Welcome to the Book Writing World courses! Or welcome back. This first week is Orientation Week and Community Building. If you’re just starting at the Book Writing World, you’ll be discovering how to set up your goals’ widget, navigate the online conference calls, update your status and participate in the conversation, post assignments and generally get connected to the Book Writing World.
But even if you are an old hand at all the technical steps, there will always be new people to meet and opportunities to practice introducing yourself and your work. Make some friends. Build and strengthen your writing community. The most valuable resource we have to offer is the other writers here. Take advantage of it! One way or another, people—characters, writers, stories of people—probably brought you to writing. And it is the people who will sustain you.
So . . . your assignments for this week are to get familiar with the learning environment, watch the technical videos, explore the forums and functions of the site. If you are returning, use this time to refresh your memory on any aspects of the Book Writing World that are not yet second nature to you. Review orientation materials, technical videos and forums. Everybody, ask questions.
And . . . reach out to some writers and introduce yourself. Post or update your bio in your profile. Post or update your photograph on the site. Keep things current. This is your world, the place where you are going to plan, write, revise, finish, sell and promote your book.
Away we go . . . !