by Ossandra White

Well, well, well. If it isn’t the good ol’ Twitch.tv. That site where kids watch actual adults who act like babies throwing tantrums over losing video games. How on earth can a weird platform like that be a ‘secret weapon’ for authors?

Twitch may not seem like a place where authors can gain a lot of benefit. But I challenge you to think again! Reframe your mindset as you read this article. I have personally profited greatly from being part of the Twitch community. But you don’t have to take my word for it! Throughout this post, I'll share testimonials from a plethora of writers in different demographics, age groups, and life walks who have adopted the platform as a place to connect, grow, and expand their audience. Before we continue, though, I believe it’s best we clear a few things up…

What exactly is Twitch again?

Twitch.tv was originally popularized by people who livestreamed video games, but that isn’t all the platform is for. In my first article, I talked about how people can do more than just play video games on the site. There are streamers who cook, clean, chat with the audience, craft, or even walk and bike outside in nature. If you can imagine it or do it, it can be done and found on Twitch. Just make sure it falls in line with their terms of service!

Where does the ‘author’s secret weapon’ part come in?

Now we understand what exactly the platform is. Let’s explore how authors can use the site to grow their audience, diversify income channels, and improve their writing.

I've been a part of Twitch's writing community for 8 years. I like using it for the community, whether they share their writings or read mine. Sometimes, you can get quick edits of your work. You can learn about the industry and the entire writing process from prospective and published authors.

An anonymous Twitch streamer and viewer

Though it may seem new, Twitch.tv has been around since 2011. Still, it is something that is only known about in certain circles. Most who are familiar believe it’s all about games, but that’s another misconception. As you can gather from this anonymous streamer, there are many writers and even editors on the platform who you can connect with. Some of these editors may provide free, quick edits as a sample for their services. Others may require a tip or donation.

Real-time Connection

As an author, especially streaming while writing, Twitch has allowed me to connect with a new audience and gain feedback from a diverse readership. I found kindred spirits, and the platform also helped me to encourage other authors.

Tiberian64, a Twitch streamer and viewer

Twitch brings in that community aspect. Being a viewer and seeing the face or hearing the voice behind words is really nice and helps remind me I am not alone, even though I may be very far away. Being a streamer and having real-time engagement is encouraging, as well as motivating, to sit down and get something done. 

Being in chat with others can be really fun, sharing what we write, how we're faring with goals and deadlines, and just reminding each other that other people exist in the world. 

Twitch helps motivate me to write by bringing me other people and authors who can encourage me and remind me I am not alone.

TaraFaeBelle, a Twitch streamer and viewer

I feel Twitch has been a great help by providing a great writing community. The writing streamers I watched shared their knowledge and offered advice that improved my writing to the point where I felt confident to begin streaming on my own and sharing my writing perspective with those who visit my streams.

Dazzlikat, a Twitch streamer and viewer

Community

Communities of any kind always have pros and cons, but the writer’s side of Twitch is very helpful and loving in my experience! I’ve met many people who have since become close acquaintances, friends, and even monetary supporters through this platform. Some have joined my mailing list and read my books, taking interest in my projects and endeavors.

Having a space for writers on Twitch gives me accountability, even if no one sees what I'm writing. This has helped me produce content for my worldbuilding and get my novel drafted.

Lady Wynter, a Twitch streamer and viewer

Accountability

I mostly used it as an accountability bump. Twice a week I had scheduled streams to work on my writing and art, respectively. Even if no one really watched, the fact that they could helped keep me accountable to a degree.

An anonymous Twitch streamer and viewer

Twitch overall is like an accountability partner you can control. I can go into one person’s stream and know I’ll find productive chaos. I can go to another for a strict ‘sit down and get to work’ vibe. Or another for positive, uplifting, self-care-focused work. When I go live myself, I feel a sense of obligation to be productive. Even when no one is watching, I feel motivated to keep going because it feels like someone is holding my hand, telling me I can do it. Overall, Twitch gives me the feeling that “Someone is out there, and they support you”.

Quill, a Twitch streamer and viewer

Twitch helps me be consistent. Even if nobody is watching, writing on stream gives me a certain amount of accountability and encourages me. The productivity streams help me maintain consistency in a way that no amount of scheduling writing time myself ever could.

