Hashtags & Headaches: My Social Media Initiation

Stepping In

For a long time, I stood at the edge of social media—not exactly opposed to it, but not eager to jump in either.

It always felt like a lot: the filters, the algorithms, the expectations. A world where numbers seem to matter more than nuance, and where “authenticity” can sometimes feel curated.

I hesitated, wondering if it was really the place for someone like me—someone who writes from instinct, who values meaning over marketing, and who admittedly prefers fictional characters to real-life hashtags.

But becoming an author changes things.

Suddenly, sharing your work becomes part of the work. Building a presence isn’t just about vanity metrics—it’s about connection. About finding your readers. About stepping out of your comfort zone so your stories can reach the people they’re meant for.

So… I picked a starting point: Instagram.

The Reality Check

And wow—what an introduction.

Within hours of setting up my author account, the DMs rolled in. Paid reviews. Paid promotions. “Guaranteed reach.” Offers that all felt eerily similar, sometimes word-for-word.

Some accounts looked legitimate at first glance—until I realized they were part of a larger network of what I can only describe as digital déjà vu.

Same message. Different name.
Rinse, repeat.

It was jarring. Disorienting. Frankly, off-putting.

Finding the Real

But as I scrolled further, I began to see the other side.

Real authors. Real posts. Real effort.

Writers sharing their journeys, celebrating their launches, posting book stacks, coffee cups, and hard-earned milestones. No sales pitch. Just presence. Just passion.

That’s when I made the quiet decision:

I may be new. I may be hesitant. But I’ll start here—with honesty and intention.

My Approach Moving Forward

I won’t pretend to know the best time to post or which hashtags perform well on Tuesdays.

I’m not here to chase trends or follow bots.

I’m here to create, to share, and to stay grounded in the one thing I do know:

My writing comes from the heart—and so will my posts.

So yes, I’ve officially stepped into the world of social media.

Not with a strategy. With a promise:

To keep it real. To keep it meaningful. To grow at my own pace.

If you're just getting started too—welcome. We’ll figure it out one post at a time.