. I talk about things that are sometimes completely uninteresting. I run silly logline contests to save me from customer service suicide. Sometimes there is backlash. Often I ruffle feathers (more often than not, my own) but still, I forge ahead. I have made some great contacts, some wonderful friends, and some very interesting assumptions all due to Social Media. I may not have a battle plan, but I definitely get +5 stamina every time I look back and see where I’ve come.

-- You’ll have to excuse the gamer references, I’m uber geek this week --

What I want now is to hear your best and worst Twitter stories. How have you conquered The Fear Monster? Or maybe you don’t have one, and you tweet with pride and courage every time? Has Social Media gotten you into trouble? Has it advanced your career? What is the most ridiculous/awesome/embarrassing/scary thing that’s ever happened to you because of Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, or any other form of Social Media?

Hey, @JaneEspenson came to #Scriptchat, so we all know anything is possible!

From Tweeter to Radio Guest to Coaching Writers... You Name It, Social Media Can Make It Happen

Today I was a guest on my first blogtalkradio show… a first of hopefully many.  How did I get this opportunity?  Twitter. 

I met Deb Ecklerling on Twitter a few months back, and we immediately clicked.   The synergy of her website, Write On Online, and ours is perfect, so we thought we’d lend each other a hand. 

First, I wrote a post for her site: Write On Along: Advice from the Experts – From Writer to Tweeter. 

Then yesterday, she asked me to be her guest on her blogtalkradio show she hosts with Marla Martenson, called Dream It, Then Do It.   We talked Twitter, writer insecurities, and yes, I even managed to bring up tequila.  Marla and Deb (shown right) and so fun, the time flew by!

Check out my appearance HERE.   Disclaimer: I sound 12.  Just sayin’.

But here’s some other VERY exciting news for all us writers who are floundering trying to figure out how the hell to make money at this (and I include MYSELF in that mix):

Deb is launching a new service as a coach for writers!  Her new site is Write On Track LA, but you don’t need to live in LA to get her help. 

Basically, she’ll have a one-on-one call with you to find out what your writing goals are, then offer advice on how to reach them, as well as follow-up calls to keep you on track.  

As some of you know, I’m a BIG fan of getting a professional’s help, be it for script consulting or career consulting.  Let’s face it, we can’t often see the forest through the trees.   So, if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want to feel alone in your career path, give Deb a jingle.

And don’t forget, you’re never alone on Twitter.  We follow you everywhere – mwhahaha.

@jeannevb

A Year Down the Rabbit Hole.

I've been using Twitter for over a year now. Do you know where it's gotten me? EVERYWHERE! Do you know where else it's gotten me? NOWHERE. Let me explain.

The benefits:

Twitter has created a whole new realm for me. I have a writing community to fall back on now - Scriptchat whut?! - They encourage me, challenge me, keep me accountable, and make sure I'm alive when I work so many double shifts in a week that my web presence goes from 120 to 2 in t-minus ten seconds. I have access to insights from people working in the dream spots, like Jane Espenson, John August, Diablo Cody. Sometimes one of them will even throw you a digital bone and drop in on a Scriptchat evening, or maybe someday join all us crazy Canucks (and non-Canuck friends) when we have a GLUSH party for an awards show.

Twitter has won me one of my closest writing friendships thus far, and given me an easy way to contact people I respect, locally, without being invasive. It's also won me two free reads, and a whole lot of blog traffic. Twitter has opened the door to a whole new way to network. It's a pre-introduction, if you will, to the people I am not near and dear enough to, to meet in person. I may only be a name and an avatar for the moment, but when I walk into that writer bar in Toronto, or into screenwriter karaoke in LA, buy a pitcher and say "Hi, I'm Rachel Langer" I KNOW that a few people will know at least a part of who I am.

The downside:

Twitter makes it REALLY easy to hide. I can hide behind my keyboard. I hide behind my avatar picture when my straightener breaks or I am having eyelinerFAIL. I hide behind my cheeky remarks or retweet other people's gems when I am having an off day. I can network from the comfort of my hoodie and striped pajama pants.

