Let's get social

I'm often astounded by the breadth of creative people that surround me. Not just in a local sense, though my day job has certainly introduced me to a mesmerizing group of talented literary artists.

But I'm looking more at the global picture. Like the friendships I've nurtured after meeting at writer's conferences in Hawaii, New York, or Vancouver. Or the people I've only met through Facebook and Twitter, but with whom I have shared so many special moments. Or my amazing blogging network, where some bonds have actually changed my life.

Love it or hate it, social media plays an important role in connecting the literary world to other artists, to agents and publishers...to potential readers. Facebook and Twitter have allowed us to forge relationships that, although sometimes superficial, satisfy a level of communication that in the past seemed unaccessible. (And yes, I *might* be following Ian Somerhalder with the hope of him one day acknowledging one of my Tweets...)

I wasn't the first to jump on the social media bandwagon, but I do understand its charm. So much so, that I've recently started a company with the ingenius Judith Graves, an Alberta YA paranormal author (Under my Skin, Second Skin) ...and all around awesome (and wildly creative) soul. Bridge is about narrowing the gap between artists and their audience, and helping people new to the social media scene understand how to make social marketing work for them.

It's true that social media has changed my life - not just because I'm suddenly building a business. But because without Facebook, Twitter, or Blogger, I may never have connected with the beautiful Jessica Bell.

I'm excited that Jessica has signed on as Bridge's first official client, but more than that, I am deeply proud to call this talented kindred spirit a dear friend. If you haven't connected with Jessica, what are you waiting for? Seriously...

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go stalk me some Damon, er, Ian.

- Dawn