Why Pinterest is the best new thing for writers (and readers)

If you haven’t heard about the newest social networking craze, Pinterest, then you’re in for a treat. Yes, a time-consuming, addictive treat–but what treat isn’t? Pinterest is the new chocolate of the internet. It’s the best best new tool for writers and readers since Google. (And no, I don’t work for them.)

What is it?

Pinterest is a giant on-line bulletin board which you can use to share ideas, images and links with all your friends. It works like this–you sign up, create categories of things you like and then you start “pinning” things that catch your interest. People are using it to plan vacations, menus, home remodeling jobs, craft projects and fashion ideas. You can re-pin other people’s pins (your way of saying, “I like this, too”) or you can create your own.

Why should I care?

I hesitated for awhile. Did I really need one more time-sucking online monster? NO. But, I took a peek. For a visual learner like myself, it is a gold mine. For a history buff, it’s a treasure chest. For someone who loves beautiful photographs and colors, it is pure delight.

And for the disorganized soul? It makes perfect sense. All those little scraps of ideas, miscellaneous websites and DIY projects that you have scattered around in your disorganized mind and on your cluttered desk are now neatly (and simply) sorted into a beautiful display.

Why is it perfect for a writer?

1. RESEARCH and ORGANIZATION: As a historic fiction writer, I juggle information, anecdotes and fashions from various time periods. I took a wonderful seminar from author Sarah Sundin at the ACFW conference where she laid out her methods for organizing research into binders (and she’s teaching it again at the Mount Hermon Writers Conference which takes place Mar. 30-April 3. Don’t miss it.). I now have a beautifully organized binder for my 1920s book, First Impressions. I love having the information at my fingertips. With the addition of Pinterest, I can also pin online photos of fashions, character ideas, historical tidbits to files on my bulletin board. It’s one more tool for my arsenal. Right now I have boards for fashions of the 1900s, 1910s and 1920s, and my newest board–medical history. And get this–not only does Pinterest save the photo onto your bulletin board, but when you click on the image, it delivers you to the original website source.  You do not lose track of your sources. When I find a great image on someone’s bulletin board, I can go to the original website and troll for other great images and information.
2. MARKETING: The first place to visit on Pinterest is author Tricia Goyer’s boards. She not only has her books “pinned,” but also reviews, extra information, character ideas and so forth. It makes perfect sense. You like Tricia’s Amish stories? She has a board for that–complete with beautiful photographs, links, artwork, recipes, etc. You like her WWII stories? Another board. Want to find out what she’s writing now? There’s a place for that, too. You can also learn about her other passions–teen moms, parenting, home-schooling, etc. She’s bringing her readers and her projects together in an exciting new way. There are limitless ways to connect.
3. NETWORKING: As I’m watching for pins with great photos of historic clothing, I’m connecting with other authors, history buffs, readers and regular folks who just love vintage fashions. Can you do this on Facebook and Twitter? Sure, but perhaps not as effectively.

I know what you’re thinking–I really don’t have time. And maybe you’re right. My suggestion is to think of Pinterest not as another thing you “have to do” so you don’t get left behind. Think of ways to make it work for you.

For me, Pinterest is a new chocolate. With a lot fewer calories.
And if you get on there, look me up. I’d love to connect with you! Happy pinning.