Our next stop was the florist, but when I ordered, I had trouble communicating. Thankfully my six year old knows more Korean than I do and was able to help translate. Evidently the man wanted to know where I was from and when I told him the US, he was all excited because his son is also living in the States. And once we had made that connection, the whole interaction flowed easier.
Connections and relationships are very important to Koreans. It’s how their whole culture runs whether it’s through business or family relationships.
And doesn’t that relate to blogging, too? When I went to SCBWI LA a couple of years ago, I was able to connect with people that I had ‘met’ through the Blueboards. Through blogging, I’ve gained help in my own writing through critiques and insights into the writing industry. Here I am a half a world away from most of my writing friends and critique partners, and yet they have been there for me in the hard times and celebrated with me in the ‘yeah!’ times.
I’d love to know your thoughts on making connections in the writing world. How has blogging or message boards effected you?
16 comments:
I'm still pretty new to blogging, so far I've been getting a lot of great tips to help with my writing (and a little inspiration to keep going). But the connections I've made through my online critique group are awesome!
First off how neat!!! I love that they work to make the connection, I wish more of the world did that, or the States I should say!
I started this blog expecting nothing except to hopefully gain a little insight and to get used to posting my writing out to the world, I had not expected things to take off so quickly and I'm glad it has because you and all the other bloggers have given me the inspiration I'd never expected to have!
I understand about making those connections, it's the same in the islands, "Aren't you the cousin of so-and-so daughter's?"
As for bloggers...you were among the first to visit my blog. I love that you're in Korea that I'm in Texas, (sometimes in the Virgin Islands) and that we are connected, communicating.
Very cool that your son is learning to speak Korean!
I think the best part of my writing journey so far is the connections made in the blogosphere. Writers are so helpful and supportive of one another. It's pretty amazing!
Your stories are always so interesting!
I love, love, love the blogging community. It would be so thrilling to meet some of the people I've met through reading their blogs - or even through the blue boards!
I do feel like I'm making connections, even if we don't meet.
I'm going to a SCBWI conference in Ontario next month so I'm looking forward to making new connections there! The best part of a conference!
Andrea- I think I would have given up on writing if it hadn't been for our online group. Go MiG Writers!
Jen- Absolutely. Meeting everyone online has been an amazing experience for me and has pushed me to be a better writer.
Bish- yeah! It IS so cool that we've 'met'.
Kelly- I'm inspired and amazed at what other people are doing and I would never know about it without blogging. It's neat to be a part of all that.
Terry Lynn- Have an awesome time at the conference. Please blog about it.
What a great post! Then again, I always find your blog fascinating. I've been out of the States once - for an afternoon. I think living in another country would be so amazing. Scary - but amazing.
As far as connections online go, frankly, they've been my life line. I'm certain I would have thrown in the towel years ago if I didn't have the Blue Board or my online writing buddies to rely on. It's so important to be able to share with others who "get it." I've been fortunate to have met a handful of these online writers face to face as well. It's a blast and I almost always star struck! LOL
Blogging and the Internet as a whole have really changed writing. When I started, I didn't know any writers, and the only way to meet any was at twice-yearly SCBWI events. Now, it's so much easier to find info and keep up with the industry. And I think the bar is raised for everybody. And the distractions. It's now easier to act/look like a writer than BE one. When we just worked alone in those garrets, we had fewer excuses...:)
The connection made through blogging and Twitter and the blueboards - that's half the fun for me now! I would love to meet some of these people in person too.
I just started the online networking thing. So far, it's been really educational.
I LOVE the connections I've made online and at conferences. It's so great to meet people in person that you've met only online. Nothing quite replaces it.
I had not idea you'd been in Korea that long!
Carmella- When I first moved to Indonesia, I have to admit I was so clueless and freaked out when I first arrived. But I've loved every moment of it. Even the bad times because they've made me a stronger person.
Marcia- interesting thoughts you brought up. I think that blogging has actually made me a better writer and definitly a more informaed writer!
Lisa- Yeah for blogging
Veronica- Glad you have taken the plunge. I was skeptical but now I'm hooked!
PJ- Yeah, it's been a LONG time. Wow.
oh i hope you go to LA again. Im going again this year. would love to meet you in person :)
I love conferences, writing retreats, and even webinars. Blogging is a fun, quick way to express myself and "meet" other people with the same interests.
I've never gone to the LA conference - maybe someday...
I love the picture you created about your day of shopping.
One of the reasons I sent Critter out on his blog tour was because I thought it would be neat to have a thread or a tangable connection to my blogging friends. I've come to look forward to the time I get to spend reading blogs and reading comments on mine. I love the friendships I've made.
great post!
Hi, Christina! I'm so glad you left a comment at Book Dreaming - it's been too long since I visited you here. We must be on opposite time schedules. :-)
Blogging has completely TRANSFORMED my writing life. I am amazed daily by the friendships built and the support given within our writing circle. I am a better writer, more motivated, and more confident than I've ever been. :-)
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