Notwithstanding Kipling's observation, writers will get farther if they network. Benefits include, but are not limited to, feedback on your writing, the chance to learn from others, living persons who care about and validate you (and vice versa), writing opportunities, speaking engagements, endorsements, free books, friendships, and even publishing opportunities. In fact, right now I have a book proposal with an interested editor under the recommendation and endorsement of one of my contacts.
If you're ready to push the panic button at the idea of networking, trust me, I understand. I felt that way myself once. I hope you will hang on and keep reading, though, because it's not as bad as we make it. It can even be fun, and I say that as one who grew up shy. Indulge me a moment of personal reflection, and I'll give you the key.
Through a series of events, a pastor once invited me to speak on his local radio program. My stomach clenched, my heart sank to my toes, and my palms broke into a sweat at the mere suggestion. But he assured me I could read a paper I'd written, and that I'd have just ten minutes to fill. The pastor seemed in need of someone to take this time slot. Besides, what could happen in ten minutes? I agreed and soon found myself seated at a table in a tiny room before a microphone. The pastor introduced me, and I swallowed the lump in my throat and began reading. I hardly noticed as he left his microphone and exited the room until I looked up at the end of my paper. The pastor, through a window of soundproof glass, signaled me to continue and returned his attention to something occupying both him and the tech guy. With no idea what to say next, I announced prayer and babbled a rather looong and wandering entreaty while inwardly begging God for help. An image came to me, then, of my listeners, not as a terrifying entity but rather as living, breathing people with genuine wants and needs. I "amened" my prayer, raised my head, and spoke to them.
In all, I occupied the air waves for half-an-hour. They told me afterwards the tape provided by the ministry's absentee musician had stuck. I've never forgotten the key lesson I learned that day. I learned to forget myself and reach out to others in love. That's all it takes.
Ways to Network
I couldn't possibly, in one easy lesson, cover every way a writer can network. We're creative people, after all. But, I can provide a starting point.
- Writing Memberships
- Critique Groups
- Book Clubs & Book Groups
- Writers Conferences
- Blogging/Visiting Other's Blogs & Websites
- Forums
