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C. Lee McKenzie

Young Adult and Middle Grade Author

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Mark Zuckerberg and Network Science

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While I was stewing about my slow networking pace, I stumbled (literally because the History Magazine was on the step) upon an interview with Niall Ferguson, author of The Square and the Tower: Networks, Hierarchies and the Struggle for Global Power. His opening remark caught my eye. “Social networks weren’t invented my Mark Zuckerberg.”

So what has this to do with the writers’ world? Glad you asked.

For one, networking is a powerful tool for us. It impacts how our books enter the world and how they’re received by the public. That’s not surprising if we look at how social networks have significantly impacted world events. Look what happened in the 15th century–what Ferguson cites as the “first age of networking.”  With the invention of the printing press, ideas spread more widely and more rapidly. The social networks that developed around these ideas took on a force for change. Enter the Protestant Reformation. From then on there was no stopping these powerhouse networks, and they resulted in major shifts like The American Revolution and the French Revolution.

In the interview, Ferguson comments on how influential Henry Kissinger was during the Nixon era. But why was he more powerful than any other person in during that time? That’s what Ferguson questioned. He came up with the fact that Kissinger was “the best connected person in the Nixon administration.” Using network science, he graphed Kissinger’s connections, and they far outstripped any other politician in the White House at that time. Ferguson did the same kind of graph for Paul Revere, and discovered that because of his “trusted” network among the revolutionaries, his warning of the approaching Redcoats, was believed and spread without question.

Well, this made me think about my own social network and here are the questions I asked myself:

  • Who am I connected with?
  • Are these people I trust and admire?
  • Am I a trustworthy person inside this network?
  • Will my network support me when I need it?
  • Will it provide me with the visibility I need to succeed in marketing my books?
  • How can I be a better/more effective person inside my network?

Any thoughts about your own network?

#IWSG

Join Us Today

As everyone knows this is the first Wednesday of September, and we are once again here to do a bit of networking–the best kind–the supportive kind. Thanks again, Alex for this brilliant networking idea.

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional! 

If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?

The awesome co-hosts for the September 4 posting of the IWSG are Gwen Gardner, Doreen McGettigan, Tyrean Martinson, Chemist Ken, and Cathrina Constantiner!  Be sure to visit their sites and thank them for co-hosting!

 

I had to give this some thought. Finally, I came up with a lot of places around the world, and all of them would inspire me to write. Istanbul would probably make me churn out an exotic mystery set in the bazaar or in the shadows of St. Sophia Mosque. In London I’d definitely create a spy story with lots of fog and Big Ben looming in the background. And then there’s Dublin, and I start thinking romance and fern groves. No, let’s go to the island of Sifnos in the Aegean and have some kind of  historical fiction story. On second thought, I’d like to write something mystical, so I’ll head to New Zealand and go out onto Doubtful Sound for that inspiration. If it’s going to a humorous and lighthearted tale, I have to buy a ticket to Cancun. But if I’m going for a ghostly tale I’ll drive up to Auburn in Northern CA. Well, there are too many wonderful writing locations to choose from and too many exciting genres to jump into. So, in the end, I’ll probably write where I often do–in my garden, by the pond. And I’ll probably write a contemporary/realistic young adult or an adventure/fantasy middle grade book. After all, there’s no place like home, and there’s nothing like writing what you love to write.

 

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has taken an ARC for NOT GUILTY. If anyone else would like to give me hand with this launch, please email me at [email protected] I have a mobi, pdf, and ePub file. Here’s the blurb.

A blood-smeared knife. One young man’s word against another. A lifetime dream crushed. 

The evidence points to Devon Carlyle. He was there when it happened. Everyone knows he had it in for Renzo Costa. And Costa says Devon was the one. In the judge’s rap of a gavel Devon’s found guilty of assault. The star of the Oceanside High’s basketball team loses his shot at the one thing he’s worked so hard for—the championship game where college scouts could see how good he is.

Now he makes his great shots in Juvenile Hall with kids far different from those that have always been in his life. 

Angry? Hell, yes. 

He’s bent on finding who did the crime. He’s bent on making them pay because he’s Not Guilty. But can he prove it?

 

Now speaking of writing…did  you come up with a Flash Fiction piece or poetry or something that would grab the reader’s attention for the August WEP? I hope so because it’s a great way to meet new writers and stay connected with those you already know. Remember networking is key, and the WEP people are giving you a great opportunity to do just that. I’ve read the entries this month, and there are some real winners. Be sure to stop by the sites and let the writers know what you think. HERE’S the link to the sign up list.

