| Maintaining a web presence is a crucial practice for | | | | you remember what takes precedence for the |
| many writers. In order to be read, you have to | | | | day. |
| be out there, but unless you're a "mega-author" | | | | 4. Make a schedule. Don't just go online and wait |
| the only way to get out there is to do it yourself. | | | | for an idea to hit you. Know where you need to |
| The internet links people worldwide. It can get | | | | go ahead of time. This can save you countless |
| tricky when you start devoting a regular time to | | | | blocks of time and make your online work much |
| working online. | | | | more worthwhile. Which message boards do you |
| Many people can have an active internet life for | | | | need to visit? Do you need to update your blog? |
| years without seeing a single complaint from a | | | | Upload HTML files? Make a list and do it. Then, if |
| family member or acquaintance. They are able to | | | | you have time, you can waste it doing something |
| do much in a small amount of time. They can | | | | frivolous. |
| effortlessly produce novel after novel while | | | | 5. Write emails and blog entries in your word |
| updating blogs, web sites, and all else. | | | | processor. If you have a number of emails to |
| Other writers aren't so lucky. You may feel that | | | | write, you can even compose them offline. You |
| as soon as you get online and answer a few | | | | can hit the "send later," option and they will be |
| emails, it's time to do chores or go to work. | | | | stored in your Outbox until you are ready to go |
| You've somehow managed to lose two hours of | | | | on. You can create a "journal" file on your hard |
| time you had hoped to devote to writing and | | | | drive to keep your blog entries in. Write |
| updating your blog. | | | | everything down and post in when you have the |
| There's also the issue of required personal time. It | | | | chance. You can always note it was written |
| may seem family, neighbors, friends, co-workers, | | | | earlier. |
| or the entire world is against your virtual progress. | | | | 6. Even though you might feel like your closest |
| How is it possible to keep yourself up virtually | | | | writing friends are online, don't forget those who |
| without risking everything in reality? | | | | know you best. This will often not be seen as |
| One tricky area for the online experience is | | | | anything aside from selfishness by the real |
| isolation elimination. Feelings of isolation come with | | | | persons around you. Make time for everyone |
| the territory in writing. The internet is packed with | | | | who is there when things happen outside the |
| writers of all genres and interests and it's easy to | | | | computer. |
| lose yourself in discussion and debate once you | | | | 7. Don't waste time! There's too little of it as it is. |
| meet a group of writers whom you feel a kinship | | | | This is the most important factor. Downloading |
| with. | | | | music, chatting, hitting the message boards, |
| Maximizing your internet time is an easy feat and | | | | watching internet videos, it's all good and well. But, |
| takes nothing more than prioritization. There are | | | | time does fly when you're having fun. Save these |
| no mysterious tricks or secret instant servers. | | | | frivolous activities for when you can enjoy them. |
| This is a helpful look at ways to make your | | | | 8. Don't get "out there." Remember you are |
| internet time more rewarding, efficient, and | | | | promoting a product, your creation, not the |
| worthwhile. | | | | creator. Don't let pretension become a problem. |
| 1. The internet is the internet. It is in no way equal | | | | No matter how many readers enjoy your work, |
| to the world outside. Of course you interact with | | | | there will always be another author who is bigger, |
| real people online, but they can't take the place of | | | | bolder, and more appreciated. Use what you have |
| those close to you. You'll always find someone to | | | | to your advantage. |
| chat with online that you have many things in | | | | 9. Your written material is your "art," not you. |
| common with, not so in the real world. There's no | | | | You're "presence" revolves around this. |
| law saying you have to update everything at this | | | | 10. Don't be obsessive! You will reach the audience |
| time or that time. | | | | you do, period. Don't push too hard. It takes a |
| 2. Yes, the internet does help sales and | | | | long, long time to start achieving popularity in |
| readership. However, it can also be taking away | | | | search engines and directories. Be patient and |
| time from your life and writing. No matter how | | | | enjoy meeting others you never see in real life. |
| many people know you online, it will never equal | | | | Approach the online world with no solid |
| those in your real life. You may have 10 blogs | | | | expectations and a relaxed attitude. |
| going at once, but blog posts are not publishing | | | | With moderation and a sense of direction, finding |
| material. Watch that writing time. Be realistic. If | | | | time to do everything you need to online can be |
| you are published, would you rather have | | | | quick, painless, and without issue. When you start |
| someone saying they'll buy your book through an | | | | thinking the people who are around you in real life |
| email or actually see someone purchase a copy in | | | | are just, "jealous," or are somehow wanting to, |
| real life? | | | | "hold you back," you know you are the one with |
| 3. Prioritize! Don't do everything at once. No one | | | | the problem. Take a good look and see things for |
| has that kind of time. If you need to, create a | | | | what they are. The virtual life can be helpful, but it |
| to-do list. What must be done today? What can | | | | is just virtual. The most important stuff will |
| be done tomorrow? You can always plan to help | | | | happen offline. |