Lee, a Twitch streamer and viewer

Being a viewer on Twitch and joining other co-working streams helps me to get a lot done, whether I’m working on my next book or chores and other responsibilities.

J. K. Lambo, a Twitch viewer

Many writers use Twitch for accountability. Finding the time to write can be a pain, but having other people in your corner who share similar goals and interests can push you to do your best and achieve the thing!

Outreach

Twitch doesn't sound like it would be of much benefit to writers, does it? But I've found it to be the best form of social media to expand my outreach yet. For one thing, there's a devoted writing community on Twitch that is happy to join one another for co-working, which is basically a virtual write-in where the streamer is the host. It also gets you out there to potential readers. There are events and groups you can join too, which helps you to connect with other writers, like the Twitch Writers' Network, The Same Page, and Game of Tomes. If you're better at spontaneous chatter than making produced, edited videos, I strongly recommend it.

SableAradia, a Twitch streamer and viewer

What I like about Twitch is how it connects you to a community. As an author, it makes me feel less alone, as there are others with whom I can share my writing journey. Sitting in on conversations can give you new insights and perspectives on both writing and writing life, even if you're just lurking.

An anonymous Twitch viewer

The Art of Lurking

If you are shy and intimidated by chatting or interacting with others online, there are a lot of lurker-friendly spaces on Twitch! Many writing streamers will encourage lurkers, or just have a lobby up where nothing is on the screen besides some cozy graphics and a timer to help people who are trying to accomplish tasks have a way to keep track of their progress. You may also find writers who answer questions of others. Even if you don’t chime in yourself, you can observe other interactions and find a sense of community.

Twitch has helped me so much as an author. One of my Twitch streamer friends invited me to be on her Juneteenth stream last month to talk about my pastry chef romance books. It was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but once I eased into it, it was a lot of fun! Everyone was so kind and welcoming and my friend even hosted a giveaway for three copies of Culinary Confessions, and I even got some book sales out of it + got to inspire others from my story as a neurospicy, sweet romance author.

J. K. Lambo, a Twitch viewer

Marketing

Twitch is also a lovely place to promote your work. If you are a streamer, you can showcase your work on your own stream, but as a viewer, there are often other streamers who would love to shout you out to their circles and support you.

As a writer, I write (obviously), but I like writing with others. Viewing writing streams on Twitch, I get to do that and participate in a lot of writing challenges.

nxncc1701a, a Twitch viewer

Motivation

Sometimes, as authors, we need motivation. There are a lot of writing challenges within the Twitch community that allow authors to hone their skills through prompts, writing sprints, and more.

As an author specifically, Twitch allows me to easily connect with an endless wealth of people and ideas. I’ve connected with everyone from non-writers and new authors toying with their first idea or project, to people who have been publishing novels for longer than I’ve been alive, and I’ve learned something new from every single one of them. A new world of resources, websites, challenges, trackers, and techniques has opened up because of the people I have connected with.

Quill, a Twitch streamer and viewer

Twitch has helped me connect with an incredible community of other authors. While I don't stream myself, I get to co-work with others who help me to be more productive in my writing. It also gives me a place where I know I can reach out if I have questions about any steps in the process, from plotting to publishing. There is always a streamer or viewer out there who's done it before and is willing to offer advice to someone who needs it. 

Authorbeth, a Twitch viewer

For me, the biggest benefit to Twitch is the community–the ability to reach out to other writing streamers when I need help, and to readers, writers, and viewers who show up to my stream with questions.

TheTigerWrites, a Twitch streamer and viewer

Twitch for me mostly means community. You get to follow and host writing streams that bring people and ideas together, to learn from each other, and spread the writing joy.

Aldus_Ken, a Twitch streamer and viewer

Multiplying Reach

Twitch has been a great place for me to explore my outreach. I've discovered (and am still discovering) so many newcomers and already published authors who not only react to their communities, but also work with them with such incredible support that makes me believe they are the best people.

Being a relatively active member on Twitch (both as a regular chatter and semi-erratically active as a streamer) and having so many people drop by to chat and talk about their works or their recent news brings a lot of joy to me as a writer. 

