Poetry Friday ~ Instagram

9 Aug

Hi, everyone! Welcome to The Writer Next Door (Blog).

I’m Vashti Quiroz-Vega (Vashti Q).

 

Let’s talk about Instagram. I joined Instagram a while ago but I created the account, managed to post some pictures and then never looked at it again for months. There was a lot going on in my life at the time and I couldn’t handle another social media site. I’ve gotten a lot more involved on Instagram in the last few months and I plan to stick with it, because it’s actually a great site. Now, I’m not claiming to be an expert. I’m still learning and making mistakes left and right but I’m beginning to catch on. I just discovered how to do an Instagram story and I’m having some fun with that.

I love photography and art, so at first, I had joined Instagram to look and share beautiful and interesting photos and art. Now, I realize that Instagram is a lot more than just a gallery for pretty pictures.

Did you know that Instagram has been around for about 9 years already? Did you know that influencers are charging up to $100,000 for a sponsored post?

Like Facebook and Twitter, hashtags are also used on Instagram and posts with at least one hashtag average 12.6% more engagement. As authors, we know the importance of engagement. And speaking of authors, Instagram is now the new social media place for writers. It’s a place where creativity and bookworms abound. So here are:

10 Instagram Tips for Writers | Jane Friedman

Instagram-writers-vashti quiroz vega-Vashti Q-poetry_Friday-author-book_cake

Book cake from the launch party of ‘A Touch of Gold‘ by Annie Sullivan

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Also check out, 25 Instagram Facts That You Want To Know – PastBook

Poetry_Friday-Vashti Quiroz Vega-Instagram-Bookstagram-author-writers-poetry

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As authors, it is extremely important for our work to be seen. What’s the point of writing books if no one knows about them or reads them? I believe we can gain visibility, followers, and increase sales by being active on social media and my favorite sites right now are Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

If you haven’t joined Instagram yet, give it a try.

Check out my Instagram and follow if you like.

UPDATE:

I’m done with the first draft of The Rise of Gadreel! Yay! I’m busy doing my first round of edits. I’ll probably do one more round of edits after this one, before I send it to my beta readers.

Here’s today poem for Colleen Chesebro’s Poetry Prompt Challenge. It’s the first challenge of the month, so it’s ‘Poet’s Choice of Words’.

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BOOK

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See me, read me, please!

I was written in her blood

for your enjoyment.

Unread I’m not a story.

Reading me will make me live.

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The Rise of Gadreel-Vashti Quiroz-Vega-Fantasy_novel-ghosts-witches-medieval times-magick

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I’d like your opinion on my WIP’s title, The Rise of Gadreel. What do you think? Is the title interesting, intriguing? You can be completely honest.

 

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45 Responses to “Poetry Friday ~ Instagram”

  1. Kester James Finley August 9, 2019 at 2:14 pm #

    Congrats on the first draft of Book 3, so excited for you!! 😀 I think the title makes perfect sense given the names of the first two. It would be a perfect end if a 3 book run was what you had planned. Thank you for the added info on Instagram. I too started it and basically forgot about it but have recently found myself gravitating towards it more so than Facebook. Cheers!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Vashti Q August 9, 2019 at 3:34 pm #

      Hi, K! Thanks for your comment, my friend. I’m excited too! 😀 Yes, my Fantasy Angels Series is a trilogy, so The Rise of Gadreel is the last book. I’m going to try to post more on Instagram but I don’t want to post just for the hell of it, you know. The content matters. I’m not loving Facebook very much either. Happy Friday and a great weekend! ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Colleen Chesebro August 9, 2019 at 5:17 pm #

    Great title for book three! I love it. I’m glad you shared more about Instagram. For me, it’s a pain in the butt! LOL! I did find an extension called, WEB for Instagram, that you can install on Google. That allows you to type and share your photos, etc. which is so much easier than using my phone. I will have to work with Instagram some more I guess. I do love your Tanka. I hope Gadreel takes on the superwoman persona! By the way, don’t forget about your Conversations with Colleen. I’ll need your information ASAP so that I can get the post ready for August 15th. Huge hugs to you, Sis! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Vashti Q August 9, 2019 at 5:29 pm #

