I had the pleasure last week of being invited to an authors’ lunch and pool party at my friend and colleague’s home in Greenwich. I’ve been declining most lunch invitations as they break up my work day. But I rationalized that this was work-related.
Sheri is an expert and has written several books on the subject of home building. She invited me and several other published writers, as well as her successful literary agent, for lunch.
Although I knew that there would be light talk involved, it would not be chit-chat for the sake of chit-chat. We started with talk about the world of publishing, got insights from each others’ experiences and compared notes on a variety of issues relating to authorship–“Did you EVER get a royalty check?” “How are book signings for you?” “Are you being paid to speak?”
That was before we all headed for the pool. Once in the aqua blue water, the tone of the conversation lightened up and got deeper–on a personal level. It became intimate, warm and real. I loved it! Relationships, spouses, kids, the good stuff!
Later we headed into Sheri’s airy, elegant kitchen for salad and more talk. I relished sitting at the table with several successful contemporaries and sharing stories and advice. Alex, Sheri’s college daughter, joined us for a bit, soaked it all in and contributed her perspective.
What I learned: it’s invaluable having time with colleagues who show up as whole people–business owners, wives, mothers, daughters and friends. There’s a thin line, if any, between networking and socializing–particularly if you love what you do.
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