Five Reasons Why I Twitter

I thought I’d take today and share why I Twitter. The question comes up from other writers or general Facebook friends who wonder why I participate in both forms of social media. I also have family and “real life” friends who have nothing to do with Facebook or Twitter who wonder…why?

I’m on Twitter mostly for writing/ministry purposes. I’ve been able to build a base, not a huge one, but still, a group of followers I would not know in person. They receive every day a feed that leads them to my blog. When I have writing appearing somewhere else, I share that too.

I also love reading Tweets from other writers. They share a lot of good industry information I might not always find on Facebook. For me, I use Tweetdeck and have a category called “Favorites” so I catch a lot more Tweets than reading through my general Facebook feed. I find out about contests, publications and other resources.

Then there is the encouragement. I believe every evening there is a band of folks who participate in a “Tworship.” I’ve never tweeted during that time but again, when those random tweets pop up they are a refreshment to the soul. I’ll see funny jokes or mom moments I can relate to. I’m able to respond to prayer requests or “RT”, re tweet someone else’s information that will go out to all my followers. Say what you want but Twitter was a part in the change in government in Egypt earlier this year.  That’s mind blowing if you allow yourself to think about it.

But…there is also the entertainment factor. I love pop culture and I confess I know way too much about TV trivia, it just stays in my head whether I want it to or not. I wish I could retain Bible verses that well. Every once in awhile I’ll plug Melissa Gilbert into one of my search categories and I have the pleasure of reading what the actress who played Laura Ingalls Wilder in the 1970’s show, Little House on the Prairie is up to. One of the funniest moments on Twitter was Melissa sharing that Alison Arngrim, the actress who was that “mean ole Nellie Oleson” is actually a dear friend who took Melissa to her colonscopy. You can’t make that stuff up.

There are even people taking on identities from TV show characters and re enacting shows from it. I have the most fun out of Twitter House on the Prairie but I’ve seen Facts of Life Out there and Saved by the Bell.

I’m also a NASCAR fan so I enjoy on race nights reading from the drivers, their wives, crew members and fellow fans.

I believe from a writing standpoint the time I’ve put into Twitter will pay me back. It’s a discipline, I know there were too many times I spent too much time on Twitter House when I should have been writing. But all in all, I have no regrets.

So, are you on Twitter? Follow me, won’t you?

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