      Hi, Sis! I’m happy you loved the title, Colleen. That makes me feel so much better. Leave it to you to find an extension to Instagram––you’re brilliant. I was the same way with Instagram, in the beginning. I’m still figuring stuff out. You’ll get the hang of it once you play around with it a bit.
      Yes! I will send you the information either tonight or early tomorrow. I’m sorry about that. Have a great weekend! ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Colleen Chesebro August 9, 2019 at 5:47 pm #

        No worries. I just got back from Seal Beach, CA and wanted to follow up. I can’t wait to read book 3. Sounds fabulous!

        Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q August 9, 2019 at 5:54 pm #

      Awww. Thank you. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Annette Rochelle Aben August 9, 2019 at 5:41 pm #

    Reading will make me live… WOW.. just WOW

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Vashti Q August 9, 2019 at 5:58 pm #

      Hi, Annette! Readers have superpowers. They bring stories to life when they read them. 😉 You’re so wonderful, my friend. Enjoy the weekend! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    • Linda Mims August 9, 2019 at 6:00 pm #

      Or, “ I was written in her blood for your enjoyment.” I wish I had written that. Just WOW!😄

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Vashti Q August 10, 2019 at 1:11 am #

        I’m thrilled that you enjoyed that line, Linda! That’s how it feels sometimes. Thank you for your awesome comment.💗xo

        Like

  4. Chocoviv August 9, 2019 at 8:19 pm #

    Congrats!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. D.L. Finn, Author August 10, 2019 at 12:30 am #

    I love Instagram. It’s a great place to meet other authors and get to know them better. Congrats on finishing the first draft. I like the title because I know what to expect. Enjoyed the poem, too! Have a great weekend:)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q August 10, 2019 at 1:18 am #

      I agree. I’ve met many new authors and poets and reconnected with others I hadn’t seen in a while. I’m happy you like the title. Thank you very much❣️You have a great weekend too!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. OIKOS™-Publishing August 10, 2019 at 5:36 am #

    I’ll heed it and check Instagram more often. 🙂 Thank you so much, Vashti! Have a beautiful weekend! Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. markbierman August 10, 2019 at 6:39 am #

    I know I neglect Instagram, but won’t anymore. Thanks for the tips, Vashti. All the best with the new book!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q August 10, 2019 at 10:28 am #

      Hi, Mark! I used to do the same until I realized its value. It’s my pleasure. Thank you very much! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Jill Weatherholt August 10, 2019 at 11:07 am #

    Like you, I opened an Instagram account and it sat. I feel like I don’t have the time to learn the ins and outs. Working a full-time day job limits my social media time, especially if I want to write. Blogging will always come first as my choice for social media, but I do plan on reading this article, so thanks for sharing. Lovely poem, Vashti. Enjoy the weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q August 10, 2019 at 11:42 am #

      I understand. It can be a bit much at times. You’re right, blogging is a great way to reach out to readers. I’m glad you liked the poem. Thank you. You have a wonderful weekend too! 😀 xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. D. Wallace Peach August 10, 2019 at 7:40 pm #

    “Instagram is now the new social media place for writers.” That’s good to know. 🙂 I set up an account but haven’t visited since. I’m tempted to drop FB and give it a try. Maybe in 2020. Lol. Thanks for the info and fun poem. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q August 12, 2019 at 11:31 am #

      You’re welcome, Diana. It’s my pleasure. I’ve been thinking about dropping Facebook for a while too. The 10 Instagram tips are great. I’m still learning but I’ve already seen some of the benefits. Thanks for the visit and comment, my friend! Have a great week! 😀 xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. mihrank August 10, 2019 at 8:31 pm #

    wow – this is so amazing and well written – many more congratulations to bring success and accomplishments!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q August 12, 2019 at 11:32 am #

      Thank you, Mino. Have a great week! 😀

      Like

      Reply
  11. dgkaye August 10, 2019 at 11:23 pm #

    I’m so happy for you Vashti. I look so forward to reading the book, as you know I loved book 1 and 2, and Gadreel! 🙂 Thanks for the info on Instagram, I neglect it terribly, haven’t been there almost at all this year. I may check it out again ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q August 12, 2019 at 11:39 am #