 

Quote of the Month: “Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.”
― Michele Jennae, Author

Comments

    • I’m so behind, Jeff. That trip was wonderful, but it sure did take a chunk of time from setting up this book launch.

    • I so agree. Those airports are miserable, but some of the flights I was on were more so! Airplane travel isn’t the luxury it once was.

  3. Interesting post, Lee. I have a love-hate relationship with Facebook and other social media. On one hand, I envy friends who have deleted their accounts, because social media is a huge time suck and often a continuous source of bad news. On the other, it’s a fantastic way to stay connected with friends, acquaintances, and readers. I’ve certainly received a ton of support on social media. I think that if you’re a modern writer, you’re pretty much stuck with it.

    • Yes. FB is not my friend when it comes to wise use of time; however, I do stay in touch with a lot of people and I can at least put my books out there to tell people I’m writing.

  4. You sure give me some things to think about Net Working. I’m terrible at it and must do better. As for writing, to me there’s no place like home and it sounds like you have the same feelings. Happy Writing. Enjoying your story very much, by the way. Poor kid, but I’m cheering him on. Almost finished.

    • I’m not a good networker, but that’s not what I set out to be anyway, so I try, but I’m not to upset when I don’t do well.

      Glad you’re enjoying the story, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your reading it.

  5. Great questions to think about in reference to our networks. It can definitely be hard to get the word out there, even with a strong network!

    I would love to write somewhere sunny and peaceful- maybe a yacht. Summer is slipping away and I didn’t get to the ocean as much as I would have liked- so boating sounds appealing right now.

    Things are crazy right now at work and with family- but I wish you the best of luck getting your ARCs out to readers. 🙂 Jess and I would love to help you out by hosting you on our Author Tracker blog when your book is being launched, cover reveal, etc.

    • I hear you about not getting to play enough during the summer. It comes and goes so quickly, doesn’t it? Thank you for your offer of help. You are always generous with your support.

  6. Well I’m sure the Romans would have a thing or two to say about networking. But I wish I’d thought of it in connection with the advent of printing, the Reformation and the Enlightenment! That’s why Niall Ferguson’s a professional historian! Love your notions of different places to suit different moods of novel-writing; at the moment, London might be a good place to inspire a political thriller.

    • The Romans should chime in here. That’s for sure. London’s a place that inspires me to write. Period! Unfortunately, on my last two trips to Europe, I’ve only had one night or a few hours to visit your country. It’s time to plan a longer stay.

  7. Some fascinating food-for-thought about networking!

    Also, your garden, by the pond, sounds like such a lovely place to write. And I agree, definitely nothing better than embracing the genres that bring you the most joy, when it comes to writing!

    • Hi Heather! Thanks for stopping in. I do enjoy a few hours by the pond for drafting and editing. It’s a great place to gain perspective.

  8. I remember Kissinger being on tv all the time. Now I’m telling my age!

    You are so right about genre and location. It makes sense. I write paranormal cozy mysteries, so of course I picked an old medieval market town with a large ghost population as my writing spot.

    • Our places do dictate a lot about our moods and in turn our writing. I used to ignore that, but discovered I couldn’t anymore.

  10. I wish I was better at networking. Often, I find myself too busy with my family to do any proper networking. Blogging seems to be the extent of my options at the moment.

    • Time is a huge factor, and family should take precedence over networking. Glad you have your priorities in order.

  11. I love my blogger friends but know I could do more to be supportive and need to branch out into twitter more. Hoping to make more space in my life for these things in 2020. Just sent you an e-mail about your book.

    • Thanks Natalie. I think you do a lot for the writing community in your network, Your blog is excellent in the way it introduces authors and their writing.

  12. I’ve found the networking that has come from being a member has been a wonderful bonus. 🙂

  13. Hey Lee, a nice little ponder about networking. I’m sure over the years most of we seasoned bloggers have quite a tidy little network that will come to our aid if needed.

    Yes, where we travel has an impact on how we write. My stories are full of my experiences which are not fictional at all, LOL.

    Thanks for the shout out for WEP. Hope we get a great roll up for October.

  14. I love all the places you mentioned and the genres in which you would write there. In the end, I have to agree–there’s no place like home. Wish I’d remembered that for my post. lol

    I’d love to help you promote Not Guilty on my blog. Let me know where you’re ready.

