Networking Outside of Civilization
Northern Michigan is beautiful, peaceful, and wonderful. However, if you're looking to run into an agent, an editor, or a publisher you can chat up and pitch to, forget it. In the dearth of publishing contacts withing 200 miles, I've learned to appreciate the people I meet who have some idea of what writing is all about.
Readers-The people who love bookstores, love reading, love meeting a "real" author.
Wannabe Writers-They might be found anywhere, like the woman at Home Depot the other day who asked what sort of folding table I was interested in buying. When I told her about book signings and craft fairs, she lit up. "Oh, I've always wanted to write a book." It's rewarding to encourage such people, even if they're just dreaming. The idea that I actually did what I'd dreamed of seems to help others think they can, too.
Serious Writers-Occasionally I meet a writer who is informed, serious, and working, not just dreaming. People like my friend Janet are essential to my writing, and when we get together, there's little talk of anything except writing. We met because of writing, we exchange manuscripts for critiquing, and we look forward to having lunch so that we can talk about our favorite subject for hours without anyone interrupting to babble about their children or the new drapes.
Critics-I am lucky enough to also have as a friend a book critic, which is great for rounding out my view of this business. From P.J. I get a peek into the publishing side, a look at what those who recommend books to others want to see. (BTW, she's the one who'll be guest blogging on Wednesdays this month.) I'm not sure what she gets from knowing one more author, but we sure find plenty to talk about when we get together.
If you live in a large city, you may think it's quaint that I have so few contacts in the business. There are others, of course, but they're people I'll may never meet face to face: my agent, my editors, my publisher, and lots of webfriends from various segments of the business. Of course I attend conferences and actually meet real people, but the fact that they live states away means it's usually a brief encounter. I wouldn't trade near-enough-to-lunch-with contacts, because I think they add just enough fuel to the fire to keep me believing that all this isn't a dream.
Readers-The people who love bookstores, love reading, love meeting a "real" author.
Wannabe Writers-They might be found anywhere, like the woman at Home Depot the other day who asked what sort of folding table I was interested in buying. When I told her about book signings and craft fairs, she lit up. "Oh, I've always wanted to write a book." It's rewarding to encourage such people, even if they're just dreaming. The idea that I actually did what I'd dreamed of seems to help others think they can, too.
Serious Writers-Occasionally I meet a writer who is informed, serious, and working, not just dreaming. People like my friend Janet are essential to my writing, and when we get together, there's little talk of anything except writing. We met because of writing, we exchange manuscripts for critiquing, and we look forward to having lunch so that we can talk about our favorite subject for hours without anyone interrupting to babble about their children or the new drapes.
Critics-I am lucky enough to also have as a friend a book critic, which is great for rounding out my view of this business. From P.J. I get a peek into the publishing side, a look at what those who recommend books to others want to see. (BTW, she's the one who'll be guest blogging on Wednesdays this month.) I'm not sure what she gets from knowing one more author, but we sure find plenty to talk about when we get together.
If you live in a large city, you may think it's quaint that I have so few contacts in the business. There are others, of course, but they're people I'll may never meet face to face: my agent, my editors, my publisher, and lots of webfriends from various segments of the business. Of course I attend conferences and actually meet real people, but the fact that they live states away means it's usually a brief encounter. I wouldn't trade near-enough-to-lunch-with contacts, because I think they add just enough fuel to the fire to keep me believing that all this isn't a dream.
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