@Shenandoah #AuthorsandSocialMedia

Lately in our Shenandoah Internship meetings we have been discussing the shift from print to an online medium.  We live in a world where practically everything and everyone seems to on the web, logged on, and high speed.  In this fast paced and instant gratification society one has to wonder what will happen to print, authors, and literature in general.

Here at Shenandoah we have come up with a few ways to work within the online the community.  The journal has a Facebook page, which is now under new management by the brilliant and witty team, Tim McAleenan and Caitlin Doyle.  In addition, you can even follow your favorite literary journal on Twitter @ShenandoahLit!  The idea of Shenandoah having a Twitter made me wonder what famous authors would subscribe to the popular social media site.  After sifting through my mental catalogue of authors I came up with at least one writer who would definitely have a Twitter.  Mark Twain, the legendary nineteenth century humorist and writer, was exactly the type of author who would have fully embraced Twitter.  Twain’s illustrious wit is perfectly suited to the frank and concise nature of Twitter’s 140-character per Tweet format.  I even took the liberty of choosing a few of my favorite Mark Twain quotes and converting them into proper Twitter-form.  Enjoy these hypothetical Mark Twain tweets!

TheMarkTwain: Be careful about reading health books.  You may die of a misprint #hypochondriacs

TheMarkTwain: I have never taken any exercise except sleeping and resting. #healthnuts#lazydays#oldage

TheMarkTwain: Clothes make the man.  Naked people have little or no influence on society. #annoyingfashions#toughlifefornudists

TheMarkTwain: It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt. #stupidquestions#ignorantpeople

What are your thoughts on authors using Twitter?  Can you think of any other writers who would be avid “Tweeters”?


Senior at Washington and Lee University. Originally from Chattanooga, TN. Majoring in English.