Derek and I recently went to a gala for a short film competition that we didn't quite get into. The films were great, and the evening was awesome. My networking skills on the other hand? RUSTY. I almost wished I could communicate with everyone in the room via my iPhone. I know that's a little overboard, but I really had to work to remember the codes of conduct that sometimes I forget exist in "the biz". Fortunately I had some great people looking out for me, and we muddled through.

The point:

...of what I am trying to say is just this. Twitter (and social media in general) is an invaluable tool. As a newbie or an experienced writer, you have access to so much that just isn't available without wifi. It can open doors, windows, and occasionally knock down a full on brick wall. It is yet another stairway to the infamous doorway "in" to the business. What it isn't? A substitute for real life. It cannot teach you how to interact in person, and don't be fooled, there will ALWAYS be that kind of interaction as a writer. Twitter cannot make your life happen, it can only facilitate your skill set in a different way. Allow social media to be another gateway to connecting with writers, friends, and finding your voice. One entrance to the Stargate, if you will. Just don't forget your map back to YOUR reality. The tangible life where you eat sleep and drink. The tangible and the digital you are only parts of a whole. The two pair just like a cab sauv and porterhouse steak. DELICIOUS. I wonder what will come next to be the cheesecake?

We're Everywhere (Almost)

I came across this excellent post listing all sorts of Social Media sites and their various uses. A common misconception about SM is that all of the facilitation platforms are the same and can achieve the same functions. This is a definite myth. There are many sites that can be used for various functions, and can often even compliment each other. Jeanne and I use Twitter religiously, and it facilitates traffic to this blog, we've also started a network on NING, which you should all join! Many bloggers use flickr to show off their photos. Experimenting with the different formats of Social Media can be time consuming, but its like unlocking trophies on your PS3, it feels SO good.

In addition to this blog, you can currently find us on:

Twitter
NING
Facebook

..and eventually many more!

Be Your Own Brand - But Tell Us About It!

Once I was once just a voice in the crowd. Now I am my own brand.

This is the power of Twitter and social media. It used to be that branding oneself was done in a boardroom full of high powered executives with all the money, all the resources and all the Armani this side of the Atlantic. Your brand was chosen for you based on what would sell, and how easily you could slither into those leather pants in that high powered Cola-sponsorship ad.

Well my friends, the times they are a-changing.

It is no longer just pop stars and fast cars that have the accessibility to brand themselves. Thanks to social media, we all have that choice. It may take a lot of leg work and a little pizazz, but each of us now has access to a platform which allows us to choose how we present ourselves to the world. As a writer, I now have the opportunity to show you who I am, allow you some insight into my world, or tell you a story. Not only can I brand myself any way that I choose, I can create a new brand if I don't like any of the existing products!

Perhaps I'm waxing philosophical here, so I'll try to bring it in. What I'm getting at is that we are interested in hearing your Social Media love stories. How has Social Media changed your life? How has Twitter provided direct success? Motivation? Community? We want to to hear your firecracker of a story, your fail-whale of a tale. Tell us how you fell in love with Twitter, or what Social Media has done for you lately. Tell us what your dreams are for the future.

If you would like to write a guest post for this blog on how Social Media has changed your life, please email us at SMwriters@gmail.com we can provide you with a topic to write about, or if you have an amazing tale that is dancing on the tip of your tongue, let us know. We can't wait to hear from you!

Social Media and the Creatives by David Spies

If you’re one of the millions navigating the social media highway, there’s no definitive route. Social media is ever-expanding. Think the “Big Bang Theory” with a bazillion “1’s” and “0’s”.

Now think about the content you have to offer your potential audience... It can get a little overwhelming. That’s why it is best to have a social media plan to help you navigate the many different media outlets that are available. Have you claimed your handle (company name/personal name) on various social networks? Here’s a great tool (NameChk) that lets you see if your name is available.

It’s definitely a good idea to secure your name/company brand name on the various social networks that are currently available. This will ensure that you have a wide-ranging platform to get your message out there.

Social media and the ever-expanding list of social media platforms lend itself to creative entrepreneurs searching for the audience they deserve. Writers, screenwriters, filmmakers and authors around the world are embracing social media for the outlet that it provides. Social media sites allow millions of people from all backgrounds the access to present and share their work with the world. People can connect with individuals, sign up in groups with a similar interest of study, and join discussions to share ideas. The possibilities are limitless.

