Thursday, January 13, 2011

Thoughts on Networking

By Cheri Chesley

And I’m not talking social networking, though that does have it’s place. 

Last night, I signed on for my very first Twitter chat. One of my author friends had requested a handful of us have a chat about romance writing—specifically what sort of things need to be, but are missing, from LDS romance novels. She has a new project, and it’s something of a departure from her normal work so she wanted input.

We had a blast. There’s something about late nights, friends, and suddenly thinking you’re really funny that makes for a good time.

I know I’ve talked about this before—the importance of networking with fellow authors to help one another and to stave off that lonely author feeling. But this is the first time in a long time I’ve participated in a brainstorming session of this magnitude. I’ve forgotten how much fun they are.

Sure, we were focusing on Sheralyn’s characters, and setting, and conflicts—but I can already see how it will help my writing just by sharing ideas and thoughts. Sometimes, I surprised myself. I found a lot of comments triggered the, “Hey, this would happen in real life” response.

What’s your favorite brainstorming group? Your crit group? Your local LUW chapter? A close group of friends?

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