I know what you are thinking. Isn’t Pinterest the writer’s worst form of distraction ever? Yes. Yes and no. Please raise your hand if you have been guilty of pinning instead of writing! (Solemn raise of the hand from yours truly.)

But then again, Pinterest can only be distracting if you don’t use it like the amazing tool it can be! (Yes, it is possible!)
Now, please don’t tell me I am also the only writer out there that loves Pinterest. It’s like walking into a place where all your fantasies can come true. Everything fits properly in its place and teems with inspiration. At least on your boards, that is.
I am always overwhelmed when I login there. I am hit with amazement at people’s creativity and ingenuity.
But, really, how does that help with being a writer or author? Here are the top 5 ways that I use Pinterest as a writer.

1. Storyboarding

Storyboarding is almost like making a written outline, but with pictures. They use it a lot in the movie industry to visualize what the camera is going to see in each frame. Like a snapshot of the action. You can use the pictures on a board to help you visualize and plot out your story and make sure you don’t forget important touches and details. Have a different board for each story.

2. Research!

Yes, and I truly mean actual “research” and not just letting your eyes wander to all the cute outfits you would like to have if you had a million dollars in your pocket!
Pinterest has almost become its own search engine. It allows you to search for exactly what it is you are looking for whether it is Native American history, an authentic recipe or a picture of pewter cups so you can see how they look in a certain light. (Descriptions!) It takes discipline not to get sidetracked, but I have learned a ton in this sort of pin-point way of researching. Setting a timer for yourself might help.
Whenever I find a pin I like that has some helpful information, I always try to make sure to save the pin for future use and to also visit the blog or website behind the pin. Sometimes you can get even more good info!

3.  A private cast of characters

And a manor house. And beautiful horses. And perfect costuming. And a ship sailing the high seas. And a battle torn country side.
You get the idea. Sometimes, when I am stuck with a description, when I see it perfectly in my mind’s eye, but can’t seem to get it to come through my fingers, looking at a picture helps a lot. The description flows easily then.
And it is always fun to see which famous actor/actress would look best in the role when the movie version of your novel comes out 🙂

4. Connecting with other authors

This is one of my favorite ways to connect with other people and learn about other authors. You can learn a lot about people and what they like and what inspires them by taking even a quick look at their Pinterest boards. Leaving comments and asking questions on a pin is a great way to get to know your favorite authors and share what you love.
Can you imagine what it would have been like if Jane Austen or Elizabeth Gaskell had a set of Pinterest boards?!

5. Connecting with your audience

This is a huge one! So many people are on Pinterest now that it is like having a vast, available audience without even trying! Like every other social media platform, you have to be on it to stay connected, but Pinterest is one of the easiest ones to work with!
Share what inspires you with your audience through your boards. Make special boards for your stories and make them private. When you are ready to reveal them, let everyone know! Ask for suggestions and ideas when you hit a rough spot. People can send you pins that have inspired them.

I hope that these ideas have helped and remember, whatever you do, just have fun with it! How about you? How do you use Pinterest as an author and a writer?