Friday, June 28, 2013

The Importance of Making Connections




The Daydreamer’s Ramblings is a semi-regular discussion feature about bookish things. I love to hear your opinions on all topics, and if there any topics you think I should talk about be sure to let me know!



I’ve talked before several times about how much the book blogging community means to me. I’ve found a place where I can be myself, talk about the things I love, and know there are people out there who get it, and get me.



But just as important as it’s been for me to find fellow readers, it’s been equally important to connect with fellow writers. Many of my blogging friends are writers - either published authors, or soon-to-be published authors. Writing is such a solitary occupation; we live inside our own heads so much of the time, and it’s easy to get bogged down and become truly isolated.



So it’s amazing to me that I’ve found all these people who understand what it’s like to create worlds, hear voices, and spend hours locked away putting words to paper. If it weren’t for blogging, I don’t think I would have found as many friends, supporters, or like-minded people. Starting this blog was truly one of the best - and smartest - things I’ve ever done.



If you’re a new writer, I can’t stress enough the importance of becoming part of the online writing and reading community. Most authors these days have blogs, Facebook pages, Twitter pages, and any number of other ways to connect with them (YouTube, Pinterest, Tumblr, etc). There are many established and aspiring authors out there sharing their writing process, bits of their WIPs, and the day-to-day craziness of being a writer (just search the hashtag #amwriting on Twitter and you’ll see what I mean).



Other great things about finding support from the writing community:

  • People to bounce ideas off

  • Potential beta readers or proofreaders

  • People to share resources/connections with (Need an editor? Cover designer? Someone to design a book trailer? Just send out a tweet and you’ll likely have half a dozen people replies within minutes)
  • If you're a procrastinator (and honestly, what writer isn't?), there are plenty of people willing to help you avoid writing. My two favourite distractions come in the form of two lovely ladies: Jessica and Molli. When I'm avoiding writing or need a break, I know I can start talking about music, TV, movies, or any number of other things and have a nice little diversion until I'm ready to get serious again.

When I decided to self-publish my first novel, I was still fairly new in the blogging community, and there weren’t many people I could turn to for help. The people I found gave invaluable advice, and I’ve made it my mission to pass that advice along whenever I can. I have a couple good friends that I talk writing with on an almost-daily basis, and several other friends who come to me with questions as they get ready to publish their first books. I love knowing that my opinion is valued, and also that even after publishing three novels, I can still ask for help and know there are people willing to give it. 

 

Are you a writer? Have you ever thought of becoming a writer? Have you made connections through blogging? Are you willing to give advice and share resources with fellow writers?



I used Grammarly to grammar check this post, because time spent proofreading could be time spent writing, reading amazing books, watching Doctor Who, having ridiculous and nonsensical conversations on Twitter, writing blog posts, or searching Pinterest for hours. Who wants to spend ages proofreading when you can be doing fun things? Be sure to check out Grammarly!


6 comments:

  1. I loved this.You know that I'm just starting to work on my first YA novel and having fellow writers-especially the more experienced ones there to push me and reassure me has been amazing.

    I've been wanting to write a book for ages and my family has repeatedly said "You are such a great writer.You should write a book" I didn't want to do a book about my life so I wrote out some ideas and several have come to me and I'm excited to see my thoughts get put down on paper.

    Thank you for being SO supportive.

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  2. This is such a great post, Marie! I want to slowly start talking a bit more about my own writing on my blog, and eventually start USING the writing blog I made. Ooops.

    I think one of the greatest things about social media IS the support. I'm not a huge FB fan but I LOVE that in 140 characters on Twitter, you can meet amazing, encouraging people - like you, Jess, and a few other friends I've made re: writing/life. I am ALWAYS happy to distract you, give you writing feedback, or tweet you sad Doctor Who pics. LOL. <3 <3 <3 <3

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  3. I love the writing community. Without them, I have no idea where I'd be with my writing. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. Whenever I have someone ask me about writing, I always recommend getting online and fnding the writing community.

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  4. I agree completely! You need to make connections as a writer/author and the best way to do it nowadays is online. Okay, not the BEST way, but if you plan on making it as an author, the chances of that are increased exponentially if you have a presence online. Otherwise you're not going to get the attention. Plus, as you said, making the connections with fellow writers to discuss writing and find people to help with the publishing process. That makes a HUGE difference. Like when you can strike a deal to be a permanent beta reader for someone if they make all your covers for you. :D

    And I do NOT distract you. I make your life more fun. ;)

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  5. I definitely agree that we have a fantastic community. The PC nightmares are taking forever, but should finally be dealt with by mid July and I am looking forward to getting back into things.

    Aside from blogging, the other place I spend a lot of my social time as a writer is Absolute Write. It was actually seeing people with blogs over there that made me decide to make my own, and it went from there.

    Having people to bounce things off can be invaluable. One of the things that drives me nuts about my local friends and family is that since they aren't readers / writers it is not constructive to try and get feedback from them. They (especially Jay, as much as I love him!) tend to seem bored and distanced and that can actually make me think something is wrong with a totally valid idea that he ends up loving later when I read it to him--after debating whether to write it for three weeks!

    The last few weeks I've been refilling the well with gaming, movies, books strictly for pleasure, etc. to get myself ready to get back into the fray of both writing and blogging. Now I'll likely spend the last two weeks of this PC mess reading and setting up stuff so I'll be all ready to go.

    I know that *I* need to get better at facebook and twitter. I've got no qualms essentially leaving you a letter in the comment box, but I feel kinda clumsy when I use social media for some reason.

    Anyway, I hope that summer is going well for you. Take care!

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  6. I'm one of the shiest people I know. So blogging wasn't easy at first. I learned to write as if no one would read my work, and I do that with blogging.

    It's easier to just let go when not worrying about what anyone thinks.

    Great post. :-)

    Anna from Shout with Emaginette

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Thanks for visiting Ramblings of a Daydreamer! I love hearing what you have to say, and I appreciate every single comment. I hope to see you here again soon! ♥
~Marie

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