If you’re an individual that likes to take charge and have basic knowledge of websites/html, a blog is another great way of sharing your ideas and talent with the world. In addition to providing updated posts to your own blog, many bloggers welcome feedback and comments on their posts as well. When it comes to sharing ideas of inspiration and knowledge, it’s a two-way street. If you find that someone has taken the time to not only read your material, but has also provided feedback or a comment, it’s a social media common courtesy to reciprocate with some form of communication.

Whether you’re ramping up a social media platform for a new book, a screenplay, or you just finished a short movie, you’ll have to apply your brand image into your communications. Once you start communicating material to your audience, you’ll want to ensure that your messages are clear and concise.

Think of social media as your neighbor. You may see them every day, or even better, they may see you. My point is you don’t necessarily have to have a strategy plan to execute every single piece of information. Just be yourself. Being able to recognize the long-term value in relationships is the key to securing a good name for yourself in the social network you create.

Social media provides people the opportunity to connect with individuals they never would have if it were not for the Internet. You may find yourself conversing with many different people from all backgrounds and skill sets. You may even receive praise or a note of encouragement from a celebrity. Believe me, this does happen. One thing that you want to always practice is professionalism. Treat others how you would like to be treated, with respect.

It’s been almost a year since I started my twitter account. In this last year, I’ve made numerous contacts in the writing community, the film industry and various other industries across the globe. It has been a wonderful, learning and growing experience.


In the last two years, I’ve written two feature-length screenplays and one sitcom pilot. This year I decided to enter a couple of screenwriting contests. I’ve entered my recently completed feature-length comedy (Film Festival) into Scriptapalooza and after a careful and calculated rewrite; I’ve also entered my horror screenplay (Sasquatch the Movie) in the BlueCat Screenplay competition. In addition to being a practicing screenwriter, I’ve built and maintain a screenwriting blog at: http://davidspies.wordpress.com/

I enjoy sharing my knowledge and the articles I write with other writers and the many creative’s that visit my blog. I’ll continue to dedicate the time I have to write and share my inspiration and thoughts with the world.  


What social media means to me: connecting with people, forging friendships, helping others.

-       

      David L. Spies (@davidspies) 

Twittastic! The Evolution of a Love Language.

Since I became a Twitter junkie a little over a year ago, I've had to learn yet another new language. Technically, I'm mono-lingual in the traditional sense. Yes, I can ask where the bathroom is in both French and Spanish, but conversationally I only speak English without embarrassing myself. In the online world, however, where I can exist with my avatars as a reflection my residual self-image (thank you Morpheus), I speak several languages, and Twitter is one of them.

With the rise in popularity of social media, almost everybody knows the common words and phrases. "Status Update" "follower" "tweet" but once you truly immerse yourself in the culture of the social media forum of your choice, you begin to notice common trends, abbreviations, words, and even punctuation that can nuance 140 characters with all manner of meanings and subtext. One of my favourite trends is that of hashtagging for emphasis. If you've checked out either mine or Jeanne's feeds, you will notice we both make use of this device frequently. The original purpose of a hashtag was to create an instant link that can be used to follow a topic. For example, if I were to tweet this:

"I'm so excited to watch #TeamCanada play in the #Olympics today"

You would be able to click on both "TeamCanada" and "Olympics" and bring up all tweets that have those words tagged with a #. A few of us have chosen to take this idea a little bit further, using a hashtag to emphasize even the most obscure word combinations, in order to prove a point. For example:

"I've been working on this scene for six hours. #NewbieWriterFAIL."

Technically this defeats the purpose of tagging a common thread and adding your thoughts to the collective. It does, however, create a cheeky way to add a subtext to an otherwise boring tweet, and if you use Twitter like I do, to ask your community for assistance without having to phrase a direct question. If I were to tweet this, I could guarantee I'd get at least two or three replies and possibly a direct message from my writing community asking what I was struggling with and if they could help.

My point is, don't be afraid to immerse yourself in a culture even if you don't understand it right off the bat. If you can handle yourself with an open mind, it will always be worth your while. If there are any questions regarding Twitter Lingo in the future, I'm sure Jeanne and myself would be happy to translate wherever possible.