Being in the company of other writers can be a marvelous and helpful thing. We often forget that when we spend so much of our time writing all alone. One of the first things I tell authors when they are just starting out is to build their writing network.
Why it Matters
Writing is a solitary activity, where we spend a great deal of our time in our heads. I talk to myself while walking my dogs, for example. That’s how I map out my plot and story lines, and I’m not alone. But when we spend so much time in our heads alone, we aren’t benefiting from other perspectives.
Networking is often key to success for anyone, especially aspiring writers. But I’ve learned from Ilise Benun, a marketing specialist, that networking for authors isn’t about selling books. Networking to her is expanding your circle of associates, whether they can help you or not. The key is building your writing network honestly and without preconceived notions of how it will help you.
Getting Started
You can also build your writing network by joining one of several writing organizations. I addressed that a few years ago as I explained the wealth of organizations out there. These include Mystery Writers of American, Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators. Joining a group that fits your style of writing gives you an immediate entre to like-minded authors, and builds your writing network.
Attending conferences is another way to build your writing network. Sitting in a seminar with a few hundred other authors lowers the barriers between and among us, and is often fun. It’s not hard to meet new people at conferences, exchange contact information, and build your network from there. This is especially good for us in Maryland, with the Maryland Writers Association. Once folks attend the fall annual conference, they are encouraged to go the next step and attend monthly chapter meetings across the state. This makes it easy for them to build their writing network.
It Doesn’t Have to be In-Person
Some people find online communities more to their liking. A great as I’ve networked over the years through National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo. I feel great support as I tackle the challenge of writing fifty thousand word novel in a month with folks from around the world.
There are other networks online you can find that are more active throughout the year. These help you maintain your writing network beyond a single month of the year. Reedsy offers an extensive list that to get you started.
Don’t Be Intimidated
Not long ago, I attended my third Dan Moldea dinner. These dinners bring together authors from throughout the Washington, DC metro area for an evening of conversation and sharing about our writing. As the author of only four books—three novels and a book of nonfiction—I always feel intimidated and outclassed by the people at the meeting. At the last meeting, I chatted with Pulitzer Prize Winners and several folks who are New York Times bestselling authors. Yet, our conversations sound much the same. We all bemoan the challenges of finding or working with agents, and about how AI will impact our writing. And to be honest, no matter how many books we sell, we always want to sell more, right?
Building my writing network by connecting with these authors has given me great ideas about book promotion, and small publishers open to direct solicitations from authors. They’ve also helped me become a better writer. Many of the most accomplished authors are also open to a phone call if I have questions about writing, publishing, or promotion.
Final Thoughts
Building your writing network is always a good idea. It can strengthen your writing, support your marketing success, and give you a tribe of folks who really understand you.
Start building your writing network today!
Desert Son: Flight of the Raven, Book Two
It’s said that you shouldn’t launch two books at the same time. That makes sense, but in this case, I’ve made an exception.
Eight years ago, folks were introduced to Tucker McLeod and Raina Wolfe in their adventure entitled Twin Worlds, Flight of the Raven, Book One. It’s time now to present the first mission of the starship Raven in Desert Son, Flight of the Raven, Book Two.
For those of you who like a good space opera—a tale with adventure, a covert mission, and two exceptional starship captains—Desert Son is the summer reading you need.
I’m also seeking science fiction aficionados who’d like to be on our launch team, and receive a signed copy of Desert Son. If that sounds like you, use the contact form and send me a message, and I’ll tell you what’s involved!
