And I urge new, serious writers to do the same. Yes, the network I’ve built is wonderful. Yes, social media sells books–to an extent–but it is more about building an audience and engaging those people. And in this over saturated environment, blogging is becoming less and less effective. 

I know some will disagree, and that’s fine. We are all entitle to our opinions. I’ve been blogging over two years, and I am getting ready to publish my third book. I am certainly a work in progress, but I know what is working for me now and what isn’t.

I do think blogs work better for some genres than others. I think they are more effective for young adult readers simply because of lifestyle. But my target audience is a bit older and many don’t have time to keep up with blogs, FB, etc. 

For me, Facebook has been the best way for interaction with my readers, and even that is limited because of their parameters and, let’s face it, people are busy, busy, bust. So, unless you are a lucky duck with a bestselling book right out of the gate (and yay! if you are), your best bet is to spend as much time writing and working on your craft. More books, better quality books = more reviews and more readers.

I don’t believe indie authors will rise to compete with the quality (or sometimes, perceived quality) of traditional publishing unless we continue to hone our crafts and treat our writing as a business. That means in investing in editing, craft books if necessary, and great cover artists. 

And my goal as a writer is for each book to be better than the last, and to continue to earn great word of mouth by good reviews. 

Which means I will continue to keep the blog on the back burner. This summer I am editing the second Delta Crossroads book, SKELETON’S KEY, and I am also plotting two new ideas I am really excited about. 

I will continue to post the occasional Thriller Thursday, and you can absolutely stay updated with me on Facebook and Twitter. I’ll also be posting every few weeks on the misterio press blog, which is the amazing publishing co-op I belong to. 

So to wrap this up, I’d urge new authors who are being bombarded with the call to social media (and more experienced who may have fallen into the habit) to make sure they are spending the vast majority of their time and energy on their writing, period. 

That’s our best chance at success. Good luck!

Some business next, but make sure you check below to find out how to snag some free and cheap stuff. Subscribers, make sure you read!

But what about content? Here’s the thing: my writing has to come first. I’ve got two releases slated for 2013 and will likely be adding a third. And whether you are a writer, reader, or casual observer, you don’t have any more time to read my long posts than I have to write them.

So we’re shaking things up. Most of you know I’m a research nerd, so we’re talking Twisted Facts on Monday. Short, interesting, (sometimes) fun facts on history, crime, technology, and whatever else catches my eye that day.

Thriller Thursdays will still feature Twisted Minds, but they’re going to be shorter and much easier to read through. I’ll also be featuring Thrilling Reads on my Facebook Author Page on Thursdays, highlighting some of my favorite suspense/thriller writers as well as up and comers, so don’t miss that.

Finally, I’m introducing a new feature I’m really excited about: Twisted Reads – Author Book Lists. Two Saturdays a month, I’ll have a guest author talking about the last great book they read and why it twisted their minds. If you’re an author and would like to sign up, please email me at stacygreenauthor@gmail.com.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVES

Subscribers: I’m going to be moving the blog to my website soon, so you will need to resubscribe through Feedburner for blog updates.

Because re-subscribing to the blog is a pain and my Feedburner is lonely, I’m entering everyone who signs up for the blog by January 17th into a drawing for a $20 Amazon Gift Card.

All you have to do is CLICK HERE and Follow Instructions. You can also go to the link in my right sidebar and SIGN UP FOR FEEDBURNER UPDATES VIA EMAIL.

You’ll also receive an invite to join my newsletter. By joining, you’ll not only get first crack at all contests, but you’ll also receive exclusive pricing on all future releases. The newsletter is monthly, and to sign up now, head on over here. You can also wait for the email, but I WILL NOT subscribe you without your permission. The party is no fun if you don’t want to be there.

Everyone who joins by January 31st will receive a free digital copy of my short story, Welcome To Las Vegas.

Thanks so much for making 2012 an amazing year, and I can’t wait to see what 2013 brings for all of us.

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions or changes to share?