Tumblr 101 for Authors

Guest Post by Michelle Griep

Like everyone else, I’m continually working on my platform. You know the routine. . .gather your ‘tribe’ so that when you finally land a fat contract you’ll be able to sell a zillion copies of your NY Times Bestseller. Facebook and Twitter are arguably the best known planks in every wannabe writer’s platform, but all the trendy kids on the block are starting to flock to a different site.

It’s called Tumblr, and no, that’s not a typo.

What exactly is Tumblr?

Tumblr is a cool way of shortening the words tumble and log. What is it that gets tumbled? Thoughts, mostly. Think of it as a stream of consciousness kind of blog, nothing is lengthy, and is somewhat random.

In the few months I’ve been hanging out there, I’ve seen posts as simple as a link, a photo, a quote, or my personal favorite is videos. I use Tumblr for vlogging (which is a whole other post in and of itself). Need an example? Visit my site at http://michellegriep.tumblr.com/

Why use Tumblr?

This site facilities quick and easy posting of single items. If the thought of writing blog entry after blog entry is overwhelming, this might be just the site for you. It’s not a replacement for Blogger or WordPress, but an alternative for less editorial, in-depth pieces.

Plus, it’s super easy to use. Setting up your own page takes about 2 minutes. Literally. Plus you can post from a computer, a smart phone, or yes…drum roll please…even from a text.

How to use Tumblr.

1. Sign up. Go directly to Tumblr.com and follow the directions.

2. Learn the dashboard. Your account will have a private dashboard that only you will see. This is also where you’ll see the different kinds of posts that are available for you to utilize.

3. Customize your page. Make it your own. You can upload background images or use some of the free templates.

4. Start posting. The best way to figure out Tumblr is simply by putting your hands on the steering wheel and hitting the gas pedal. It’s a creative place so go ahead and run free. Try out new things you’ve maybe never done before, like a vlog, or post a stanza of poetry, or maybe a photo you shot recently.

5. Follow other users, kind of like Twitter. It will get your name out there in Tumblville and eventually you’ll be pulling in followers of your own.

Even if you’re not quite ready to take the Tumblr plunge by setting up your own page, go ahead and check it out. It’s a fun place to hang around.

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. . .professionally, however, for the past 10 years. UNDERCURRENT is her latest release, a timeless tale of honor and sacrifice. . .

People go missing every day. Many meet with foul play, some leave the social grid by choice, but others are never accounted for. Such is the fate of successful linguistics professor Cassie Larson. She leads a life her undergrad students hope to attain, until she tumbles into the North Sea. . .and a different century.

Undercurrent is available from Risen Books or Amazon. You can find Michelle at her website or on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. . .and don’t forget to check her out at Tumblr!