The AC Twitter Challenge

I have been on Twitter for a few months and have quickly become addicted. I joined Twitter initially out of curiosity - everyone seems to be tweeting - to meet other gardeners - I write a great deal about gardening - and to promote the various articles that I write. I have not been disappointed with my foray into the world of Twitter. In fact, I have found it a great place to meet people with similar interests and to learn more about my craft of writing.

When I first joined Twitter, I started following AC News, which I learned was the "official AC Twitter feed." From their tweets, I have found other writers on Associated Content, which is always a good thing. AC has other Twitter feeds, too, that are specific to your interests, such as AC_Sports. Just type "Associated Content" into the "Find People" box at the top of your Twitter page, and you will find all of the different feeds for AC.

I have also lured other AC writers onto Twitter. This is really fun, especially when they are not really familiar with Twitter. Of course, this means that you must encourage them on a regular basis. One of my writing buddies - Darlene Michaud -- is one such person. She is, I think, getting the hang of it slowly but surely. Naturally, I was lured to Twitter myself by another friend and AC writer - Lara Molettiere. It seemed only fair, though, since I got her to join AC. I have also found other AC writers on Twitter, including: Zac Wassink, Kofi Bofah, and Carol Gibson. (I also must apologize to all of my fellow AC writers for not being able to mention all of you in this article.) If you think that you cannot find AC writers on Twitter, you should first check their AC profile. More and more AC writers are putting a link to their Twitter page. Another way to find some of your favorite AC writers is to use the "Find People" option again and just type in their name. It is really that easy.

What are the advantages to being a writer and being on Twitter? Well, first, you do meet other writers. Many have some great tips that you can use in your own writing. In addition, I have found that I can get answers to various questions by just tweeting. I have also sent direct messages to some folks and received quick responses. Naturally, you can promote your articles on Twitter. I think that it is great that AC now automatically posts notices of newly-published articles on Twitter and Facebook. (If you have not turned on this option on your AC settings, do so now.) I have gotten new followers from this simple posting. I also have my Twitter set up so that it automatically posts to Facebook, Plaxo, and LinkedIn, as well. Sometimes I will re-post some of my older AC articles, just to remind folks that they are there. This gets me some extra views, too. Do not feel bad, either, about promoting your articles on Twitter. This is a site that really encourages such self-promotion. (By the way, I have read some really great articles by other writers that I may never had seen if it were not for their tweets.)

There is another aspect to Twitter, which can be a real advantage to writers - Twibes. There are numerous Twibes connected with Twitter. I belong, for example, to a writing Twibe and a gardening Twibe. (Actually, I belong to nine Twibes and founded another Twibe - TN_Titans.) You can post notice of articles published directly to the Twibe and can choose the option not to have it posted on your regular Twitter page. I must admit that I do not visit my Twibes as much as I should. I always do well with promoting my articles on my Twibe pages, so I will try to do better.

I would recommend that every AC writer take advantage of Twitter. You can promote your articles, get encouragement from other writers, and just have fun. You can start by following me on Twitter.