Social Media. For all of it’s pros and cons, champions and naysayers, social media is a powerful tool for authors.

Not only can we shout out book news — our own and of those authors we adore — but we can keep in touch with the world.

Social Media is the author’s water cooler.

You know, that work place gathering where co-workers congregate, shoot the breeze, talk about last night’s The Voice episode.

“Wow, Blake and Adam’s teams are so much stronger than Pharrell’s and Gwen’s.” (True, IMHO)

Or maybe to talk about that certain work project that has everyone scrambling.

Or catch up on the fam. “How’s your grandmother? Is she healing okay?”

Maybe to make plans. “We’re going to Captain Katanna’s for lunch. You in?”

Life!

The work place is about more than “getting the job done.” Though that is certainly 95% percent of the purpose.

It’s also about community. Relationships.

When I was in the corporate world, I had true friendships and connections with my co-workers.

The day I finally turned in my resignation to writer full time was a powder keg of emotion.

I’d formed a pretty tight bond with a brother-like co-worker. About ten years older, he was already working at the company when I joined and over the years had proven to be a pain in the backside as well as a mentor. Ha!

He’d gone been through the ringer in his marriage and the day the divorce went through, he came into my office and just sat, slightly weary and red-faced.

I waited. Then, “You okay.”

“It’s done,” he said. “Twenty-five  years over like that.”

“Ah.”

We talked for a few minutes then we were back to work.

But that “water cooler moment” actually allowed us to do our jobs.

What if my friend had to leave campus to seek council or consolation? He’d have been gone probably for hours.

But he came “home.” Well, to his “other home,” the work place.

And he talked to a friend right there who he knew would listen, understand, and guard his back throughout the days as he adjusted to his new single life.

And I did.

So when I walked into his office to tell him next Friday would be my last day, I burst into tears. I couldn’t control it. Poor dude. But he sat, waiting and listening.

I love that I was sad to leave. Because that meant my time there was well invested. I gave myself to the job and I was leaving a better woman for it.

All of which molds me into a better writer.

Back to the point here.

Don’t be afraid of social media. See it as your water cooler time.

A place to catch up, see what others are doing, share stories and frustrations.

Yesterday I tweeted how frustrated I was with WordPress for losing my personal blog post!

And I got help, answers, sympathy on Twitter.

When it’s college football Saturday, I’m ALL over Twitterville.

It’s like being in a virtual stadium with fellow Ohio State fans. Their sharing and analysis of the game comforts me.

And when we win, I have someone to cheer with besides my hubby!

As writers, we can follow writing news, the goings on of fellow authors. Pre and post pubbed.

Did you know Donald Maass is tweeting NaNoWriMo tips this month?

Follow him on twitter. @DonMaass #MaassMo

What about the great things we have going on here at MBT?

Tweet those out. Share them on Facebook. Let your friends know what’s going on.

Water cooler time also includes good news and wows!

“Did you know Kathleen Y’barbo is nominated for the RT Inspirational Novel of the Year?”

“No, wow, good for her.”

Or, “Did you hear Beth Vogt’s novel, Somebody Like You was named one of PW’s Top 100 Books of the Year?”

“No way! That’s awesome. Hey John, did you hear about Beth Vogt?”

That’s what social media is for us.

So use it. Use it well. Use it wisely.

What about Skype and FaceTime? Or texting. Or the good old fashioned phone call.

I FaceTime with Beth Vogt once a week or every other.

I talk to Susie about four or five times a week on the phone.

I need that for my emotional health, you know.

Writing is a solitary life but we are not supposed to be completely alone in our journey.

Even Jesus had His twelve and His intimate three.

And at the foot of the cross He had the one.

So, build those relationships.

Use social media.

But guard against distraction and too much procrastination.

You do have a book to write.

A story to tell.

You know in the Old Testament where  God honors those men and women who feared His name?

Let that be me and you. We fear His name and so we do the work He’s given us to do.

Let it go so far as impacting your family.

God even honors and calls out the families who “feared His name and obeyed His commands.”

So let’s use our writerly time well, with honor and in the fear of the Lord.

He is with us!

So see you around the water cooler.

Now, get some work done.