When I started writing again after years of stress and loss, I knew I’d have to use social media to communicate my project to the wider world. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to it. As I’ve stated before, I’m painfully shy. Some of that is natural introversion. Some of it’s learned through pain, heartbreak, and betrayal. Engaging with other people can be scary.
I started posting on Twitter again after years of never opening the app and I didn’t know what to expect. First, most of my followers from my former life are authors of romance and erotica. Would anyone give a $h!t about a middle-aged woman blogging about her passion for gaming? Well, I didn’t start this journey for readers. While truly grateful for everyone who takes the time to read my ramblings, this is my vision. It’s my story. So I put on my grown-up gamergirl pants (well, leggings) and decided to start engaging with other gamers on Twitter.
What I discovered surprised me. Most of the gamers I’ve engaged with on Twitter are the nicest, coolest people I’ve ever met. Yes, there’s the occasional person who just wants to hit on me. And there are others who just want to promote their projects and that’s it. But the vast majority are intelligent and funny and kind and genuinely interested in sharing the joy of gaming.
There are different factions. Some staunch retro gamers. Those that only play on the cutting edge. Some strictly Nintendo. Some XBox devotees and those of us married to the PlayStation. Not the mention the PC players.
There are vast differences in ages, anywhere from teens to those of us who are a *little* more seasoned. You got sweats and casuals. Ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, geographic region…the list of differences goes on and on. But here’s the really awesome part: none of the issues that divide the general pop seem to apply. A gamer is a gamer. All are welcome.
Now there are certain rules: no yucking someone else’s yum and never ever suggest From Software add difficulty levels…kidding, kidding. There really is only one rule: respect for your fellow gamer. The virtual world is large enough to for us all to find our own bliss. Wouldn’t it be lovely if the real world worked that way?
So, I’d like to thank my gamer tweeps for helping this grown-up gamergirl find a place where she feels she fits in. When I returned to Twitter I had somewhere around 1400 followers, a month and a half later I’ve got about 2000. That’s 100 new friends a week. No, it’s not about the numbers, never that. It’s about feeling welcome. It’s been far too long since I’ve felt at home. #GamersUnite. Y’all know how we do 😉
When a Gamer Girl Grows up 
I can relate to this in many ways! Even though my gaming got a bit shoved to the back burner, I still enjoy talking about it. And I’ve also been lucky to “meet” some great people on Twitter. 😊
I do have some followers that never interact with me, well, “some”… But there are a few that I chat with a lot and I really like it.
I restarted writing a year after my divorce and I mainly started writing to clear my mind… I really enjoy it and the interaction it sometimes gives me.
I’ve read several of your posts and they’re really fun to read! Glad I’ve seen your tweet about one of your posts! 😁
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Isn’t Twitter great? I hadn’t used it in years. But after a tumultuous 3 years that included 2 break-ups and the death of both my parents, I had to do something to ease my mind and re-center myself. I did exactly what you did and decided to reboot my writing career. It’s led to so many good things. I hope we follow each other on Twitter, but if not I shall correct that forth with 😊 I’m always happy to support my fellow writers and gamers. I’m so glad you like my posts. I try to have fun with them, it’s either laugh or cry…I choose laughter as often as I can. I’m reading through yours as well and I can’t wait to hear more about your journey!
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Yes! I spend waaay too much time on WordPress and Twitter 😂 I do believe we follow each other, I’m PlaystationPixy on Twitter. I saw your tweet about the blog post of your break up, that’s how I found your site!
Thank you for reading my posts as well! I always love getting feedback, as I’d love to improve my writing skills. 😊 English isn’t my native language, so I sometimes struggle with saying or expressing certain things. But I do my best and I write from myself, open and honest. 😊
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Wow! I can totally relate to being scared to enter these online communities, then finding out there are so many cool and caring people who also love what you do.
What an awesome post! It covers any kind of passion. Thanks Cindy!
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Hey, thanks so much for stopping by! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. New ventures are always a little daunting, but big risk, big reward, right? I loved your post about your grandma on newburywrites.com. It’s so touching and sweet. She sounds like an amazing woman!
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I agree.
I started blogging in 2002, and I had no intention to write for a wider audience at that time. I wrote poetry before that, but didn’t share it with much of anyone, save for some folks on a BBS (a BBS that shambles along to this day). So I concur that writing should begin for our purposes, not to please others.. and you’re well aware of what people pleasing can get you.
You’re aware that I married into a gaming family, who started when it was just wargaming, pen and paper, tabletop RPGs. I cut my teeth in the Golden Age of Video Arcades and when home consoles were made by Atari, Magnavox, and Intellivision. So yes, I’m amazed to see how gaming media has proliferated.
I have some other thoughts that won’t fit well here, so, span on over, if you catch my drift, and I hope to discuss more with you soon.
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