I remember when people started telling me, “You have to be on Twitter,” and I said, “No, I really don’t.” I resisted, in other words. It’s hard enough to write a book without yet another distraction. “But you could be reaching so many more people by tweeting” was the argument I kept getting. “Yeah? Tweet this” was my belligerent answer.

One day I ventured onto Twitter for no good reason and found myself sucked in by it. It was not only fun to connect with those of similar interests/passions but it was actually good discipline to have to confine my thoughts to 140 characters. Talk about learning how to edit. Plus, I “met” other writers – like right away. There’s nothing lonelier than sitting in front of a computer screen trying to create characters and plots out of thin air, but, thanks to Twitter, I have a whole new network of writers with whom I can bitch and moan.

Take today. I was at my desk working when my email informed me that I had a new follower – an L.A.-based chick lit author named Margo Candela.

I wasn’t aware of her books, but now I am. Here’s one.

We tweeted about our love for (and our lack of shame about loving) romantic comedies. We DM-ed each other. We emailed each other. We even graduated to a phone call during which we talked about collaborating on a chick flick.

My point is that I wouldn’t have known Margo existed if not for Twitter, because I’m too burrowed into my own little writing cave to keep track of what everybody else in the business is up to.

So now I know. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow’s Twitter feed brings.