I sent a question to my newsletter subscribers and I’m going to post the same question here since I would like to get as much feedback as possible.
I see countless authors sharing much of their lives on social media which has brought me to the realization that I lead a very ordinary life.
I spend the majority of my time writing or on the business end of writing. There is also the typical housework that needs doing and my garden that needs tending and the projects in the house I’m working on. I often fall asleep either watching TV or reading a book. I take an occasional walk on the beach when time allows. I do enjoy spending time with Cree, my German Shephard and Sweetie, the outside cat. I love spending time with family and going out on occasion with a longtime friend. I used to vacation with my family but since covid hit that has been put on hold and I do miss it. Though my life is ordinary, it is full and enjoyable to me. Unfortunately, I don’t think it would spark any interest on social media. Which leads me to the question… what makes you follow an author on social media besides hearing about their books? Pros and cons if any. Please leave your response in the comment section. It will be extremely helpful to me since I flounder when it comes to social media.
In appreciation for taking the time to comment, I will pick one name from the comment section to receive a $25 Amazon gift card. I will post the winner’s name (first name and first initial of last name) here and in my next newsletter. You have until August 23rd to comment. Winner will be notified on August 24th.
Hugs & a huge thanks for the help!
Donna
I don’t follow an author because of their personal convictions – political, spiritual and social. I follow an author because I enjoy what they write and the way they write. I enjoy clean and sexy historical romance – Regency and western.
I usually follow on reccomnded in newsletters or social media. I think it would be awesome for you to do social media. I personally like when authors share tidbits about their life, especially pets and gardening and family.
I follow authors on Facebook to only see when their next books are coming out (or when they are having a sale on a book). I don’t mean to ignore their other post but I’m interested in the book information.
I honestly don’t like to follow authors on social media because I enjoy newsletters more. And if I do follow them on social media it’s because they don’t send out newsletters often so I have to follow them for news on their newest books.
I only follow 3 authors. You were my first when i fell in love with Dawn and Cree! I follow to keep up with your writing and new books. I think your life is full and if you are happy who am i to judge! Enjoy your life, we only have one!
Donna, I find I much prefer your newsletter format to that of social media. I do follow one or two authors on social media, but love (and prefer) your newsy, funny and very meaningful means of communicating what’s going on in your world. I find it brings you much more in touch with your readers who adore you as an author as I do! It’s special and brings us the means with which to come to know you better and on a more personal level! It also brings us closer to knowing what exciting and new projects you are working on! Love it! Hope you stick with the newsletter!
I follow an author because I enjoy what they write , and to see when their next books are coming out.
I follow my favorite authors on Twitter, I don’t use Facebook and only rarely look at Instagram. I mostly follow for new books and updates, recommendations for other authors and any special things going on. I also generally subscribe to their newsletters. A little bit of their personal lives is fine, but to be honest that’s not why I follow.
I so much enjoy your jokes. Especially the one with the elder man fishing in the rain barrel. I really enjoy your writing style. I just ordered the Sinclair Brothers. I am starting book 2 today.
I like hearing about you. I love your books and want to hear what inspires you. When my husband was sick with MS, we would spend a lot of time in the doctors office and hospitals. When I connect to an author, it really helps me. He passed away in December 2016. Now when you share, I get to laugh at your jokes and make a friend. Thank you for writing such great books.
I don’t follow any authors except through their newsletters, Bookbub or Goodreads as I am totally social media ignorant.
I have read all your books. Cree and Dawn are my favorite -I can’t get enough of them. I find your writing style extremely appealing, making each character fully defined. When I’m reading about your characters, I feel I am watching from a distance, everything visualized in my mind.
Social media is a slippery slope, but I would follow you. I adore your newsletters.
The truth is Donna you are my way of getting away from it all.. I also live a quiet life..retired and your books fill my void perfectly..have a great week!!
I follow the Author regarding their writings. Don’t need to know every personal detail of their lives, only when it relates to how they find their material for their stories.
Sounds like your life is wonderful, very real, not fiction. Enjoy it and don’t change a thing unless you want to. Your privacy belongs to you!! Always love your books, especially Cree! Love that you have your very own CREE! ?????