  16. I love my blog network–and how everyone has been so kind over the years, especially you, Lee, with your continued support of my blog.

    Love my blog family, and very surprisingly, they seem to love me.

    • I love what you blog about. IMHO your heart is in the right place–you honestly believe in what you share.

      We are lucky to have this group. I’m so glad Alex thought it up. I bet it surprised him that it has been as successful as it has been, but again I think it’s about being honest with people, and he has been.

    • I’m an introvert–at least people tell me I’m shy until they get to know me, then they wish I’d shut up. 🙂 I’ve forced myself to be out here because my first publisher made me do it. I’m still wondering how I made the leap from being behind the computer, writing books to this. Scary to contemplate.

  18. Well, you’ve sure made me think about networking. I’m afraid I’m losing. You’ve also made me think I should get busy. And, all of those places you mention sound awesome and you’d probably write fantastic stories about the. But remember, there’s no place like home, someone once said. Anyhow, happy writing.

    • The concept of networking is quite fascinating. I think I want to talk about this more, because I think we don’t really understand what we’re into. I know I don’t.

      Here’s to more stories, Beverly!

    • I like the verb, feed. That is a beautiful word choice and exactly right. I feel hungry when I can’t go to my garden and be with the plants or watch the birds bathe in the fountains. I can’t explain to my non-gardening friends how important this is to me. Well, I can’t explain to my non-writer friends how important writing stories is to me, either. Maybe it’s not important that they understand. It’s only important that I do.

  22. You sure won’t run out of places to want to write. Yeah, he didn’t invent social networking. Google didn’t even invent the search engine. They just improved upon it. As for social following, seems numbers speak, some. But having a good following beats that.

    • I like people who actually interact with me. I know they have a least some interest in what I’ve written, and in some cases, they’ve come to care if I’m out here pounding the keys. Thanks for the comment, Pat. Appreciated it.

  23. Your questions to consider about our networks are terrific…and spot on. I’d never thought about it in that sort of historical sense, but it’s right. Networking is quite the web.
    And choosing the ‘perfect’ writing spot is impossible.

  25. In the 16th century, people networked with pamphlets, today it’s tweets (and I shouldn’t get started on who is really connected in that house on Pennsylvania Ave).

    Much of my writing, I need to be connected to resources, but since this is a fantasy, I would pick the Faroe Islands, one of my favorite places. Certainly, no distractions there except for beautiful hills always near the ocean.

    • Just different media with the same goal. And I’m glad you’re not tackling PA Ave. That’s a nightmare. BTW have you seen the series called The Family? It’s not fiction, and it’s scary as all get out. Take a look on Netflix and tell me what you think.

      I don’t know the Faroe Islands. Are they in your part of the world?

      • The Faroe Islands are about 1/2 between Scotland and Iceland, a territory of Denmark. I’ve been there and somewhere in my sagecoveredhills blog is a post about it (it’s one of my most read posts). Nowhere on the islands are you more than 3 miles from the ocean.

  26. From what I can tell, you seem to have networking down pretty well. You’re definitely making all the right contacts.

    I never thought of picking the writing location based on the genre. Maybe it’s because I haven’t written in enough genres yet, but I still prefer dark, spooky buildings.

  27. Hi Lee,
    Just lost my comment and I don’t know why, so I am going to try and do a recap. I responded to the article that you read on networking because I too believe you don’t need to have a large network to market your books. You need people who are reliable and who you can depend on who also have dependable networks. One good network connection can sell a thousand books.
    Thanks for mentioning the article.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

    • You have said it right. Big is not necessarily effective. I take dependable over big any day! Thanks, Pat for redoing the comment. I’ve lost comments that I really put a lot of thought into, and it’s so frustrating.

  28. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
    Networking is like casting a spell, I never seem to have the power needed to make the magic work. It’s still a good idea to make connections when one can.

  30. Thought-provoking material about networking and community. I especially appreciate the question, “Am I a trustworthy person inside this network?” It is so important to recognize that as a member of a tribe/community/network, I too, must support others, not just take.

    Congrats on Not Guilty. I’ll put it in my next Books by IWSGers next month!

  32. A bunch of interesting locations. But after all that, there’s no place like home. Exactly.
    So my ideal spot is on my doorstep… literally!

    My challenge is time. I need more time… *sigh* As it is, the day job is eating into my life and I barely have time for my creative pursuits.

    I really enjoyed your thoughts on networking… and that quote by Michele Jennae nails it.

