My favorite new social media app is Anchor, billed as “Radio by the People.” I look at Anchor more like Twitter meets Podcasting with short, easo to digest recordings – also called “Waves” – and the ability to interact via one minute “waves” in response.
These short, easy to digest pieces of writing are then open for conversation with other members of the “Anchor family”. Waves may also be tweeted and shared on blogs and facebook.
Why is anchor especially helpful to improve your writing?
- Because of the brevity of each Wave, we must learn to be concise with our content delivery. Because of this packaging, we learn to make our point quickly. I see it, sort of, like an audio version of twitter or an audio micro-poem.
- The people on Anchor seem to be quite intelligent. This is a plus for often nerdy writers: they have a category called “Open Question” where you may tune into the wisdom of these smart people and in doing so, improve your craft, share resources and possibilities of new directions.
- Folks currently on Anchor are adventurers, early adopters of new technology. This translates into a passionate breed of listener, exceptionally helpful and curious. Another bonus is you have the capacity to be an instant expert on something brand new.
- There are also categories for “Stories” you may listen to and glean new skills by observing the stories others are telling. Again – these are “soundbite” stories rather than long, drawn out stories. The double skill set of storytelling and “micro” story telling is ideal.
- There is a searchable feature as well. I frequently look up #writing or #poetry and there is one for #bookclub, where I was recently intrigued to read #Girlboss, something I would usually not even think to read. More expansion and more improvement as writers.
- You may simply read your writing as you record. Unlike Periscope, no one is watching so there is no need to be self-conscious. In reading your writing aloud, you may also capture what isn't working. Sometimes I even "edit as I go" in a version of "improv editing" when my time is running out. You may re-record also - it is semi-live unlike Periscope.
- It is fun, exceptionally fun, both listening and responding to Waves as well as creating your own.
Like all social media, you will need to determine how much time to spend and share on Anchor. It will, hands down, improve your writing through making it more succinct and concise.
Just like I have, you may find Anchor to be extraordinarily valuable.
And just for fun, here is a recent WAVE I recorded:
Julie Jordan Scott inspires people to experience artistic rebirth via her programs, playshops, books, performances and simply being herself out in the world. She is a writer, creative life coach, speaker, performance poet, Mommy-extraordinaire and mixed-media artist whose Writing Camps and Writing Playgrounds permanently transform people's creative lives.
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