Networking

When I started to plan this blog post, I couldn’t believe how many things I wanted to share with you today. So beware, this could be a long post.

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How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?

The awesome co-hosts for the November 7 posting of the IWSG are Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor, Ann V. Friend, JQ Rose, and Elizabeth Seckman!

If anything creative has happened to me since beginning to write, it has been that I’m more aware of people and events around me. I talk less, listen and look more. I’m more inside my head than interacting or sharing what I know or think I know. And as I’m soaking up voices and images, I’m turning them into scenes. Of course, these scenes have no stories to complete them, but they’re stored away for sometime when they’re needed. A small example happened a few years ago. I was in an ice cream shop and three boys all about ten years old came roughhousing their way inside. They were noisy, but not rude, just having some boy fun. They bought their ice cream and sat at a table in front of me, so I could see and hear them.

“Lookit,” one of them said. “My mom’s picking me up at 3, so we got us some time. What do you guys want to do?”
A few years later when I was writing The Great Time Lock Disaster, here’s what happened.
“Lookit. . . Dr. Wraith,” Weasel said, “I don’t like time travel. I hate it.”

Then with Sign of the Green Dragon, Joey’s voice had a lot of this in it. “Let me see that.” Joey snatched the yellowed paper from Sam. “We got us just one small problem.”

I’m not sure this counts as creativity, but maybe it does. Since I began writing, I’m taking snippets from real life and using them in my stories.

My EMAIL CONNECT this month is called NETWORKING 101, and that’s because I just attended a book event at a local library where I picked up some interesting ideas, so I wanted to share those with my followers. If you’re not on my list and want to be you can link up HERE. I’m also featuring DENISE COVEY. She’s a great writer to know and she does some very interesting online networking.

I hate this picture. I look kind of ghoulish (October appropriate, but definitely not a good November look). However, it does show some of the authors I sat on the Fantasy/Sci-Fi panel with. L-R: Donald Craghead, Andrew J. Stillman, Ajax Minor, Brian Paona, Ned Huston moderator, R.L. King (not shown) and me.

Fantasy/Sci-Fi Panel at Monterey Library, October 2018

BIG NEWS: [Read more…] about A Full First Wednesday

I subscribe to #BYDN (Build Your Own Dream Network) just because it has an interesting slant on networking and is broader in its scope than other newsletters. Some of the emails I receive are so-so, but some have great ideas. This last one titled, When Told To Get Out And Network, What Do You Do? The author, Hoey, went to successful networkers and ask them that question. The answers are perfect for writers who are trying show who they are and what they write.

While there were several great responses, these two were perfect for me. It makes networking an easy A when I’m learning and discovering, and if I’m uncomfortable in my surroundings, I can barely talk, let alone schmooze.

Approach everything as if you were a student, and adopt a learners mentality. Be curious about your surroundings, who you’re in the room with and what interests you about the topic being discussed. You’ll naturally think of things to ask others in the room, which is a great way to begin a conversation with anyone. AND, seek first to understand others before attempting to tell someone all about yourself and what you need. When networking is approached from a learner’s perspective, there is nothing to be nervous about, as your curiosity and genuine interest will naturally draw others to you. – Adrienne Garland, Founder of She Leads Media
Do it in environments in which you are comfortable. If you aren’t a golfer, don’t head out for 18 holes. If you love to cook, host a dinner party for friends with plus ones you don’t know yet. – Jill Van Beke, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Launch Tennessee @jvanbeke

Do you enjoy networking? Have any special or favorite ways to handle it?

Bloodwalker by LX Cain

I’ve featured L.X.. Cain this month with her book Bloodwalker. There are a few more days to ask for an eBook or AudioBook. Just add your YES, Please chose me! to the comments below or shoot me an email via the Email Connect that went out before Thanksgiving.

I wish I were still in France, but I have my memories of a beautiful experience. After we left the Canal Du Midi, we drove south to a farmhouse.