Today I have a Guest Blogger. Diane
Skelton is a fellow writer who has charmed our writing group with her humor and
sassiness. Can't wait to see the cover of her first book on
Pinterest!
Pinterest put me in physical
therapy. When I was first introduced to the online bulletin board
system, I spent nearly ten hours craned over my laptop gathering images. Two
days later I awoke looking like a contortionist stuck in a pose. I had a
Pinterest-kink in my neck, and the doctor ordered muscle relaxers and five
months of physical therapy.
At first, Pinterest captured me and gobbled
up a good bit of my writing time. But when I learned to use it productively
rather than obsessively - at a better desk, with occasional breaks, and strict
adherence to my rules - Pinterest became a great writing tool. My
foremost rule is to never let Pinterest be a diversion from writing -- it must
be a tool. In my profile, I announce my purpose: “I'm a writer
working on a series of novels. The main character documents flea markets, sells
Hull Pottery, and yearns to own a piece of Newcomb Pottery. These boards reflect
my characters & me.”
I collect images of Newcomb pottery,
which my main character covets(photo above is courtesy of the Louisiana State Museum); images of Hull pottery, which my main character
resells; photos and information about flea market and yard sales, where she
shops; and collections of items she seeks for clients. I also pin pictures of
places my main character might visit.
It’s occurred to me I’m building a
marketing database with Pinterest. Nearly 200 other users follow my boards. They
are fellow writers or collectors who like the same things my characters do. Some
even repin my images. So my followers shouldn’t be surprised when I “pin” the
cover of my first book and invite them to buy a copy. After all,
they’re my target audience.
Visit me here! http://pinterest.com/dianeskelton/
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