Conversation is the topic of an article I\u2019m working on. It\u2019s a how to\u2014how to be a more effective conversationalist. And yesterday I was reminded of an aspect of conversation that I sometimes forget. <\/p>\n
Not only was it enjoyable and rather therapeutic to get out of town (out of my comfort zone) and to meet bright, interesting ladies for lunch, but it was good for my business. I\u2019m pretty sure they would say the same. Talking with other working writers in a social setting is inspiring and it is stimulating. <\/p>\n
In my early days as a writer, I remember meeting with a group of equally new, but not nearly as driven writers in my home once a month. After an hour or two together, I couldn\u2019t hardly wait for them to leave so I could implement some of the ideas I gleaned from our discussions. I would be so fired up with inspiration to write that I simply didn\u2019t want to do anything else for days. I\u2019m sure that if my productivity had been measured, it would have been high on the scale during the weeks following our meetings.<\/p>\n
And that truly is the beauty of face-to-face meetings with other writers whether in a writers\u2019 or critique group, conference or a casual gathering.<\/p>\n
If you haven\u2019t discovered this for yourself, yet, I suggest that you do. Find a writers\u2019 group in your area through your local library, university or arts council or by doing an Internet search. Go to lunch, for a walk or for a picnic in the park with writers that you know and just let the conversation flow. It\u2019s bound to turn to writing.<\/p>\n
Here are some tips for more effective communication and more successful networking among your writer friends\/acquaintances.<\/p>\n
1: If you\u2019ve been blocked or you\u2019re stumped as to how to proceed with a writing assignment, for example, come prepared to talk about this with the other writers. Someone may have a solution. <\/p>\n
Tip: Just by you sharing your situation out loud, you will sometimes discover the solution for yourself.<\/p>\n
2: Suggest that everyone share their recent projects and\/or successes. It\u2019s important that everyone gets a turn and that each individual is celebrated for his\/her efforts. <\/p>\n
3: Be willing to help other writers. Offer your best ideas and\/or volunteer to send resources or other material from your office. Follow through.<\/p>\n
4: Don\u2019t monopolize the conversation. Allow others to share. If someone does go on and on about his\/her work, determine if this person\u2019s experience is useful to the others. If so, listen and learn. Also ask questions. If not, ask this person if he\/she can sum it up so someone else can share.<\/p>\n
5: Avoid showing up with preconceived ideas of what will occur. This may be a waste of time and energy. Instead, be prepared to ask for what you need and be open to what others might share.<\/p>\n
While the term networking<\/em> sounds rather formal\u2014as if it is purpose-driven\u2014this is not always the case. Effective networking can also occur on the spur of the moment and in a casual setting. <\/p>\n When is the last time you networked with other writers? Are you in need of a little inspiration? Could you use some encouragement or direction? Do you have ideas you\u2019d like to bounce off of a colleague? Do you need a break from a difficult project? Would you just like to talk to someone who understands a writers\u2019 life. Maybe this is a good time to contact some of your writer friends and plan an afternoon outing or a nice lunch somewhere.<\/p>\n Go with the best intentions. Be kind to others\u2014they have egos, too. And take time to listen and learn.<\/p>\n For more about writing, publishing and promoting a book, be sure to study my book The Right Way to Write Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em><\/strong>. See my array of books here: http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Conversation is the topic of an article I\u2019m working on. It\u2019s a how to\u2014how to be a more effective conversationalist. And yesterday I was reminded of an aspect of conversation that I sometimes forget. Not only was it enjoyable and rather therapeutic to get out of town (out of my comfort zone) and to meet […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t