Writing Resources on Google + (aka Why I'm Using Google +)

photo by basketman @ freedigitalphotos.net

Google + is quickly becoming my favorite social media site ever! I know, that’s a big claim, especially since there are plenty of social media sites I’ve never used, and some I’ve never even heard of.  But Google + is the all of my favorite aspects of facebook combined with all of my favorite aspects of Twitter. 

Facebook Similarities/Differences

I like using facebook because it’s easy to communicate with other people.  I like to write on a friend's walls or share links with all of my friends.  But facebook is my connection with personal friends and family, and I deliberately don’t have many writing connections there.  Sometimes I share links about writing or my writing, which would be appropriate for sharing with professional writing “friends,” but sometimes I also like to share stories about my puppy or what I made for dinner, and that wouldn’t be professionally acceptable.

On Google +, you put your “friends” into different circles (aka groups).  So if you have writing news you want to share with everyone, professionals and family, you can create a public post.  If you just recorded an adorable video of your toddler pulling all of the toilet paper off the roll and running down the hall naked, you have the option of sharing that with just your close friends and family. 

Twitter Similarities/Differences

I like Twitter because I follow a lot of professional writers, agents, publishers, and other writing professionals who give great tips and links.  I can follow any of these people or companies, but they don’t have to follow me in return unless they want to. 

The condensed, 140-word posts make the messages easily digestible, but I find it more difficult to make comments and have conversations.  Although I have caught on to the @ symbol, I haven’t yet fully learned the etiquette of hash tags. Many Twitter posts look like a foreign language to me.

On Google +, I have discovered a huge community of writers and others in the writing business who share great links and writing tips. I feel comfortable adding strangers to my circles because I know there’s no pressure for them to put me in their circles in return, unless they want to. 

It has been easier to have discussions with other writers because of the more straightforward, facebook-like wall discussions that aren’t riddled with cryptic symbols. Although I have not yet done this, groups of writers can “huddle” and speak in real-time with multiple people at once.

What Do You Think About Google +?

Google + is still in beta testing, so there are occasional glitches, but overall I'm very excited about it.  Have any of you tried it yet? I’d love to know what you think!

And I’d love to add more writers and aspiring writers to my circles!  Check out my profile here and add me to your circles, or leave me a message below and I'll circle you.  Feel free to ask me any questions about Google +. I've only been using it a few weeks, but it’s fun to figure out new Google + functions and capabilities together.

Lists of Writers on Google +
These writers are already using Google + and seeking new writing connection.

GalleyCat's List of Writers
Novelist and Aspiring Novelist List
Literary/Book People List

Other Google + Resources

Guides and Tips for Newbies on Google +
How to Share a Book on Google +

Connect with Anne Greenawalt
Google +
Twitter
Website