Monday, May 12, 2014

Do You Pinterest?

By Laurie Epps

Although I've got a Pinterest, I know it's grossly underused. As a writer, I only saw it's application to post book covers. My main line is feature writing, so it's first impression lost my interest. That's changing now.

We're continuing with our book, Connections: Social Media and Networking Techniques for Writers. Authored by my mentor, Edie Melson, she breaks down the good, the bad, and the ugly of social media, and explains it in very easy to read terms. If you don't know where to start with your branding, or a blog, this will be a great addition to your resource library.
Pictured with Edie Melson, my first day as an intern

Here's some applications you might not of thought of:
  • Build boards with your books subject emphasized (Or in my case, your primary article themes).
  • Build boards that help you with setting, or the backdrop of your stories.
  • Share other blogs within your genre.
  • Build boards about books you love (You can now legally post book covers from Amazon).
  • Post blogs you follow, as long as they're got a picture associated with it, you can pin it.
  • Create boards of your own personal interests (Examples: knitting, sewing, skiing, etc).



Important Tips:
  • You can set your cover photo for your boards. (To learn how, see p. 95)
  • It doesn't matter who follows you since you don't have any control.
  • You can change the arrangement of your boards. (To learn how, see p. 96)
Pinterest Etiquette:

Only pin images that are copyright free, you own them, or you've got permission to use them. How to tell:

  • Look for a pin, and then link it on the site.
  • The site itself says it's ok.
  • Or simply ask for permission.


Example of a Pinterest Pin
Connect Activity:

Links or Boards every writer should have:

  • Storytelling-- consists of possible settings, what characters might look like, etc. Have fun with this one.
  • Personal hobbies-- to readers, most writers seem mysterious. Here's your chance to create an image for your readers.
  • Recipes are king on Pinterest, so use their popularity. What would your characters eat? What are some of your favorite recipes?


Have a Pinterest? Follow me at: 

Can't get enough social media? Follow my mentor's Social Media Mondays column at: http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com

Laurie Epps is a recent graduate of Anderson University majoring in Creative Writing. Already Laurie is most published as a feature article writer, essayist, and poet. A seeker of beauty and world traveler, Laurie hopes to grow into a career in travel writing illuminating the many stories that make us human despite our differences. Currently, Laurie also has a Thoughtful Thursday column dedicated to the fine art of poetry.

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