Top 5 Reasons Why I Love Twitter

Before I published my first book in April 2012, I decided to take the plunge and join Twitter. I seriously had no idea how it worked, and found the hashtag thing rather strange. Fast forward to 16k tweets later, and I'm definitely considered an addict. While there are times I know I spend way too much perusing what's known to be The Drainer of All Time, there are so many benefits to being active in this social media phenomenon.

Reason #5: World news! Okay, this is probably not something to brag about, but I don't watch news anymore, and I steer clear of the newspapers, so I get most of my news through Twitter and Facebook. There's something satisfying about talking to other people around the world when tragedy strikes, as if we can find comfort in knowing there are others experiencing the same kind of reaction.

Reason #4: Human interaction! Let me explain—I went from an extremely social job in which I helped (usually angry) people all day long to sitting in my little writing den out on our farm. My daily communication with people while my family is gone for the day becomes limited to whomever I chat with online, or the friends I text. There are days this is the small string that holds my sanity together.

Reason #3: The fandom! Its no secret I'm crazy about shows like The Walking Dead, and I love that I can rehash each episodes with other fans from around the world. I love that I can connect with others who are into the same musicians, and carry passions for the same books and authors. It's like being a member of several fan clubs without having to pay any dues.

Reason #2: The celebrities! Getting followed by Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead) made me scream so loud my husband thought someone had died, and shamelessly, having my tweet read by Chris Hardwick (host of Talking Dead, show that reviews episodes of The Walking Dead) on live TV was like winning a Grammy. I save each and every tweet I receive directly from a celebrity because it feels just as satisfying as an autograph. Being a fangirl of amazing authors, these are just a few of the tweets I've received that just about sent me over the edge:

@naumannbooks thank you so much! And darn, I would have loved to meet you! Next time I hope :-)
— Kendare Blake (@KendareBlake) September 27, 2013

@naumannbooks Check my profile, girl. Check that check!
— Isaac Marion (@isaacinspace) September 27, 2013

#1: The friendships! I've made so many friends through Twitter—some started out as fans of my writing and became my friends, some I've started blogs and businesses with, some have become my beta readers and critique partners, some I've spent hours virtually chatting with while partaking in adult beverages, others I have met in person or have plans to meet in the near future. It blows my mind to think how ten years ago, meeting strangers from across the country (or even the world) online was inconceivable.

Maybe this is just me trying to justify to myself why I spend so much time on social networks, or maybe it's just proving what a pathetic life I have. Either way, I don't really care. Twitter has been life-changing, and extremely resourceful. I plan to tweet until someone physically removes my phone from my hands.

TV Review: The Walking Dead (Mid-Season 3 Finale - Recap)

AS ALWAYS, MY RECAPS CONTAIN SPOILERS!

Mid-season finale? Are you kidding me AMC? (Okay we all knew it was coming, but it still sucks.)

There was a lot going on in this episode and I'm guessing if you're reading this blog, you've already watched this it. For that reason, I'm just going to touch on some of the note-worthy things that happened.

To start, prison redneck dude hitting on Herschel's 17-year-old daughter gave new meaning to the word perv and I'm pretty sure every fan of the show got a chuckle out of his confession that he thought short hair = lesbian. What an idiot. Speaking of idiots, what exactly were Rick and the guys thinking by leaving a cripple old man, two teens, a newborn and Carol all alone? I guess they're lucky the writers of the show decided to make a man out of Carl as he had their backs. Am I the only one who caught on to how quickly Ricky Jr. was ready to shoot yet another mother? That kid definitely has mommy issues. Thought it was ironic how that new lady was all, "Come over here boy so I can spank your little ass" and Carl was all smirking because he knew that lady couldn't touch him behind bars. So typical of young kids today.

It was a sweet moment when Glen and Maggie were reunited until Glen got up and deboned that walker. That was just nasty. But then again, this is the same guy who once smeared intestines on his body and then wore them around his neck. I have to say, I'm really curious to know just how much damage a person could do with a human bone. And for the love of Pete - why does every keep pointing a gun at Merle but not using it? They've shot and killed every other dirt bag who came off as a mild threat to the group. Add the fact that Merle's hand is missing because of their group and he's the biggest threat they've seen in this apocalypse. Daryl wanted to go after his blade-armed brother, yet it didn't take a whole lot of convincing on Rick's part to leave him behind. Then we saw Shane's ghost, which was strange and also a good indicator that Rick won't be done talking to pretend people any time soon. We pretty much know for sure Rick has gone bye-bye.

On Twitter I said that the Governor was almost being sweet with his daughter. That was me being facetious, people. The guy is seriously off his rocker. And it's about time Andrea discovered just what a creeper he is (although how THICK is she that she didn't catch on to the fact earlier that her Loverboy was trying to keep her away from the "terrorists"?). I give her three days tops before she's back in crazy's arms (oh wait, she's already hugging him in the preview). And that fight scene between Michonne and the Governor? One of the best in the history of television.

Finally, we are given the showdown between the Governor and the Dixon brothers. I'm going to be cocky here and say they aren't going to do anything to Daryl, because we saw him running in the previews for the next episode in February. I also think the show knows their fan base would be shaken to its core, as well as the fact that it would probably plummet to a painfully lower number. But that's all wishful thinking more than anything.

To those of you who aren't fans of the The Walking Dead, I give you two months of not having to read my review of it every week. Don't say I never gave you anything. ;)

And to those of you who are big fans of the best show on television, what do you plan to do while the show is on hiatus? Stock up for the impending apocalypse? Catch up with past seasons for a walk down memory lane? Work on the sequel to your first zombie book? Okay, that last one was for me.