I'm sure being a 'new kid' in the writing world dredges up horrific memories of High School days gone by for many writers.
But...Ah, The good ole days, huh? Who knew the past would have such a vicious way of repeating itself?!
There may not be any seniors waiting to tip over the port-a-potty as soon as you sit your hiney down on the cold toilet seat, but the writing world is not without its own set of growing pains. The lesson I learned from nearly falling out of that 'mobile pooper' in front of most of the student body was the benefit of name recognition.
One of the most important things a new writer can do is to make the effort to get their name out there. Newbies don't realize how vast the literary world is. Networking, much like Gym Class, is a necessary evil. (Thankfully, minus the awkard shower moments.)
Let me break it down for those of you going- "I know she has point but what the %$#@ is it?"
Waiting until your book is published to network is just as a misguided idea as thinking the poster of Corey Haim you saved a month's worth of allowance for would be worth millions one day. (*sigh*)
There are many facets to 'Getting Into the Mix' and joining a critique/writer's group is only part of the process. Thanks to the people who actually stayed awake in computer class, the writing world has been gifted with such things as MySpace, FaceBook, Cyber Village and now Twitter-ing. All of these avenues can be explored with a click of a mouse. (Best part? It really is a free lunch!)
Another benefit of networking is gaining valuable insight on a rapidly changing market. There are a lot of authors who are more than willing to share their knowledge- 'Paying It Forward' so to speak.
The one good thing I've noticed about the Romance Writing world is the tangible sense of community. The wonderful authors/writers I've come in contact with have been more than happy to take a chance on a novice. It's refreshing and endearing.
So for you new writers satisfied to lurk in the shadows and watch opportunity pass you by, isn't it time for you to say 'Good-bye to Sandra Dee?'
Break away from your inner-high-schooler!
Making your presence known is such a simple step, but one well worth taking.
10 comments:
Sarah, you're absolutely right -- it's never too soon to get your name out there. And you're also right about romance writers; they're a wonderful and welcoming group, and always willing to share their knowledge. What a fun path we've chosen!
Helen
Excellent advice, Sarah!
Thanks, Helen and Emma for visiting! Always glad to see you!
You're spot on, Sarah. It is a new world out in the writer's arena, but it is exciting and fun. I've had the best experience getting to know others, and everyday I find more and more people just like me.
Thanks, Debra! You are so "write"! LOL
Navigating the writing world has been an eye-opener for me, too.
Grease is the word, is the word, is the word...
Now I wish I could get that song out of my head!
Ava James
Ava, You crack me up! After I wrote this post, Hopelessly Devoted ran through my head all night. *heehee* Thanks for the laughs, lady!
Oh, boy, now Hopelessly Devoted will be in my head, too! Although my favorite song from Grease is "You're the One That I Want" whoo, whoo, whoo...LOL
Seriously, though, another great post, Sarah! It's never too soon to jump in and get your pencil wet! Networking is so important in this business, plus it's just really nice to make new friends. :)
Thanks, Cari! As always, you're a blast to have here too!
Great post, Sarah. Networking is the key to getting people to remember your name these days--that's for sure.
Post a Comment