My Web Tree Planted

               My intention when beginning this blog was to culminate my efforts and resources into a platform that would support and promote me specifically. The tools I have gained, and will continue to gain contribute to the effectiveness of endorsing myself as a writer. Yet, with all the essential connections required, not only to remain linked socially but also professionally, I needed to centralize my assets to one site. Therefore, I created my own author’s website.

                The creation of a website is not any easy task. It is demanding both technologically and creatively. The site will require constant attention and updating to remain relevant. After purchasing the domain, I installed a template and began to build off of that. After establishing author and contact information, I attached and linked my most prized writing; my novels. Then I included more writing styles, blogs, images to highlight everything, and eventually links to many of my social connections such as Twitter and LinkedIn.

             

   I’ve dedicated a substantial amount of time to the site, though I do consider it still within its adolescent state. I will continue to elaborate upon its appearance and content. Eventually I will incorporate links to a few favorite authors and literary agents. Hopefully in return, I will be linked to theirs. My expectation is to branch into Amazon Books, literary blogs, twitter feeds,..etc.  So support the tree and look me up at www.johnlparsons.com

A Webbing of Composition

             

www.bookcovercafe.com

  I have recently viewed several personal websites of authors. So I’m kicking around the idea of creating my own to link everything else to. This would not only help to prominently promote my professional writings, but also serve as a central hub for my other activities. It would be a lot easier to include one key web address within my postings and then interested parties could venture from there.

     Furthermore, I believe this would aid with gaining a communal following. I need a significant inducement for others to shadow. To do that, the site would need a sensible focal point. I want to draw attention to my writing, as well as talents, while avoiding unfavorable reviews. I realize that I will need to seek alternative professional help. This would be the framework of my blueprint.

Professional LinkedIN

               In an attempt to further solidify my professional networks, I have established a LinkedIn account, and have begun to make literary connections. I mainly associate myself with literary agents, as they are the first link to my primary future pursuits. However, I have also developed connections with other professionals within Communications and freelance writing positions, as they are able to provide me with keen insight to growth possibilities. Additionally, upon looking into the LinkedIn account of Kimberly Yadon, a creative writing instructor for ESC, I found that she has utilized the site to encompass avenues to many of her interests. That’s a promising perspective.

                I've also employed my Twitter account to a great extent lately. I’m excited about several new proficient contacts to various literary agencies. It has allowed me to be aware of relevant writing trends, and is resourceful in providing me with sites for helpful tips. Yet, I still need to better my “twitting” skills. Like anything, it requires regular practice.

                My Symbaloo has grown to include resource links for writing enhancement, quick links to social sites, and associations to literary agencies such as Friendrich and Curtis Brown, whom I hope to write for. The bookmarks make it expedient to access different sites from one central location. From there I can likewise access my Pinterest boards or link them back to my other sites, including my other blog A Life of Movies.

                The aforementioned is a sampling of my expanding digital network, and the efforts toward my ultimate goal of becoming a professional author. I strive to iron out the inconsistencies of my digital presence where time plays a factor. Nevertheless, life is a lesson, and I am learning.

Twitter Me This!

                Along with my Symbaloo board, I have tweaked my Twitter account in much the same way; focused organization.                

                For some time now I have had a Twitter account. However, I never really utilized it for more than random information. But now that I've invested some time into catering it more to my specific needs, I can see that it will become invaluable tool for my future.  I not only will be able to keep abreast with professional writers, but also lobby my own views and talents to a wide spectrum of professions.

             

www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com

   Time is a critical factor for me, just like it is for everyone. So I need short precise tidbits of information within the wring field.  Just today, I received a tweet about a link to a fascinating way to cut back the exorbitant word count of manuscripts. It turns out that there were numerous insightful tweets waiting for me. Too many though for me to add atop the pile of information I wade through daily.

                So I got a Tweetdeck account to wade through them for me; organizing my tweets into structured categories.  Now, I have the benefit of short timely tweet messages coming to my phone and email pre-arranged as I wish to view them.  It’s one more step toward being professional in touch.

www.hngn.com

Drawing the Lines

     In my efforts to build a PLN (Personal Learning Network), I have tried to focus on not only my passions, but also my needs in terms of a career. My goal is to create a PLN through the collaboration of several social medias including blogs, Twitter, and Pinterest.  My association with classmates on Google+ will basically be the first line within a great web.

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     Essentially, any type of social media contributes to my future pursuits. Since my degree will entail Professional and Creative Writing, my studies include every form of media and artistic writing; though my true passion lies within creative.  My goal is to be published and reviewed on a worldwide scale.

     I want others to recognize my diversity. So I created an account with Pinterest where I could demonstrate several billboards of visually detection.  The site illustrates my interests and gets others to be involved in them. My boards of unique personal passions will be a form of self-promotion.  As people become attracted to my ideas and images, they will re-pin and post links to my work.

     Also, by blogging with others on an optimistically daily basis, I can begin weaving a web of specialized connections to support my future intents. For instance, the site YourVision is an interest based site that is highly resourceful. I can keep abreast of subjects and link them to other sites. The site Viral Blog is about viral marketing trends, which any advertising position will require. Then there is the blog Quick and Dirty Tips that gives advice on writing and tips to connect with the public, yet in a very fun way. 

     Lastly, I've discovered a method to link social media like Twitter to certain pages of my novels. It involves embedding retweet buttons within the PDF pages. People click to share specific lines, thus tapping into the vast population of social media. I've just got to work my way through the process.

     I think it would be great to establish my own website centered upon my related topics and my own abilities. Initially it would have to be very user interactive with recommendations to correlated sites. It’s a thought though, and we're just starting.