A.E. Albert: A Writer's Blog

The Importance of Connecting With Local Authors

The Importance

Of Connecting With

Local Authors

 by A.E. Albert

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.” 

― Herman Melville

Whether you are published, self-published or working on your first draft, I know you have discovered the necessity of  connecting with other authors.

When I found out I needed to create an online presence in order to promote myself, I can recall the beads of sweat forming on my forehead.  My saving grace through it all has been the relationships I have made.  

I'm not necessarily talking about personal friendships, but people who have supported me and my work.  And who I in return do the same.

But I found I needed more

What I needed was to connect with authors on a more personal level.  I know that many of you social media savvies out there have no problem with the world wide web and doing this digitally. However, I am no such creature. 

The web seems to be more of what we can do for each other.  Personal relationships are not about getting, but being gotten.  Reveling in the knowledge that someone understands what motivates you and the importance of what you do. 

Personally, I find it difficult to cultivate this without looking a person in the eye.

I began researching writers groups

I discovered I loved their stories, listening to

their trials and being inspired by their successes. Let's face it, no one truly gets what we do.  It's a hobby, they say. It's actually more like a part-time job we don't' get paid for.  


A support system  is an absolute in every facet of life.  We may have self-published, but self has nothing to do with it.  Writing a book is not a solitary occupation.  

We also need to broaden our beta reader group outside family and friends.  Search out honest and productive criticism.  Find people you can tell your fears and triumphs to. 

Of course, you can find this in abundance on the web.  But if you're like me, physical contact is necessary.  

There's nothing like having these conversations with a cup of coffee in your hand and a sympathetic eye to look into.  

There's nothing like connecting with people who have walked in your shoes.

Do you need to connect with other authors? Let me know.

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You may be interested in the Following:

The Role the Indie Author Plays in the World of Publishing
Self-Publishing: Setting Goals
Staying True to Your Vision When Writing a Book
Are Fellow Authors Colleagues or Competition?
My Mistake in Writing: I kept Thinking My Book Was Done
The Importance of Beta Readers
Writing: The Importance of Doing Your Own Research
How to Promote Yourself: Taking Baby Steps and Starting Out Small
Constructive Criticism: A Writer's Best Friend
A Positive Attitude: A Writer's Armour

About A.E. Albert