The benefits overall, based on my experiences, are that I've been able to expand my reach socially by being able to ask questions to other people about their works and my own, while also learning valuable skills, tips & tricks for writing and towards learning about the creative writing industry via the Twitch platform. 

TheFanfictoneerGuy, a Twitch streamer and viewer

Education

Twitch allows access to wealth of knowledge and a multitude of experienced authors and editors who can help you along your writer journey.

I'm not good at learning new tech anymore. So I'm mostly frozen in like, 2016 or so, but I was able to get help from other author streamers and just figured things out little by little. Babysteps. Also, I have found the Twitch writing community as a whole to be much more encouraging and supportive than traditional, in-person writing groups.

JaySeaBoom, a Twitch streamer and viewer

I get it. There are multiple reasons you may still be skeptical about this. With all the change happening in online spaces, you may not feel inclined to add yet another platform to your list of things to worry about. Still, I urge you not to be intimidated by the technology learning curve or the fear of trying something new! By ignoring this wealth of community and resources, you will miss out on valuable experience and growth.

To summarize…

Being an author within the Twitch space can benefit you in several ways:

1. Exposure

You are positioning yourself in a space where other writers and readers can find you so that your audience can grow.

2. Connection

You can network with other like-minded individuals, meet friends, and feel less alone on your writing journey. Sometimes, being a creative is lonely. Here, you can connect with others who understand you, help you when you get stuck, and celebrate your wins when you have accomplished greatness.

3. Productivity

You will find spaces for body-doubling, gain accountability buddies, and establish routines that keep you on track to accomplish what you’ve set out to do. 

4. Resources

You may learn about resources, programs, and other communities that may be of value to you. You may also discover people who offer services such as editing, art, and voice-over work.

5. Learning

You can explore a wealth of information and inspiration from thriving creative communities. Hearing the experiences of other writers firsthand, you can compare processes and figure out what works best for you.

6. Boldness

You will be encouraged to step out of your comfort zone. Being bold and trying different things is a great way to feel exhilarated and refreshed. It can spark a new interest and excitement within you about your projects.

7. Consistency

You’ll have opportunities to practice consistency. By establishing a set schedule of when you visit Twitch, you can get yourself into a good writing and editing habit.

And those seven things can all be achieved by simply interacting with others on the platform as a viewer. If you decide to stream on Twitch yourself, the following perks may also develop for you:

8. Increased Value

You can provide value to your current following. Many readers like to engage with the authors they are supporting. Streams can be seen as a behind-the-scenes perk or an opportunity for your fanbase to interact with and relate to you on a more personal level.

9. Branding

You will establish your brand. Customizing your account name and design will help you foster an online presence and make your name, logo, color scheme, and projects known to many.

10. Income

You may make income. Whether running a stream where you are active and present, or providing a lobby where anyone can drop in at any time, livestreams can produce ad revenue or generate money from those who have subscribed to your channel.

How do I get started?

Getting started is easy and free! Anyone can create a Twitch account by visiting the Twitch.tv website. You will only need to set up your username and password. Then, you’re in!

After this is done, you will need to decide what kind of Twitch member you would like to be before navigating next steps. Whether a viewer or a streamer, Twitch can help you as a writer. I have created a comprehensive Twitch for Authors class that will help you ease into things if you still have questions.

So, what do you think?

* * * * * *

Feel overwhelmed by the possibilities of Twitch? Ossandra is available to teach one-on-one or in groups, guiding you through the set up of this and many other power-tools for authors. Check out her empowering sessions at No Stress Writing Academy!

About Ossandra

Ossandra White is a Jill of all Trades with too many ideas and not enough time. Lover of all things creative, you can often catch her making or admiring art of every kind. She also enjoys writing in every genre. When she’s not juggling seventy-one projects and working multiple jobs, she helps others as a freelancer for hire and as a teacher at the No Stress Writing Academy.

She can be found online almost everywhere under the username WordiGirl. Her current main project “Secret Agent Someone” immerses its followers in the mysteriously wonderful world of W.I.L.L.O.W.I.S.P., home to spies, lies, disguise, surprise, and a man with malachite eyes. Find books, short stories, audiodramas, games, and more at https://willowisphq.com or visit https://www.wordigirl.com to check out everything Ossandra is up to.

Photos in this post are all (c) Ossandra White.