April 16, 2012

Networking = N: Blogging from A to Z

Prior to publishing my first novel, Depression Cookies, in October 2010, I was a closet writer. Very few of my friends knew I was writing a novel, and I had no idea I should be creating a platform; blogging; creating a presence on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+; joining a writing community; and the list goes on.

Networking has added so much to my writing experience. I've found fellow writers who encourage me and share their knowledge, most notably through Kait Nolan's A Round of Words in 80 Days and Rachael Harrie's Writers' Platform-Building Campaigns. And now I'm loving the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.

But what got me started... last May I happened upon Michelle Rafter's WordCount Blogathon, a challenge to post every day in the month of May. Not only did I met an amazing group of writers/bloggers, but I learned so much about posts and blogging. Last year I signed up for Twitter, and learned so much about it, for this challenge. This year there is a Pinterest component; I have avoided Pinterest, but I'll be jumping in now.

If you are looking to expand your blog and gain knowledge, please join us in May for the Blogathon. Visit this post for more information and to sign up. I know I can't wait.

Networking has helped me realize I'm not alone. I have so many resources now, and they continue to grow. No matter if you are nervous, normal, new, nerdy (me!), nude (they can't see you!), naive (me last year)... everyone can benefit from building their network.

Have you had success with networking online? If so, please share groups or challenges you've found the most rewarding.

*****

Thanks for joining me for N. I hope I'll see you back here for O through Z.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Going to check it out now!

Unknown said...

I just attended an SCBWI mixer on networking. I think people seemed overwhelmed and the conversation shifted to ebooks but I've met great people through blogging and had the pleasure of meeting some of them in real life too.

Julie Glover said...

My favorite networking groups thus far have been the fab ROW80 writers and #MyWANA writers I've met through social media expert Kristen Lamb. I need to jump into Pinterest soon.

Ainsley Shay said...

Hi Tia, what a great topic and one I have so much to work on. I'm so focused on writing - I put the networking thing on the back burner. And, I definitely need to move it to the front (at least a couple times a week).

I'm sorry I haven't stop by in a while :)

Hope you're having a great day!

Stephsco said...

I can't believe there was ever a time where I didn't know what to read next. Thanks to book blogs and all the authors I've gotten to know and read about I have a huge pile of books waiting to read.

I've also met people in person thanks to blogs, and attended a writing group and conferences because of blogs. Those opportunities are invaluable!

Eloise said...

Networking has - to my wonderment - helped me more than I would have ever imagined.

My blog is beginning to get some traction and I am beginning to feel like there is support out there. I've got to say that NaBloPoMo has provided a boost, as have tweets. I've not yet passed on that Versatile Blogger award yet, but I will soon now that I have cemented some online friendships.

The Blogathon sounds intriguing - will check back!

Elise Fallson said...

Networking is intimidating for me but so enriching. I love meeting other writers/bloggers and have learned so much in such a short period of time. And it's amazing how one little comment on your blog can lift you out of a blue mood. I'll always be thankful to a very special person that got me out of my writer's closet (;

Tia Bach said...

Melissa, Do! I found it a wonderful, inspiring group last year.

Carrie, I'd like to meet more in real life. ;-)

Julie, I've been meaning to do #MyWANA for awhile. I need to get on that.

As a Writer, Glad to have you anytime! I need to write more and network less, probably, but it's encouraging!

Stephsco, I couldn't agree more!

Eloise, You'd love Blogathon, so definitely check it out. Glad you are seeing some feedback on your blog!

Elise, So glad you are out and about!