Monday, August 24, 2009

Connecting

I will admit something today. Well, tonight because I'm really late in posting today.

I loved the comments on my last post about social networking. If I could keep reading them over and over, I would.

Why? Because I got the answer I'd hoped for.

Most everyone wants a connection. A real connection.

Oh yeah, we want to promote our work and all that too--cause that goes with the territory. But everyone agreed that being genuine counts more than anything. And if we are genuine, it goes to reason, we'll connect and learn more which in turn will help our craft.

I learned to write a synopsis last week because of my connections. I've found a critique group to read my work. I've learned about agents and the detailed process of getting a book published.

My connections have enabled me to grow and that in return will help me write a better book.

What knowledge have you recently gained through your connections?




26 comments:

Kara said...

All my writing blogging friends help keep me connected to the writing world on so many levels. I'm not actively out there right now, but I want to keep my head in the game so to speak. I love reading about what everyone is up to and try to store away all the good information and advice as I go!

Tana said...

Meeting kind people like you makes me want to stay connected. It's funny how peoples personalities really shine through here. I've probably told you this but I heart you!

Kathleen said...

Every connection acts in some small or large way as a mirror. I see things I couldn't have seen otherwise. There's a give and take that makes for a richer, deeper life. And that's always good stuff to write about!

Blessings,
Kathleen

Stephanie Faris said...

I switched over here from MySpace and have found a MUCH more rewarding blogging experience. I didn't realize there were so many aspiring authors over here blogging...but just being here has enriched me in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Pat Guy said...

I think blogging and joining different groups with others of same interests opens so many opportunities on so many levels. Connecting, learning, making new friends, growing, developing, furthering dreams. It's more than a social network, it's a personal network of caring loving friends.
We are so fortunate to live in these days of such connecting technology. ; )
Hugs,
Pat

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

What's important to me; this entire process has helped me reformulate my goals and desires as it pertains to the publishing world. Things look very different for me now than they did a year ago.

And I'm at peace about it all. You're the best! Thanks for being such an encouragement to your readers. We love you.

peace~elaine

Kathryn Magendie said...

Oh! so much -- but the best thing is how it makes me feel less isolated, since I write alone on this mountain here, without getting out much.

I learn about people and places and events -it's a wonderful thing, isn't it!

Unknown said...

Many years ago, my cat and I moved to a town (and state) where I knew no one. I had no job, no friends, nothing. While I felt a need to be on my own and test my metal, I was very lonely. Then I discovered a local online social network. I made friends and business contacts ... even got a job. Most importantly, I met my husband.

So yeah ... I think online connections are wondrous. They turn total strangers into best friends. How cool is that!

Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com

Andrea said...

I grow with each connection and each new friend. GOD has a plan in it all.
Blessings, andrea

Lillian Robinson said...

At first I was just making friends, but then I purposefully started seeking out writers, agents, and publishers. I have gained such an insight into the process! I have taken many notes for future reference.

There are so many warm, caring people here, eager to help and guide. I love watching my writing 'peers' make their way in the published world! Someday I hope to join them. Until then I can sit here across the e-gap and celebrate with them!

kah said...

Oh the list goes on and on. I owe so much to my betas and blogger friends. And the agents who take the time to blog and educate. Yay for social networking!

Susan R. Mills said...

I have learned so much from blogging. Could you share your knowledge about the synopsis, though? I have yet to figure out how to write an effective one! :)

Melissa Amateis said...

Simply put, I have learned that I am not alone in this crazy writing business. And that is wonderful knowledge to have!

Sande said...

Don't connections allow for impartation and mentoring.... bring it on

Greg C said...

I have so many connections it is hard to pick out just one. I think I make a new one almost every day. It truly is a small world and a person I am nice to today turns out to be someone I need tomorrow.

Jody Hedlund said...

I've learned everything you mentioned too. I wouldn't be nearly as savvy or as far as I am without the connections!

Jill Kemerer said...

Writing craft books helped me understand how to write better, but connections taught (and still teach) me how to apply what I've learned. And there really aren't any books that will convey the publishing industries ins and outs the way other writers, agents, and editors do.

I'd shrivel up in a little ball if it weren't for connections!

(Thanks for helping me!)

Jessica Nelson said...

Connections have helped tremendously! So many writers have helped me polish my manuscripts and my queries. I'm super grateful for the bloggers and writers I know. I also feel more connected to people like me. Before I met other writers I always felt a little weird. Now I know there others like moi. LOL

Jeanette Levellie said...

Wow, too many to count. But the best are these: believe in your gift and don't give up. Write for God and your audience, not simply to vent. Stay on your knees. Keep learning and growing.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

I've recently learned that most people truly want the best for me.
~ Wendy

Yolanda said...

I've learned that the connections God has placed in my path, generally encourage me and allow me to know that I'm on the right path, headed in the right direction, and He is using the woman who touched the hem of His garment to speak life into another woman's heart.

Lovingly as I'm so thankful for YOU Miss Terri,
Yolanda

Craig Hart said...

The support from fellow bloggers always amazes me. Always there to comment, support, assist, answer questions. It's addicting!

Karen Lange said...

I've gotten some great ideas from a dear writer friend. They include things I could do with my student online writing course, and ideas for articles and blog posts. It's great to be connected - genuinely and blessedly connected! :)

Warren Baldwin said...

I've gained knowledge about a number of things, but probably the biggest gain through blogging has been encouragement and affirmation about some of the things I write about.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

the knowledge that strangers can be amazingly kind and that many like myself present a face to the world but are fighting some kind of battle. It makes me want to walk more gently, trust God more and write from my heart.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

I received support, caring, and prayer from dear writer friends as I navigated some difficult waters.

Blessings,
Susan :)