Authors Tools Blog

Those of us who have been online since before Al Gore invented the Internet, talk about Web 2.0. Even if you’ve heard the term before, you might not be sure what it means.

The first version of the Internet resembled print media. In the early days, companies had websites, while people didn’t. The company website contained the same information that a print advertisement might. The reader could learn about the company, but the flow of information was strictly one way.

As the Internet became more mature, individuals starting play a more important part. The web became interactive. Personal blogs, forums, communities, and social networking sites appeared. Building relationships using the technology of the Internet, became known to techies as Web 2.0.   

As a writer, how does this impact you and your career?

Web 2.0 is all about relationships. Who is better with relationships than writers, especially romance writers.

Web 2.0 allows you to

• Create a relationship with other writers and gain mutual support and advice
• Keep in touch with your dream publisher or agent
• Become known within the industry even before you sell
• Create a relationship with readers

Blogging, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites can help you build relationships and advance your writing career.

Don’t let Web 2.0 websites eat into your writing time. Your timer can be your best friend when you start your social media activities.

One of my favorite Web 2.0 sites is Twitter because of its 140 character limit. You can check in with your community very quickly.