I follow other writers to hear about the books current and coming soon books
I usually just follow my favorite authors. And some get newsletters. I don’t really have time for social media keepin up wth my kids and family is enough on Facebook.
I don’t follow my authors on social media.
1. Too hard to shift thru the junk.
2. To many political views.
4. Too impersonal
5. I love my authors and don’t want to knock them off the pedestal I put then on.
Please continue your news letter (and your joke). Pedestal!!
I actually follow quite a few author’s, but mostly I like the community of other people that read romance, and the discussion on favorite books not just the one author of the page but talking many different books and recommendation or reviews of books.
I love hearing little tidbits about my favor authors of which I have a few and you are one. I love your jokes and seeing your beach and Cree pictures.
I am of an age when we kept personal things personal. I also do not take my political following from authors, actors, sports figures or other prominent figures. I enjoy hearing about your future writing plans and developments.
I am not a fan of social media. I would only follow to hear about your latest book. I love to escape by reading and only have a few authors that I truly like. I have enough drama, travel, family, excitement, etc. in my own life. I don’t need to borrow anyone else’s.
I think that one can still find magic in ordinary life. Pets, family, gardening are all wonderful and fulfilling aspects of life. I follow you mainly to learn about new books coming out. I also enjoy learning a little about you. Knowing a little bit about your everyday life helps me to feel like you are a close friend, especially when reading your novels. You don’t seem like a stranger to me but a friend and I love to support my friends. You sending out newsletters with jokes and hugs or responding to my emails makes it seem more personal and makes me feel like I am your friend also. I hope you have a beautiful day! Happy Writing!
I only check one author’s FB family life. I prefer newsletters. Gives me the info I want (& when lucky – a joke!)
Hi Donna! I have to tell you, I no longer follow author pages on any social media platform. I am personal friends with a few and will connect on FB/Instagram, but it is few and far between. I feel that Social Media platforms have become to divisive. I don’t like that people are fighting and being ugly to one another. I get more satisfaction through the newsletters I receive.
I love hearing about what is going on in an author’s life, even if THEY think it is mundane and boring. I find it interesting, and it makes me feel more connected to them. I also love when they post pet pics. Being “included” in an author’s world makes me feel more important to them as a reader. If I feel like an author is a “friend”, I am much more likely to read their books and promote them versus another author who I might not be as personally invested in.
I do not do social media because I have a full life. I love to read my authors newsletters, especially telling me about a new book! As I’ve read all of yours so far (I’m fairly sure), I just like newsletters. I have mixed feelings about social media, mostly negative. . sorry. Good luck and keep on writing!!
A fan, Dawn S.
I follow several authors on social media – mainly FB. I enjoy glimpses of other peoples lives – animals, hobbies, kids (tho these are sometimes w/ showing faces) places they visit, something pretty when they take a walk like flowers, views over water etc. Whatever you enjoy – would probably of some interest to others. Just a quick reminder to others of your presence. And of course status of your current books.
I mostly follow an author to get updates on books they are writing and when they will be released… the books! I am curious on what inspires their stories. As far as social media, I’m not really into social media sites. I love your newsletter emails. Keep them coming, both newsletters and books!
I follow authors to find out when the next release is. Unless you actually find a real life highland warrior that could sweep me off my feet, I really have no other interest. I wish everyone health and happiness but I don’t want to read about what they had for breakfast or any other meal, or what they are doing next Tuesday. I have a busy full life and reading books is my escapism.
I follow people on social media but with no expectations of regular posts. I would rather that people share something they are happy with or feel is special rather than posting every little tidbit of their lives. I expect that most people have rather ordinary lives, and I don’t expect that most of our lives are as exciting as a book!
I love your books! When I read, if the book doesn’t capture my attention in the first chapter I probably will not continue with it. Your writings has always caught my attention first page out. When I read your books I can transport to another time and place where my worries and concerns can disappear for awhile. Thank you for sharing such a precious gift with me.
I’m spending less time in social media, but I do follow some authors mostly to learn of new books. I do like shares about their interests too especially kids and pets.
