Embracing Silence on Social Media: Lessons from Mrs. Penury for Writers

Writers today are often told that they must post on social media constantly, sometimes every day, whether they are new, pre-published, indie, or traditionally published. The author admits that this pressure can leave her staring at a blank page with nothing to say. She notes that such advice does not always fit the reality of a writer’s life, and that the constant push to be seen can feel like a demand that never lets up.

The post turns to Scripture for perspective, pointing to Proverbs 17:28, which says that even fools seem wise when they keep silent, and to Proverbs 13:3 about controlling one’s tongue. It also mentions Ecclesiastes 3:7, which speaks of a time to be quiet and a time to speak. The author adds a light touch with a line from a popular song about saying it best by saying nothing at all.

Her favorite picture of this kind of silence comes from the Emma Lion series, where she meets Mrs. Rebecca Penury, a character who decided years earlier that she had said all she needed to say and has barely spoken since, though she will write a note when necessary. The author finds this character both amusing and endearing, and sees in her wisdom that applies to people in general and to writers living with social media in particular.

The author describes deciding to embrace her own “inner Mrs. Penury” rather than forcing herself to post when nothing worthwhile comes to mind. She says that when she takes a day or two to be quiet, fresh ideas tend to return on their own.

The post closes by inviting readers to reflect on whether they have felt the same need to always have something to say, and whether they have allowed themselves days or longer without saying anything at all.

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