Networking?

So the idea is that as writers it's recommended that we branch out and make as many associates and allies in the field as possible. I have images of the Shellys sitting down to dinner and laudinum with Byron and his doctor friend.

I'd think in this universe of intertubes the potential of being in contact with a world of writers is endless. I say I 'think' because I haven't actually gotten that far yet. As a matter of fact, the only writers I talk with regularly are my local friends, most of whom I've known since high school with only barely more (or considerably less) experince in the field than I have.

So, thinking about it, it seems like there's two ways to go about it. There's all of these social networking sites. (Seriously, hundreds, horrifying staggering numbers of them.) What's cool, some of them seem to be designed for writers to do their thang not unlike MySpace was orginally for bands to get their music heard.

The problem I'm having with that in particular is I have NO idea how to make contacts. I imagine I have to post all over the place and stroke a lot of egos to get similar affection.

Or... I could spend that time writing. Ha.

A friend of my husband's in the music industry is of the opinion that the sorts of fans and contacts you make at places like MySpace are rabid fans who will never buy anything you produce. I don't know how true that is, but it's a bummer to think about and makes me very hesitant to invest a lot of time into it.

There's blogging and websites and such, but as you can see, that hasn't gotten off the ground much for me. I've a site and this blog but I haven't been able to see any clear evidence of it making me any money or building me a fan base. I may be counting chickens before they've hatched however, and I can admit that to myself.

There's also just personal contact with authors you like. Duh. I have sitting in my email box right now a congratulatory email from an author I really like. Have I written him back yet? No. Why? I'm shy on a lot of levels and don't want to appear to be kissing his butt or wasting his time. Yeah, I know that's dumb and I'm going to correct it immediately. (Or like, later tonight. Or tomorrow... hehe.)

I imagine a resourceful and brave little writer could reach on out into the intertubes and send out emails to all their favorite authors. Most of the big names will probably hit me back with a form letter, but there's always the possibility that rising stars might be more interested in what ever I can offer in exchange for what ever they can. It's worth a shot, anyway.

So I'll see how that goes.

TTYL