I think for me, is isn’t so much the excitement an author may or may not have in their lives, although that’s fun to, it’s when they talk about a new book and the process of writing snd their inspiration for a story that really intrigues me.
don’t follow any authors, except through their newsletters
I follow an author to find out how a book is progressing, although I do smile when an author shows a little humor. It makes my day.
I don’t follow any authors on social media. I just don’t like going through all the stuff. Your email newsletter says enough and keeps your readers up to date on book releases, plus we get the cute jokes.
Hi Donna,
I follow an author solely base on the fact that I enjoy their books and I want to be informed of an upcoming release. I love your notes and jokes and I don’t think you need to change that at all. Just keep being yourself.
I don’t follow an author for their personal posts.
I enjoy tibits of why an author writes a certain way or if they want to share anything personal, because sometimes it is relatable.. But I follow authors because I want to know about upcoming book releases. I love your newsletter, it gives me everything that I am looking for, including a chuckle with your jokes… Long story short… don’t change please
I think its good to stay neutral about politics, religion and personal beliefs. Occassional selfies of your trip to the beach, or maybe on a research trip, something pretty or interesting in your garden, pics of the pup or kitty are always good. Pictures of your typewriter, some of your ways you come up with story ideas (now you’re a teacher also). Some about you, some about your craft.
Lifes joys come in different ways. Doing what brings us joy, is a wonderful time.
I follow an author because I love their books. I am fascinated by the writing process. Finding out about their research into locations or history. How they stay motivated. What characters they like snd shy. Why some stories work and why sometimes they rewrite or refresh stories. I love your stories!
I love to hear about what authors are doing; but I think the author should do what makes her comfortable. I follow several authors and each author is different.
I follow an author because I enjoy reading her books. I found several of your books at a thrift store and loved them! So I looked on the internet for more of your books and added you to my “follow this author” book list. I love your new Highland Intrigue Trilogy and got the first of them on e-book. But I prefer paperback books…you don’t have to plug them in while they re-charge!!! So I got The Silent Highlander in paperback…and I loved it too!!!
One of the reasons I enjoy your newsletters…is…your jokes!!!
Thanks!
I love a blog that tells about upcoming books.
Most of your books are set in Scotland and Ireland. Would love to hear about your adventures, as I’m sure you use these as your settings. Then when I read your books I could see myself in the settings as I become involved with the characters.
Love the jokes and the recipes. If any garden tips I know I could sure use them.
I only want to know about upcoming books, i.e. pre-orders,releases etc.
I don’t have any social media accounts. I read author’s newsletters and blogs. It is interesting see other views, but I don’t choose to read a book based on someone’s views. In fact I do not agree with several author’s views but I do enjoy their books. I prefer historical romance (clean and spicy) and some western books.
I read books to escape from reality it’s my way of decompressing from the real world. I’ve dropped two Authors because they have started to incorporate their views into their books. If I wanted to read about things that are happening in the real world I’d choose a a book about it or just simply turn on the TV. I don’t need to read pages with the two main characters arguing over the importance of minimum wage, BLM, corrupt Police or any other PC event taking place. Even though the book is a time travel and their in the 1800 it’s dragged into the books and we are captive audience’s to the views of the Author. Because I’m reading the 11th book in a series and she’s never done it b4. Books are an escape and entertainment from my real life and stuff I put up with everyday. To have it encroach in the books I read is disheartening. Specially when It’s supposed to be a Historical Romance with time travel. Maybe the younger gen doesn’t mind this as for myself I do. I enjoy your emails they are something to look forward to and the jokes are enjoyable. I like getting notification on upcoming releases
Hi Donna,
The only author I follow (and it is a very recent follow) is Diana Gabalon. She will be releasing a new book, “GoTell It To The Bees” this fall and many on her site are rereading her Outlander series and commenting of favorite passages, books, characters, etc. It has helped me to familiarize myself with what I read a long time ago. I also so the Netflix series and I love when books, characters come to life. I love your Newletter and jokes, and the Highlander series you write. Maybe you would consider just posting that on FB? Either way, you’re one of my favorites so I will continue to be a fan!
Warm regards and happy writing!
Eileen Pfahler
I am not on social media. If I were, I would only follow for book information.