I’ve been asked what I learned at the giggle of writers last week so here goes.

We writers must use social media to promote our work and to build our ‘brand’. (Not sure what my brand actually is but I’m hoping it’s pink and fabulous.) To get in the thick of it we’re encouraged to join various social media networks. I can tick off Facebook, although I’m having a great deal of trouble building up a fan base for my author’s page: W. A. Noble. (If you haven’t “Liked” it yet, please feel free to do so.)

I’m already on Goodreads. I joined a year or two ago, as someone who likes to read. Imagine my amazement when I discovered my book is on Goodreads and even has some nice reviews! (Thanks, chaps.) I was encouraged to ‘claim my author page’. “It’s easy,” they said. “Just Google Goodreads, type in your author name, scroll down to the bottom of the page and answer the question, Is this you?, with a yes.” So, I found a page for my book quite easily. I’m on a roll, I thought. Then I searched for my author’s name and was told, “This person does not exist.” Whaaaaat? I tried scrolling down my book’s page and my member’s page but there was no question to answer. I exist but I don’t exist. Gosh, I’m good at this stuff.

We were then given tips about how to write a blog. It seems I’m doing a lot of things wrong. 1) Don’t be negative or complain. Damn, that’s pretty much my modus operandi. 2) Don’t blog about writing. And to think, I was just trying to be helpful . 3) Don’t blog about social issues. But, the issues I blog about are important to me. It’s how my mind works. I care about the world. What is more, my stories include stuff about social issues (in a non-threatening manner). 4) Do book reviews. Alright! I’ve actually done a couple of those. 5) Do movie reviews. The only problem with that is I so rarely go to the cinema. But, I did talk about the movie, The Book Thief… or was that on Facebook? I know I made a brief mention of Ishtar once. 6) Take questions from your readers. I’m happy to do that so ask away. 7) Give book updates. I would if I had something to say. 8) Talk about the theme of your life. Not sure what that is. Any suggestions?

Looks like I’ve either got to do a huge overhaul of the blog, or not bother. At this stage I’m heavily leaning towards, not bother, but if you have any comments or suggestions to make I’d appreciate it.

There was stuff about Twitter, Pinterest and some other thing but I made a mental note right then and there not to go there.

There were some websites listed that should prove helpful so I’ll list them here for your benefit, even though I’m not supposed to give writing tips. www.smallbluedog.com/how-to-market-a-book; www.thecreativepenn.com; www.smashwords.com; www.createspace.com

The biggest thing I learned is that when the younger generation get tap tapping on their computers and use the phrase, “It’s easy”, I know I’m entering a strange and foreign land.