Like hundreds of others, Brian and I are both published by Black Rose Writing. But that is not why I asked him if he would be interested in writing a guest post for this author blog. It was because of his video chats he runs on TikTok.
I’ve listened to each one and some I have listened to multiple times because he seems to always have a useful nugget I can use as a writer. So I thought if I can use his advice and suggestions, so can other writers- new to veteran.
I always leave the topic up to the guest, so long as it is something that would be valuable to other writers. Brian chose Networking, and after reading his post several times, I am pleased that Brian took me up on guesting for this blog. I am also pleased with the topic because Networking is sometimes a forgotten art, and a substantive element in writing success. Here is Brian’s post. I believe you will find it as valuable as I did.
When Joseph first approached me for a guest post, I had to stop and think about what I could offer the community that could truly help and be of value. What is the one common denominator that most writers share? The one shared goal: the desire to build a writing career.
I’m Brian Fitzpatrick, author of the bestselling science fiction novel series, Mechcraft. The author of the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy novel, To Slay A God. I’ve worked consistently on screenwriting assignment gigs since 2023. And I regularly speak at writer events on the business of writing.
Given all that, the one factor I feel compelled to write about today is networking. Yes, networking for writers. I know for our kind, the thought of networking can send us into earth-shaking panic attacks. However, I propose that networking- true connection and relationship building- is the key to a successful writing career. Hang in there with me…
We’ve been conditioned to believe networking is a slimy, transactional, disingenuous activity. The truth is that our business, the entertainment industry, is built almost entirely on relationships. And how else do we cultivate these relationships unless we get out and meet others in our business?
Networking can be as simple as connecting with others and fostering friendships and working relationships based on mutual interest and the ability to help one another.
Speaking from my own experience, I have a career because of networking. Full stop. And I’d like to provide details on how I overcame my own awkwardness and misgivings about meeting and connecting with industry people in the hopes of helping others achieve their career goals.
The first step, before pursuing any connection, is to have a Mirror Chat with yourself. You look yourself in the eye and ask, “What are you willing to do to achieve your dreams?” For me, I had to be able to answer that with confidence. I had to be resolute in my determination. Only then could I venture out and effectively network.
The second step- find events to attend. While it helps to live in LA or other major cities, technology has made it possible to successfully network no matter where a writer lives. Seek out local filmmaker events, film festivals, writer meetups, book fairs, local college art shows, etc. Or find online events on topics of interest. There’s always a way, always a gathering. Some are better than others, so it’s beneficial to attend as many as you can.
Preparing for the event. Rehearsal is the name of the game. It may feel awkward, but practice your opening intro, some questions, etc. Say them out loud- preferably in private. You don’t want the patrons at Starbucks to shun you and call the authorities. Create a list of questions and topics of interest you can have at the ready when meeting new people at a networking opportunity.
Set a goal. For your first time out, set a goal to have one meaningful conversation with just one person. Keep it simple. A single meaningful exchange is far better than a dozen drive-by handshake greetings.
The conversation should be about them. Ask questions. Engage with enthusiasm and genuine interest. Organically, the conversation will turn toward you. When discussing your projects and interests, always be your authentic self. You are seeking to build relationships for the long term. It does you no good to put up a front or attempt to be some other person. Be you.
After the event, take stock of what went well and what your struggles were. Write down ideas on ways to improve or things to say more effectively. It all sounds analytical and sterile, but the end result will elevate your skills.
For your next gathering, set a goal of two meaningful conversations. Increase the goal with each event. Work your way up to meeting five people at an event. In no time, you will become comfortable and confident meeting anyone at any time.
So now you’re building a robust list of connections. Don’t let them slip away. Don’t let them be just transactional. Check in. Reach out. Offer to meet up for coffee. Ask how they’re doing. And at some point, ask what they may need help with. You could possibly be the solution they need. And in time, they could be of help to you. But foster the relationship. Some of my best friends came from these networking efforts.
And bottom line: every single writing job I’ve obtained has come from social media and networking. Every. Single. Job.
While I’ve laid out how I went from awkward introvert to confident conversationalist, there’s one aspect that we all must keep in mind as we network: The Hang Factor. The Hang Factor is what producers, agents, showrunners, and executives use when considering hiring someone. “Can we hang with this person for 8, 10, or 12 hours a day?” In other words, are you easygoing or difficult? Are you annoying or chill? Are you authentic or fake?
While watching a panel of showrunners at a film festival, one panelist declared the hang factor was 80% of his hiring decision. And the rest of the panel agreed with him. So when I say this is vital, it’s absolutely vital.
So if you want to increase your job opportunities, widen your circle of connections, build your tribe, and help your writing career thrive, I invite you to use these techniques for successfully networking: the mirror chat, prep for events, the meet-just-one method, the nurturing, and the hang factor.
I’m not some guru or expert. I’m a regular guy who has found networking success through a lot of trial and error. These tips were hard-earned from the trenches, and I hope they can be of some help to you on your journey.
I’m always happy to help, so feel free to follow my socials or reach out to me directly in DMs. I’m on nearly all the platforms making videos geared toward helping writers conquer obstacles and excel in their careers.
Find Brian here:
https://substack.com/@brianfitzpatrick
https://linktr.ee/BrianFitzpatrickAuthor
In addition to my upcoming movie projects, I invite you to check out my sci-fi novel series, Mechcraft.
“A teen born with the ability to control sentient shape-shifting nanotech embedded within his own flesh finds himself the unwitting linchpin in an underground war led by a fanatical cult leader.”
As well as my fantasy novel I wrote in connection with the Dungeons & Dragons campaign, The Black Ballad, TO SLAY A GOD:
“When the god of pestilence invades their world, what else is there to do but assemble the most badass collection of fighters, spell casters, and divine protectors to slay the foul beast? For the heroes Severina, Karas, and Heliosa, it turns out to be a very bad day. While they are ultimately victorious, they unfortunately find themselves dead.
That’s when the real adventure begins. Traversing the Sunless Crossing, they must adapt to a whole new world of souls, monsters, and destinies. Guided by Severina’s gargoyle protector, the group discovers the truth behind death and the afterlife.
Unbeknownst to them, a dark force also ended up in the Sunless Crossing-cult members hell-bent on resurrecting their fallen god.
Gathering allies and escaping local criminal elements, the heroes race to stop the cult-and their leader, known only as The Harbinger-from resurrecting a being that threatens not only the Sunless Crossing, but every living world connected to it.”
I want to give a big thank you to Joseph for inviting me to write a guest blog. We are all in this together, so the more we help each other, the better the rising tide lifts all our boats.
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Please check out Brian’s socials and his writing. I honestly feel you’ll be happy you did. I want to thank Brian for writing a guest post on my author blog. Sometimes I feel guilty for “pulling” a fellow writer away from what truly interests them- writing their own work, but the benefit for other writers outweighs my guilt.
Last, if you are in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area on the 4th of July, I will be a part of the Craft Fair that takes place in downtown Fredericksburg from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. I will be located on Sophia Street between Hanover Street and Charlotte Street, and I will have all ten of my books for sale and signing. I hope to see you there! You can find my books and other writing on my website at https://www.jrlewisauthor.com
I would love to know your thoughts, so please use the comment section below. As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. So until next time …
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