In this episode of The Author Next Door, Angela Haas and Cassie Newell kick off Networking and Community Month with an honest conversation about what authentic networking really looks like for authors.

They explore why networking is really relationship-building, how reciprocity shapes healthy author communities, and what they’ve learned from both strong and disappointing connections in the writing world. The conversation also dives into confidence, consistency, community fit, and how the right support system can sharpen your perspective and help you avoid costly mistakes.

In this episode, they discuss:

•  Why networking is about relationships, not using people 
•  How reciprocity and trust shape healthy author communities 
•  What to look for when choosing the right writing spaces 
•  Why consistency matters when building real connections 
•  How community can strengthen both confidence and creativity 

🛠️ Resources mentioned:
 CliftonStrengths by Gallup: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx
Superstars Writing Seminar: https://superstarswriting.com/
Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast: https://www.savannahgilbo.com/podcast
Dialogue Doctor Community: https://dialoguedoctor.com/
Becca Syme – Write Better Faster 101: https://betterfasteracademy.com/wbf101/

🎙️ Learn more about the show:
 https://theauthornextdoor.com/

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