There are writers who get Twitter, and by extension social media in general, and then there are others… who don’t. I admit Twitter is a vastly different place than it was one or two years ago, but that doesn’t mean it’s worse either. People also seem to forget that they are in control of their own experience – if they find something (or someone) not to their taste, then unfollow that account, or filter your list. Easy!
Luckily, there are writers who use social media for more than flogging their latest book or article about the place; they understand its creative potential and possibilities in terms of connecting with peers and readers. I find that comforting. What’s also a lot of fun is trying to match up hilarious anonymous accounts to the writers you suspect are in control of them (I’m looking at you WritersFestQuestions and Zombie Peter Carey).
Anyway, if you’re on the lookout for more people to follow here are some recommendations.
Ryan O’Neill
I’m a fairly new follower of acclaimed short story writer Ryan, and I wish I’d done so sooner. He Tweets a lot about reading and writing, in a dry, satiric way that is just a damn pleasure.
On page 153 of 256 of ‘Who cares what page you are on?’
— Ryan O’Neill (@_RyanONeill) May 25, 2014
Never mind the writer’s writer. Spare a thought for the tweeter’s writer. — Ryan O’Neill (@_RyanONeill) May 19, 2014
Tara Moss
I’m sure Tara needs no introduction. She and I started following each other in 2009, at the time when it was looking like the parallel importation of books restrictions were going to be lifted. I was advocating against this move, as was she, and ever since she has continued to be an inspiring and impressive advocate on matters relating to writing, feminisim, education, asylum seekers, parenting and many others. I’ve adopted her as one of my mentors, she just doesn’t know it yet!
To clarify, the cover of The Fictional Woman is not retouched in any way. This is how we did it: http://t.co/KUgTL2eM3m #TheFictionalWoman
— Tara Moss (@Tara_Moss) May 30, 2014
I’m not against all retouching but I wanted the cover to represent the book. It is raw and unretouched for that reason. #TheFictionalWoman
— Tara Moss (@Tara_Moss) May 30, 2014
James Tierney
James is writer and critic and also a friend of mine, so when he took a break from social media earlier this year I felt his absense keenly.
My favourite unit of measurement is Some. — James Tierney (@ViragoHaus) May 31, 2014
His Tweets, those esoteric and smart nuggets, are always a joy to see in my feed.
Estelle Tang
Estelle contributes to Rookie magazine and is currently living in New York, so that makes me all kinds of jealous right there. She’s also devilishly funny.
One of the most insufferable things I can think of to do is every time you leave a room say “Khaleesi out” then snap your fingers — Estelle Tang (@waouwwaouw) May 19, 2014
See, now, ever since I saw that Tweet I’ve wanted to do it. She’s also spearheading the ‘Pitch, Bitch’ movement, of which I’m in complete favour.
So happy that #pitchbitch is now in the world. Thanks to our media partners @kyd_journal! Find out more here http://t.co/fKcPx3Vfc0 — Estelle Tang (@waouwwaouw) May 31, 2014
Annabel Smith
Annabel is an author and a sweetheart. I dig her Tweets because she posts a lot about the kinds of things I do: writing news and tidbits, lovely observations, quotes and more.
Someone found my site by googling: things in literature that make me laugh. I want to meet them! — Annabel Smith (@AnnabelSmithAUS) June 1, 2014
I saw this Tweet for example and thought, “I’d want to meet them too!”
Those are my picks – who are your favourite writers or authors to follow on Twitter?
