What is the Value of Namebuilding

Sound words! Thanks Sean.

Sean, wow, I’m impressed you took so much time to address this issue. It’s too bad we didn’t discuss it more because I think you would see that I agree with you.

I consider writing, and practice, and rewriting a given. I try to illustrate how namebuilding through networking and relationship building is an important extra step. I assume that most writers know that to write, you must write. But I meet several writers who have not gone outside their own desk. They want to sell their book but don’t know the home town bookstore who can handsell it for them if they got the clerk on their side. I also know writers who have written for years, are struggling with rejection, yet haven’t gotten involved in a writers group yet, or haven’t done a web site, or taken any steps in developing their uniqueness.

Just so we’re clear, I do agree with everything you said. Many professional writers will put READING way ahead of what either of you and I think is important. That writers should read, read, read to learn how to hone their craft. And this is true, just a weakness of mine.

I hope that fellow BnA members will let you know what they think of namebuilding/networking because now Christine Michaud, Bradley Charbonneau, Ken Vollmer, and Amy Scott will be attending BEA. In addition to World Hum’s Jim Benning. I have been trying to connect some of them to editors/people in the travel writing industry so lets see if it works.

Thanks for the post and know that I agree with you. I just also want people to take the extra step of namebuilding because I am getting so much from it myself.

Oops - forgot that one - read, read, read…Duh, thanks Jen.

Stay tight with that Jen Leo, she’s your ticket to the big time pal.

One thing that I have wrestled with in trying to get a writing career going is that the effort seems overwhelming so much of the time — until I talk to Jen, and within about five minutes I’ve been hit with about twenty things that I didn’t know, names of people in the local community who can answer my questions, and generally get my ass kicked to try, try again.

It has suprised me just how much a community the travel writing world is, and like it or not, who you know never hurts you. But like you say Sean, all that’s bunk if you don’t have a good story. I’m sure Jen agrees.

Now the real question is, why am I reading the BootBlog when I should be getting ready for BEA?!? Ugh!

Chris O’Neill,

You are right on…Jen Leo is the bigwig in publishing that I mentioned and buying her drinks should take me far in this business. ;- )

Ken, the reason you are reading bootblog when you should be getting ready for BEA, is buz, well, reading BootBlog is preparation for BEA

No, reading Written Road is preparation for BEA. And stay tuned, because I’ll be giving the daily play by play.
BTW, thanks for your kind words Ken. That’s what I’m trying to do…help, inspire, and connect people so that the journey is not as hard and overwhelming as it can sometimes seem.

I’m no big wig, but sharing info that I’ve learned and that others have shared with me builds more friendships and relationships. To me, that equals support as I do the same thing that the others writers are doing…trying to get published.

In my humble and non-aspiring writer opinion….

- Whatever helps an individual actualize their passion is worthwhile.

- Namebuilding, networking, developing relationships can be valuable but perhaps not necessary for everyone.

- Working within one’s comfort level and personality is not always a negative approach. They can actually produce results such as a great piece of writing.

- Writing workships, writing organizations, creative writing courses all benefit the person who desires the writing life.

- Learning from the masters whether alone or in a group setting can provide a frame to measure and hang one’s skill.

- The commone denominator, the essential ingredient, whether obvious or not, is to write with a sense of purpose and focus. Anything worthwile necessitates work, lots of it.

It isn’t easy but the brave, the determined will overcome the hurdles and there will be many of those.