Thursday, May 26, 2011

Armchair BEA: Nurturing Relationships

Today's topic on Armchair BEA is the relationships we've built as a result of book-blogging, whether it be with other bloggers, or with publishers, or with authors.

What a topic. First of all, the friendships I've made as a result of my blog are the best part of blogging. I don't want to name names because I don't want to leave anyone out so I'll just say you know who you are! What a treat it's been to get to know local bloggers, to have pals to hang out with when I travel to other parts of the country, to get to know local writers, publishing execs and authors. What a treat to get to go to book launches, parties, and special events and signings. And it's so wonderful that first time you meet an online pal in real life and that Twitter-chatter becomes a real friendship.

And yeah, I have a little portfolio of me-with-famous-author photos to commemorate meeting some of the people I idolize, like Margaret Atwood and Justin Cronin.

Two years ago, the first time I didn't go to Book Expo (once I became aware of it and it was even an option), I got together with a bunch of Twitter pals for a "Boston BEA Tweetup" at a local indie bookstore, an occasion that marked the first time I attended a group meetup of Twitter friends. Many of the folks I met there are still pals, and a couple have become a couple of my closest friends in the Boston book community. I've also made great, lasting friendships at library conferences and other annual events.

If I were to give advice about building relationships in the book world, it's to be yourself, do good work and be a friend to others. That's how you make friends and build relationships in any context!

9 comments:

Kristi said...

Simple and very reliable advice! :)

bookspersonally said...

Very nice advice. So great that you've gotten to meet people in person as well as online!

Zibilee said...

I also have made some great friends in the book blogging community, and I love being able to share book talk with people all over the world. Blogging has done more for me socially than anything I have ever done in my life, and I am so glad that there are people out there who feel the same. It's such a rewarding hobby and job!

Sandy Nawrot said...

Well, we don't do it for the money, and writing hundreds of reviews a year can get taxing. It really is all about the relationships. It's just a crazy thing, and something that my daily real life friends and family don't get at all. You have a friend in every city, and when times are tough, you've got dozens of people who understand and have your back. That is very good advice you give!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post.

Care said...

Did I miss a Boston BEA Tweetup this year? Was that the Mieville event? darn...

Kathleen said...

The book blogging world really is a community and one where you can make lasting connections with like-minded people.

pussreboots said...

I am lucky to have friends and family who do understand my blog.

Rather than talk about bookstores, publishers or bloggers, I'm talking about volunteering. Come see what I mean.

Jeanne said...

I seem to be more reclusive than most bloggers--but you're absolutely right about what a pleasure it is to meet someone in person who you know from blogging. The conversation just picks up--after all, you already know this person!