In a recent New York Times article, Anne Trubek looks at why authors tweet. She discusses the relationship between the author and the reader and how that’s changing due to modern technology: “At their best, social media democratize literature and demystify the writing process.”

Although Trubek’s article stays mostly with the author/readers, I also enjoy following authors and interacting with them as fellow writers. Okay, maybe interacting is a strong word here. But it’s heartening to see that famous and talented writers like Shannon Hale or Sara Zarr might be in the middle of revisions or having a hard time balancing writing/real life or cheering over good reviews. Tweets can be a reminder that a writer’s life is work, even if you’re an accomplished author. And this endears me to these writers even more.

Obviously, Twitter can also be an important marketing tool. But I think it works best for writers when the writer genuinely enjoys tweeting and understand what he/she can provide to his audience through that kind of contact.

Which authors are you following?