Bonnie Cranmer

Writing and Social Media, A Transition

This past weekend I participated in the 3rd annual Roanoke Regional Writer’s Conference at Hollins University. In the two previous years, I’ve learned from experienced professional writers who shared their passion for the craft and determination to maintain quality in the field.

After two days of reflection on this year’s event, I must share it has gone deeper. I was asked to present on a topic I am entrenched in, Twitter, as just one of the workshops on Writers and Social Media. Social media has overtaken many conversations relating to communications, business and personal connecting, but this weekend’s gathering of well-versed and well-read writers had quite a diverse attraction or aversion to it.

Twitter is not easily explained or even demonstrated. You have to have a desire to understand and participate. I had created what I thought was an easy how-to for new Twitter users, but quickly began to see that seasoned writers may not appreciate the immediacy of a message that is thought, entered, then gone. There is little editing and proper grammar and correct spelling are not requirements of tweeting.

What I now have clarified in my mind is that Twitter is an art form of its own. It is the 140-character invitation to connect. It is a headline to shock, mystify, share, comfort or cajole. It is a beginning, a bread-crumb bird trail to further words which will inform or incite you.

I just wish I had come to this realization last week. So for today, I share my epiphany and announce there are more coming because great writers inspire and encourage. I’m grateful I live in a community overflowing with brilliance!