      Thank you for this amazing comment, Debby! You’re always so encouraging and supportive and I appreciate you. I’m so happy you’re looking forward to The Rise of Gadreel. I believe it’s worth getting into Instagram, learning it well and making it benefit you and your work. Like I said, I’m still learning but it’s been fun. Thanks again for the visit and lovely comment. Have a great week! ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • dgkaye August 12, 2019 at 1:16 pm #

        My absolute pleasure. And thanks again for the great insights into Instagram. ❤ xx

        Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q August 12, 2019 at 6:39 pm #

      You’re welcome. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. Miriam Hurdle August 11, 2019 at 2:22 am #

    This is exciting, Vashti that you finished the first draft of Book 3. I love the title and enjoyed your poem. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q August 12, 2019 at 11:41 am #

      Thank you, my friend! I’m happy you like the title of book 3 and that you enjoyed the poem. Have a great new week! ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Miriam Hurdle August 12, 2019 at 3:11 pm #

        Yes, I do, Vashti! ❤ I'm in Portland with my granddaughter and heading home today. Thank you!. A great week to you! ❤

        Liked by 1 person

    • Vashti Q August 12, 2019 at 6:33 pm #

      Have a safe trip home!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Natalie Ducey August 11, 2019 at 10:01 am #

    Happy Sunday, Vashti! Another powerful piece, as always. 🙂
    Delighted to see you rockin’ Instagram and using Instagram Stories. I’m really enjoying it, too. The title is perfect, my friend. High five! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q August 12, 2019 at 11:45 am #

      High five, Natalie! 😀 Thanks for the super sweet comment. It put a big smile on my face, like most of your comments do. I wouldn’t say I’m rockin’ Instagram yet but I’m getting there. You’re rockin’ it for sure. Have an awesome new week, my friend! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. coldhandboyack August 11, 2019 at 11:30 am #

    Don’t really want another social media platform. I’m the guy they usually drag kicking and screaming to the next thing. I love your book title, and congratulations on finishing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q August 12, 2019 at 11:56 am #

      I completely understand. I couldn’t believe that at one point I was managing FB, Google+, StumbleUpon, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Twitter, and Reddit at once. Not to mention Goodreads and this blog. Basically, I didn’t have a life. After StumbleUpon and Google+ ended I gave up Reddit and LinkedIn and I’m not as active in the Goodreads groups anymore. I’ll never involve myself in so many social media sites, it’s too much. I may be dropping Facebook––I’m not sure and I don’t do much on Tumblr but my blog is networked to it. Instagram has been fun so far and I don’t feel stressed doing it and I still enjoy Twitter. Thank you for stopping by and for your comment, Craig! Have a great new week! 😀 xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. Jan Sikes August 11, 2019 at 3:44 pm #

    I’m still trying to learn how to manage my Instagram account to make it work for me. Thanks for the tips!! And congrats on finishing the third in the trilogy! Whoo Hoo!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q August 12, 2019 at 12:07 pm #

      Getting through the first draft feels great. This book has been a real challenge for me with all the new material I had to learn about the Catholic church and Medieval period, amongst other things but getting through the 1st draft is the hardest part. After a couple rounds of edits, I’ll send it off to my beta readers. And then after a few more rounds of edits, I’ll send it to my editor extraordinaire, Susan Hughes. The 10 Instagram tips for writers is a great article. I’m still playing around with my Instagram too but we’ll get there. Thank you so much, Jan! Have a great week! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. robbiesinspiration August 13, 2019 at 1:02 am #

    An awesome poem, Vashti. I like your title. It is perfect for dark fantasy.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Vashti Q August 14, 2019 at 1:30 pm #

      Thank you very much, Robbie! Your input is much appreciated. I’m glad you liked the poem. 🙂 xo

      Like

      Reply
  17. memadtwo August 15, 2019 at 9:44 pm #

    So true that responses make our work come alive. It needs both writer and reader. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

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