    • Doorsteps are perfect locations for inspiration. Those entryways have been metaphors for so many things that I can imagine you writing like crazy while you sit there. Glad you liked the networking post, and I like that quote, too. Wish I could think of things like that.

  33. Interesting! I never thought about it in terms of social networking but that’s so true, it’s been going on since long before Facebook. I am grateful for the network we have through this IWSG group. I find it much more genuine than the experiences I’ve had on social media – I am just not good at connecting on those sites.
    Writing in your garden sounds lovely!

    • I believe you must have a connection with people that is deeper than the Hi and Goodbye on most social media. On IWSG I’ve read people’s blogs, so I know where they live, what they like, some of their trials, some of their successes. I’ve read their stories and I’ve responded to their requests for help with book launches. I’ve even met a few in person or talked to them on the phone. I feel comfortable commenting or emailing them. All of that makes the IWSG such a great networking system.

  34. Thanks for this thought-provoking post about networking, Lee. I need to ask myself those questions, too.
    You are definitely one of the writers I admire! I love what you write, how you write, and that you travel.

    • That’s a very kind comment, Tyrean. I appreciate it so much. Now that I live alone, travel is one way for me get out, be with friends, and meet new people, so I’ve built that into and around my writing.

  36. I suppose we have been networking since we were living in caves. I never really thought about it. Sometimes, I think I overthink and over complicate things. It’s a specialty of mine.

    Great post.

    I’d be more than happy to help. I’ll send you an email!

  37. Great quote. Yes. We are each other’s “tribe.” You do a great job of supporting, and I’m happy to support you. Thanks for sending your book to me. I’ll get to it, soon!

  38. Hi, Cheryl-Lee!

    I enjoyed the history lesson about early forms of networking and its evolution. I believe networking is important, yet one good connection can make all the difference and produce a major breakthrough. I also like how you took us on a trip to far away places and identified the type of writing each one would inspire. There is indeed no place like home as long as it is a comfortable, stable environment that promotes creative expression. Your book blurb did its job and roped me in. I wish you great success with the launch.

    Have a safe and happy September, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!

    • I’m glad the networking piece was of interest. I hadn’t thought about earlier networks before I read that article, and yet now that seems so apparent. How narrowly focused we become.

  39. I prefer to write at home. When I’m out, I’m watching and absorbing (or playing). My online network of writers is the best for keeping me going. I’m met so many awesome people blogging and on Twitter.

  40. Networking is about all I know about marketing, Lee. Word-of-mouth–I got nothin’ else.

    BTW, I finished Not Guilty way ahead of schedule. I had no idea it would be so riveting, such a page-turner, with such a compelling character. I’m working on the review but I’m too early for, well, every website. What would you like me to do?

    Hugs!

    • That’s wonderful, Jacqui. I’m so glad the book kept you reading. I’m going to contact everyone who’s helping when I get the pub date from the publisher. Also I’ll email you later today.

  41. Thanks so much for the booster on networking. I’ll contact you to see if you still need readers/help with Not Guilty. It sounds good!

  42. Hi Lee – Alex’s encouragement within this blossoming blogging community is what keeps many of us connected and going … like you – at home in peace and quiet.

    Interesting I read ‘Zucked’ by Roger Mcnamee – really informative … and yes I do understand the network links … Canterbury Tales … John Bunyan’s ‘To Be A Pilgrim’ … “to be more inclusive” … each Church over the centuries … and each tribe in pre-history …

    Funny how we think something is new – yet isn’t … enjoy your writing – cheers Hilary

    • Oh, I’ve wanted to read Zucked. I’ve heard it’s quite interesting. As I recall, Mcnamee is still a major stockholder in Facebook, and he was Zuckerman’s early mentor. He must have some great insights to share.

      Nothing new under the sun. That’s for sure.

  44. Like Alex, I am a bit of a recluse … and I am so exhausted by my blood runs that home is where I heal … and write (which is a form of healing for me.) If we are trustworthy in life, we will be trustworthy in networks. You have always been trustworthy to me, Lee, and it has meant so much to me. May your mountains prove healing this hot summer and autumn! 🙂

    • That’s a wonderful compliment, Roland. Thank you, and I return it. You know, of course, I’m a fan of what you write, so I hope you keep doing that.

      Also remember to take care of yourself. Without good sleep and nutrition, you jeopardize your writing.

  45. I’m with you on the writing space – home is best!
    Interesting thoughts on social media connections. I do think my network is pretty full of awesome people! 🙂