Creating a Network of Writer Friends
You have read a lot in this book about the importance of creating a good network of colleagues in the magazine industry. Yet another reason this is so is because other writers will know exactly how you feel when you come down with feelings of boredom and loneliness. Who better to help you through a rough patch than a fellow writer who has been there himself?
A lot of times, your fellow writers will be your best motivators for getting back on track. Simply meeting for business lunches can be a great way to break the monotony of your life, while attending writing conferences can take you even a step farther.
Writing-Conference Roommates
If you find yourself wanting to attend the same writing conferences year after year, the odds are that you will make some friends there. Many writers end up becoming annual roommates with a favorite fellow writer from these conferences, thus cutting down on travel expenses while having a colleague at hand with whom you can toss around ideas.
Is it possible to attend too many writers' conferences?
Yes. In fact, there is a small segment of “writers” who do nothing but attend conferences, making themselves feel as though they're writers when really, they're would-be writers who are too afraid to put what they've learned into practice. Don't become part of their clan!
The real benefit to befriending a fellow writer at an annual conference is that you will be more motivated to attend the following year. This means you'll have a built-in break in your writing schedule, which gives you a break to look forward to and a legitimate excuse to take a short vacation.
Lunches, Lunches, Lunches
Agents and authors in the book-publishing industry have been fans of the working lunch for many years. There's no reason that you can't be, too, even though you're writing 1,000-word pieces instead of 100,000-word tomes.
If you live even an hour or two away from a writer friend, there's nothing wrong with meeting for a long afternoon's lunch that you can spend catching up, discussing your writing assignments, and generally acting as sounding boards for one another's ideas and concerns. Again, think of this as part of your writing business — an investment in your knowledge of what's going on at other magazines — and don't forget to keep the receipt for your accountant to deduct come tax time.
