Writers’ chats on Twitter
Despite it’s simplicity, Twitter has become many things to many people. Some use it to keep in touch with friends, others to promote their businesses, and writers use it to chat to each other. There are a growing number of writers’ chats held every week on Twitter, and they’re a great way to get to know other writers, socialise, network, share information, and just remind yourself you aren’t the only one crazy enough to do this for living.
If you’d like to take part in Twitter writers’ chats, here’s is some more information about how they work, and a list of some of my favourites.
What are Twitter chats?
Chat groups on Twitter revolve around the use of the hashtag # (you’ll have seen these if you’ve been using Twitter for any time). In the same way that popular topics and memes circulate when tweeters include #hashtag in their tweets, chat groups organise around a designated hashtag which users add to their tweets.
How to take part?
This is very easy, simply log in to Twitter, and search for the relevant hashtag. So, if you want to join the writechat session, just search for #writechat (if you find that doesn’t return any results, try dropping the #, sometimes Twitter doesn’t recognise it). To contribute to the chat, type a tweet as normal, but include #writechat.
Don’t forget etiquette!
Do try to follow the posting etiquette. Some chats discuss specific topics, or revolve around a weekly set question. If the organiser specifies only on-topic tweets, don’t start telling everyone what you had for dinner. If you aren’t sure what the etiquette is, either follow the chat and take note of what other posters do, or send a quick message to the organiser asking for guidelines.
Why should I get involved?
You probably already know Twitter is a great place to meet other writers, network and socialise. Chats are an extension of this. They give you the chance to chat with writers from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, who are working at all sorts of different levels. You’ll meet up with complete beginners, successful and much-published professionals, and everyone in between. You’ll also have the opportunity to share advice, ideas and inspiration.
Chats for writers and editors:
- #booktweet is held every Saturday from 12-1 EST, organised by @MaraBG
- #editorchat every Wednesday from 8.30-10 EST, organised by @LydiaBreakfast and @milehighfool
- #followreader every Thursday from 4-5 EST, organised by @KatMeyer and #mpaynknoper
- #kidlitchat every Tuesday from 9pm EST, organised by @BonnieAdamson and @gregpincus
- #litchat held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4-5 EST, organised by @litchat
- #scifichat held every Friday from 2-4 EST, organised by @DavidRozansky
- #scriptchat held every Sunday at 8pm EST and 8pm GMT, organised by @jeannevb and @yeah_write
- #writechat held every Sunday from 2-5 CT, organised by @WritingSpirit
Hope you find the list useful, and if you know of any relevant chats I haven’t mentioned leave the details in the comments!
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