networking

Well, hello all!
I just wanted to drop by and see how you all were doing. So? How are you doing? I want to just droll on about a subject that I can not stress enough - networking. I had a wonderful opportunity in my own J.O.B. to network about my writing and past experiences. I think I told you all about working with other writers. Well, Saturday we decided to get together at Borders in Concord. Although, one of our three guest did not show up - myself and one of the other writers had quite a meeting. The meeting was only suppose to be an hour - nope, almost two hours we met. It was a wonderful meeting. Because of networking even in my day job - I now have the opportunity (possibly) to open a new publishing company with the help of the other writer. It had been his dream, and mine to start again. We need to hash out the details, but I love writing and I love to make other writers dreams come true. It seems like we have the same goals and the same ethics, so I hope to start this project in the near future.
What does this really have to do with networking? You would be surprised at how many doors have opened for me - personally - through networking. You can network anywhere you go. Meet with other writiers, meet with editors... meet with everyone. You need to get yourself out there - the jobs and opportunities will not come knocking at your door. You need to make things happen for yourself.
Some places to network on the internet:
Myspace
Yuwie
facebook
twitter
digg
through your own blogs
oh, my the list goes on.
If you have found a new networking place, drop me a comment. I would love to check it out.
Well, I am off. I have a writing project that I have to do before I have to go back to work tomorrow. Remember to read, write and be merry.

The new The Writer Magazine

The new the Writer magazine for August 2009 just arrived at my door. For those of you wanting to know the in's and out's of your first novel, there is a great article on page 28. Those of you that love gadgets like me... the article on High-Tech Tools for Writers on page 33 is an eye opening article. If you are a veteran writer like me, remember the days of a portable tape recorder, camera, notebook, pencil, datebook or scheduler and a large briefcase was what you brought to be able to do an interview? Well, with technology today, all I need is my cellphone, my laptop (and I do not always need this one) and a scheduled date with my interviewee is all I need today. Life has really gotten easy for writers. If you do not receive the Writer, it is definitely one of my favorite magazines for over thirteen years.

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July weekend. I did not do much writing, I hope you all did. Reading page 38 of the Writer reminds me of something all writers need to do, social networking. It is essential in any business, but I think it is so important with freelance writing or if you plan on writing a book. There are so many places to social network:
Facebook
Twitter
MySpace
Mediabistro's social meetings
LinkedIn
Digg.com
Cafemom
and many, many more.

It is so important to get out to the world of the business you run. Yes, writing is a business. Even if you write as a hobby. If you ever plan on getting published in any manner, social networking is essential. I really do not know how to emphasize this more.

Thank you, remember to read, write and be merry.