Thursday, November 09, 2006

NetWorking

When I started a career as a writer, I was a lone wolf. I had no time to waste in forums and chat groups. I did not have time to attend local writer's groups. I never participated in group events on the Internet. And, I paid for it.

It took longer for me to launch my career than it should have, because I just couldn't think of things in my head - and my version of 'good enough' wasn't the industry's version. I was also caught up in lofty ideals of 'getting paid what I was worth' and only accepting 'real' writing jobs.

Now, four years later I am both older and wiser. For one, I have a close group of friends. We are each other's life coaches - as much as the boundaries of friendship allows. Beyond that, I guess we pay out our $100 like everyone else.

The point is, networking with friends is a great way to get inside leads, tips, advice, tools, and emotional support. I wish I had not considered participating in forums and groups as a waste of time.

Writing is emotional. Deadlines are emotional. It is foolish to think that a writer can continue, undaunted, through their career without someone else to talk to.

Instead of 'dating sites' I wish there were sites that matched professionals with other professionals in their field as 'mentors' and support. It would be a much better use of a person's time.

I never realized how valuable my network friends were until last spring when my husband became very ill. Now, I would never call any venue that brought Internet workers together as - a waste of time.

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