Thursday Thoughts || The Power of Social Media

Yay! It's time again for Thursday Thoughts! If you don't already know the little spiel, Thursday Thoughts is an original, interactive, weekly meme here on my blog. Anyone with an opinion is invited to make a point, link up and join the conversation! We would love to hear what you have to say. Join us, join us~ *becomes a mindless drone* Whoa. What just happened..? Anyways, our topic this week is "the power of social media" dealing with books and authors, of course. I don't know about you all, but I made a Twitter just for bookish things when I made my blog and I know that that has been something SUPER integral to the heart and soul of Ok, Let's Read from the start.

It's no secret that social media is important now-a-days. In nearly every aspect of life-- especially pop-culture related-- Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr or even Facebook (Yes, I'm as shocked as you are that Facebook is still a thing) will pop up. Personally, I think Twitter is the strongest social media platform at the moment. Everyone has a Twitter. Everyone uses Twitter. And, Twitter is an AMAZING way to connect. In the bookish world that connection can be made with authors, publishers, fellow bloggers/vloggers, followers/subscribers and just other people who like to read! It's an amazing tool and it's honestly changed the way the internet works. For all those reasons, I think that everyone should have a Twitter because it will honestly change the way you live your bookish life.

I think that authors are some of the people who can benefit the most from having a Twitter. As reviewers, we already spend all of our time on the internet, but authors sometimes need to be pushed by their "people" to even make a Twitter. I think that it can help them out in awesome ways. It's a super easy way to get the word out about a new book or get input from readers. In fact, I think we also benefit highly from authors and publishers having social media. Readers know better than anyone what could make a book that much better. And, we're passionate about it at the same time. I know that I love the idea of my suggestions helping out an author and in turn making a better final product.

Personally, I've not interacted with nearly enough authors or publishers on Twitter. Most of the time I stick with other bloggers and vloggers as I think of them on "my level." However, that's the nice thing about social media! It actually puts the authors or publishers on "your level" and I think that's just really awesome. Recently I used Twitter for one of the most mundane (but helpful) things. I never could have done this before social media. I read and LOVED the book Hexed by Michelle Krys, but I noticed that neither I nor any of my fellow BookTubers knew the proper pronunciation of her last name. So, I just asked her on Twitter! Turns out it's like Chris.

And, lastly for a more fangirly comment.. I use Twitter to creep on my favorite authors. I don't know if you all know this, but I have a minor obsession with the lovely Ransom Riggs, author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. And, I must say, he has a fabulous Twitter. It's exactly what you'd expect from a quirky (wink wink, see what I did there?) guy like him. If you want a laugh, you should definitely check it out HERE. Another funny author on Twitter? Patrick Ness. Such quality tweets. Seriously. Check them out HERE.

And, I think that's all I have to say on that! Sorry if this Thursday Thoughts felt a little rushed! I've been busy this week and am unfortunately writing this at the last minute! I hope you'll forgive me. And, I hope you'll join us this time next week to discuss the topic of "Audiobooks!" See ya then!