Social Networking for Writers

We writers can be a lonely lot. Even as I write this I sit alone in my office. But I have found a way to network with other writers online and off, so that I am not feeling so alone. This article will focus on the online, "virtual," communities for writers that are sprouting up all over the internet. And touch uponwriting communities that meet in person.

Let's start with the more well-know social networking sites, and then I'll touch upon the lesser known ones, and growing online communities.

By now you've heard about the amazing reach of the internet site MySpace. You may know of it as a social website, but did you also know that MySpace is a great place for entrepreneurs, authors, marketers, speakers, consultants, and other business owners? The bottom line is this: MySpace, when used effectively, can help you build your name recognition, generate leads, and cultivate valuable business relationships.

You can try to catch up with everyone by figuring it out on your own, or you can check out a great resource I HIGHLY recommend from Nancy Marmolejo of Viva Visibility, and formerly of Comadre Coaching. Nancy is a visibility expert; her specialty is helping businesses stand out and get noticed. Nancy's book,"Make MySpace YOUR Space," teaches you how to set up a credible, reputable MySpace presence in as little as 30 minutes.

Nancy will take you by the hand and lead you through the steps of getting established on MySpace. She shows you how to apply your current in-person networking skills to MySpace, gives examples of winning MySpace pages, warns you of tricks not to fall for, and much more.

I'm jst getting started at myspace. feel free to check out my profile there.

Facebook is a social utility that connects you with the people around you. Writers use it to connect with others writers and to connect with their fans and favorite writers. I like it as a way to see what other writers' concerns are, and they are many!

I l;ike Facebook for its wide reach; I'm connected to my friends in Asia and Europe. I'm not so keen on all the others added features, such as the vampire bites, and other nudges. But each his own! So, if you want to be my friend on facebook, don't be surprised if I don't "bite" you back!

I was pleased to discover Ning.com, and promptly signed up for the first writer's social site I found, in fact from a group I joined on Facebook. Called POETS and WRITERS REGISTRY Global Community what's not to love! Created by a Canadian writer, Donna Allard, I like the sincere, and international quality about this network.

I researched more writer's communities on Ning.com, and was pleased to discover many. Check it out to find a place where you belong, or create your one. It's free!

For industry contacts, help with craft and the writer's life, meeting face to face with your colleagues is invaluable. That's why I go to my local San Francisco Area Romance Writers meeting. I write fantasy with romantic elements; the meetings are great, and the people nice, too!

In my opinion, all writers really need to belong to their appropriate genre writing organization. Here are some you need to know about:

• Romance Writers of America (RWA)
• Mystery Writers Association
• Sisters in Crime
• Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, Inc.
• California Writers Club
• Broad Universe
• National Writers Union
• Horror Writers of America
• The Authors Guild
• International Thriller Writers, Inc.
• Society for Children's Book Writers & Illustrators
• American Christian Fiction Writers