Navigating the Digital Age: An Author's Journey into Social Media

​Greetings, dear readers and fellow adventurers in the literary world. My name James, an  over 70's author specializing in historical fiction. Today, I want to share a rather humorous and enlightening experience: my foray into the bewildering world of social media. It has been an unexpected journey, not unlike the twisting plots of my novels in the trilogy Tracks of Our Tears - A Family Saga.

When I published my first book, I envisioned readers discovering it in the cozy confines of their favorite bookstore, much like how I unearthed literary treasures in my youth. However, the world has changed, and it appears that the bustling marketplace of ideas has largely migrated to the digital realm. Encouraged by my publisher and nudged by my tech-savvy grandchildren, I embarked on this new adventure.

My initial attempts at navigating social media were, to put it mildly, comical. The first hurdle was simply understanding the terminology. My granddaughter Grace patiently explained, a hashtag is like a keyword. I nodded sagely, pretending to grasp the concept immediately, though in my mind, I envisioned tiny hash marks scribbled across a page.

Creating profiles on various platforms was my next challenge. Instagram and Facebook – each demanded a profile picture and a bio. After a rather unflattering attempt at a selfie (I hadn't realized my finger was covering half the lens), I enlisted the help of my grandson, Ben. A budding photographer, he orchestrated a photo session that culminated in a respectable headshot. "There, Papa," he said, satisfied, "you look like a real author now."

My first post was an announcement of the release of Tracks of Our Tears - A Family Saga. With Grace’s help, I composed a concise message, complete with hashtags. As I hit post, I felt a rush of excitement akin to unveiling a new manuscript. However, my elation was short-lived. Within minutes, Ben burst into laughter. "Papa," he said, "you used the wrong hashtags!”

Despite these early missteps, I persevered, determined to master this new medium. I began sharing photographs and snippets of my exciting upcoming events, behind-the-scenes looks at my writing process, and, most importantly, engaging with readers. To my delight, I discovered a vibrant community of book lovers, fellow authors, and history enthusiasts. Their enthusiasm and insights have enriched my writing and broadened my perspectives.

Social media has become a valuable tool in sharing my work and connecting with readers. It has opened new avenues for storytelling and allowed me to reach a wider audience than I ever imagined. For my fellow not-so- young authors hesitant to embrace this digital age, I offer this advice: don't be afraid to ask for help. Your grandchildren might just be your best tech support, and who knows, you might learn a thing or two about hashtags along the way.

As I continue to navigate this new frontier, I remain grateful for the guidance of my young advisors and the warm reception from the online community. Here's to many more stories, shared both on the page and across the digital landscape.

Until next time, happy reading and happy posting.

James