Leave a Comment:
(23) comments
Excellent post as always! I love how lessons can spread across a lifetime. XoXo
ReplyExceptional post – I particularly enjoyed how you shared and related your experience to farming. I grew up in my family’s restaurant business and the lessons you learn in your youth really stick with you 🙂 I’d love the opportunity to speak with you – your advice is insightful and authentic. Thanks!
ReplyRebecca, thank you. Family info is always a learning component. Good Luck on the drawing!
ReplyDr. J,
It’s well known, or should be, that I have a myriad of respect for you, think you are fantastic.
I would never have guessed you grew up on a farm. I suppose I’ve pictured you riding your purple bike around the island, and doing all things writing. Of course, it is apparent that you taught school by the way you used your 10-year old farming life story to lay out the five elements for making author network connections, direct and concise.
As I’ve said, erotica is not a genre that I’ve ever read and reviewed. Ok, that’s a lie, I’ve read magazines. That said, I am looking forward to reading and reviewing Chemical [se]X 2: just one more, especially since there are no calories. And I’ve got this burning question in the back of my brain. What list was I on, or was I one who just fell into your lap? Regardless of list or fall, I am happy that we are connected. ❣️
What are your thoughts about expanding your reviewing genre? I can see how it could be beneficial to becoming a well-rounded reviewer. I review religious books, but I am not a religious type of person. So, my question to you is what are your thoughts on expanding my review horizon.
I’m glad Rachel had you as a guest on #NaNoProMo this year. And I love your purple bicycle.
ReplyD.B., I am so excited about meeting you in person. Love your comments and question! Reading EVERYTHING gives us a broader perspective and understanding of the world. As Rachel says, “who are your readers?” Do they want reviews of every kind or are they niche specific? Inquiring minds. We have so much to talk about.
D xoxo
The cucumber story seemed dry to me at first but I knew you were going somewhere with it so I stuck with it! Great article and a lot of key points. Making connections seems like an easy task but isn’t easy for everyone. I myself stink at making friends in real life and while I’m a bit better online I still have a hard time reaching who I’m supposed to or being where I should be to connect with those that may find what I do interesting.
ReplyThanks, for reading Justin. Sometimes I think connecting is an art and a science. Getting the structure in place is definitely helpful. I’ve found the most helpful thing is being clear about who I am and where I want to go! You will get there. 🙂
D.
Gloria, Yay. I’m glad it dovetailed Charli’s post with more info! Thanks for reading.
D.
Very interesting! The one thing I always am is myself – it’s the only thing I can do really, really well with any regularity! lol That’s about as far as I take networking and branding though.
ReplyRaiscara, you are well on your way. I think many authors struggle with how to “be.” Over half the battle met. Now it is learning technical stuff. Thanks for commenting.
D.
I loved your story about Grandpa Byrd and the cucumbers! Thanks for sharing it, and for breaking down the components of forming a writer’s network. I’m eclectic as well-can’t tell you how encouraging it was to see this being described as an asset rather than a liability. This is an article I’m going to reread and reference often.
Sincerely,
Dana Lemaster
ReplyThanks, Dana. Grandpa Byrd (in his vernacular) was a spider-legged dude. He had a way with words. He was well read and recited poems to us by the fireplace. My two favorites were Casey at the Bat by Ernest Lawrence Thayer and The Cremation of Sam McGhee by Robert W Service. Maybe he started me down the eclectic path. We must find those assets!
D.
Thank you for sharing your lists. You’ve helped me with one of the most difficult concepts for me: networking. I thought of networking as getting out and meeting people in person, which has become an impossibility now that I’m housebound. I’m taking what I learned here forward to become more active as an author on social media.
ReplySo glad I helped, Mary Lou. Sometimes it’s just rethinking and reworking. Thanks for reading.
D.
I really like tying this post back in to your background growing up on a farm. I never thought about networking that way before, but you’ve opened my eyes to new possibilities.
Some days I think I have this networking thing down, and then I find myself spinning my wheels, following the latest advice or chasing the newest fad without success. I’d love to be able to narrow my focus and make it work for me.
ReplyMcKenna, Thanks for reading. Staying centered in who you are and what you want to accomplish makes it easier to stay fluid when all new things move around you. I appreciate your kind words about my farm life!
D.
I really love to network and its certainly helped me get where I am today. Jen
ReplyFarming is a great metaphor for this process! I am naturally an introvert and finding ways to connect with people is sometimes difficult for me. Loved the practical advice here and would appreciate learning more about finding my tribe.
ReplyJennifer, I’m so happy that my life’s lesson helped. I’m a firm believer in the idea that life gives us exactly want we need to succeed. You will get there!
D.
[…] relationships can help greatly with marketing. Doctor J shows us how to make author network connections with five easy elements, Cristian Mihai has the concise guide to building relationships with other bloggers, and Emilie […]
Reply