Technology - A-Z Challenge, Starting & Sustaining A Writing Career

Many of us sit in front of a computer everyday and we write hundreds of thousands of words each year, but we shy away from exploring all the technology that's out there.

Listen up, writers. Technology is your friend.

It's given us the ability to be but a moment away from others by email and without any delay when we choose to use instant messenger or Skype. Blogging opened a new world to me when I was launching my first book and since then, I haven't looked back. 

There is now an App for just about everything and while it's never prudent to inundate ourselves with doodads, it's wise to work smarter, not harder.

Hootesuite, Tweetdeck and other social media managers help us get the word out in an efficient manner while preventing us from spending all day hanging out in TimeSuckVille. Programmes like iPiccy, Canva and Pixlr are great for making promotional images and messages.

I am barely hitting the tip of the iceberg with the things I've mentioned in this post, but I'd encourage every writer to explore and learn something new each day. The world is an ever-changing place and if you do much of your book marketing online, it pays to know what's happening in the world of technology and how you can use the tools designed to make life easier.

Many writers say they're technological dolts, but I believe know that if you're intelligent enough to craft a story, you've got more than enough brain power to learn how to use something that's meant to make your life easier.

Make a promise to yourself to take on something you fear using. Twitter? Pinterest? Scrivener? Whatever it is, make a bold step for your advancement. What programme have you stayed away from using because you're reluctant to try it out?

Technology is the campfire around which we tell our stories.
                                                           – Laurie Anderson

Once a new technology rolls over you, if you’re not part of the steamroller, you’re part of the road.
                                                           – Stewart Brand