A few posts ago I mentioned that many writers are introverts and therefore considered (by extroverts) strange, withdrawn, or even arrogant. I’m going to write a white paper about ways that we introverts can make connections without the usual glad-handing, but until that’s ready, here's a tip from Terry Levine (whose site is www.coachinginstruction.com): you can network from the comfort of your own home office, using the internet. She suggests that you do a web search for associations or groups that have similar interests to your own.
If you are about to look up writing groups: STOP!!!
The point of networking is to find people whose activities complement your own, people who might benefit from working with you, and vice-versa. Generally, these are not writers! They are agents, publishers, editors, producers, directors, actors, and story editors. All these people have websites, forums, blogs, etc. Find them, participate in a constructive manner, and gradually you will make contacts. Perhaps even more importantly, you will begin to see writing from their perspective. You’ll be more aware of what they value in a writer, and why. And you may find out about specific opportunities. (Of course I’m not suggesting that writing sites are not useful, too—just that you don’t restrict yourself to them.)
Terri suggests three internet sources to check out: Google Groups, Topica, and ezboard.com. Good hunting!
