Because a Picture Really is Worth a Thousand Words—Even for Writers

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMoJo68

Quick! What gets your attention faster: words or images? It’s the images, right? Those bright, colorful, brilliantly-captioned memes and photos.

As a writer, you may think photo-based social media sites are less helpful to your career, but it’s just the opposite. Capturing the moment can boost your readership, and give your fan base a quick idea of what you’re about. 

But you’re not just a writer, you’re a person with interests. So are your readers. Image posts are a fun way to find common ground outside the writer/reader relationship. Share those morning lattes, evening skies, pets . . . Whatever makes your world go ‘round and will entice your viewer/reader to connect with you.

Ah, but how does this help your writing, you ask? (And I’m so glad you did!) Here are a few ideas on how images and memes go hand-in-hand with the written word:

• Quirky memes with jokes, author quotes or book excerpts build interest in your current and upcoming projects.
• A simple photo of your family or writing desk draws readers into your world.
• Snap a picture of what you’re currently reading, and post it with a short review and tag the author.
• Have a favorite vacation spot? Readers love to travel, too. They’ll live vicariously through your posts.

You can tag friends and fellow authors, link back to their books, or share images of events you’ve attended together. Are you working on a mystery? Black and white, foggy environments can be a great attention-grabber when captioned with a line or two of your project. Do you knit or crochet as well as write? Post a photo of your newest blanket keeping you warm during the winter.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I say let your pictures lead them to your words.

With some sweet tea, a spoonful of honey, and a smart phone camera,

~ Happy writing.

Molly Jo

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Molly Jo is a writer, editor, social media ninja, and producer of the weekly Firsts in Fiction podcast. She has been featured in children’s magazines, on blogs and devotional websites, and her short stories have earned her awards and scholarships from nationally acclaimed writing programs. She is the founder of New Inklings Press and author of The Unemployment Cookbook: Ideas for Feeding Families One Meal at a Time, and other books available through her website and on Amazon.

Her current work in progress, NOLA, is a location mystery set in New Orleans and is scheduled for publication in late 2016.

You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and her blog, Frankly, My Dear . . .