Hello everyone!
I went into hiding the first week into December from Cyberworld (but for my e-mail).
I apologize for my escapade.
I've been rethinking my networking v. writing ratio. It seems that networking is taking on the winning lead and my writing has been frowning from poor sportsmanship.
*SIGH*
Funny, but Deirdra Coppel, a dear friend of mine, says that networking is GREAT, but how can I promote my book if he's in poor condition? He's not ready for agenting!
Where do you stand in your networking versus writing ratios as of now?
That's a good question, and a matter of fine balance. It was inspirational to hear Dan Wells speak about how he does it. He works a solid eight hours and has his day broken into portions, so he can focus on several things: writing, editing, promoting, researching, and answering e-mails/making phone calls.
ReplyDeleteSince I'm a mom and can't have uninterrupted time, I'm still trying to find my balance. But I'm working on that right now. I have my little list taped on my computer screen, nudging me in the right direction. It reads: Write, Query, Edit, Research, Blog.
Oh, and I need to add another: Find another two hours in the day.
Best of luck!
That is such a challenging issue, Elizabeth, and one I still struggle with. I just kind of flounder my way through. :-)
ReplyDeleteAs of now, I'm way ahead on the writing, though in the past, it's been the opposite. FWIW, here's my experience. When I was ahead on networking, I had several opportunities I couldn't cash in on, because my work wasn't up to par. Agents would specifically ask for things by me, but what I had, they'd never rep. Now, when I have an opportunity, I feel I can actually go after it in a convincing manner. I.e. the acquisitions editor at Deseret Book has been very kind to me, and every time they ask if I have another manuscript, I can say yes and send it in. In the past, I would have tried to cobble something together and it would've been awful and even the nicest editor would politely find a way to break contact.
ReplyDeleteBut that's just my .02. Some people get very far with networking even if their writing... leaves something to be desired? Naming no names, and no one on this site, just to be clear :-)
I network two days a week, usually in the mornings for an hour or two. I compose my blog, check out twitter and facebook, and visit other blogs.I don't always hit all the blogs I follow and such, but I rotate each week so the ones I may have missed get a visit. To me this time is like a warm up to my writing. It puts me in the writing frame, and then I can hit my WIP running.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a perfect system, and if I'm on a deadline the networking falls to the side, but I'm trying to do both. I guess time will tell if it's working. :)
Balance is an elusive, slippery eel I'm always trying to find. I did blog about this very thing, just yesterday!
ReplyDeleteNetworking is not my strong point. I've learned a lot from people I've met on the internet, and I feel I have a good community of supportive writing friends. But I hardly ever go around reading blogs or commenting on facebook posts.
ReplyDeleteAt this stage of the game, I just want to focus on the writing.
Wow, very valuable insights! Thank you so much! I wish time as a mom could be spent as Dan Wells does it, but alas, it can not.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate what Emily Maw said. That is SUCH a valuable nugget for my writer's treasure box--thank you!