Staying Connected! by DL Larson

Many people can show you or tell you how to connect and network on the computer to keep your name in people's faces. I'm not one of them. I'm lucky if I sign in without being kicked off my own site. What I mean by staying connected is through involvement with local organizations, church groups and schools, etc. Word of mouth can promote you like nothing else. Sometimes I think it's faster than the internet. Once folks know you write, well, they will come asking you to do some for them. And that ain't all bad! Better yet, you could offer to help. That too, is good for many reasons.

In the last few years my family and I have become involved with a nonprofit organization called the Food Resource Bank. Their philosophy is a hand up, not a hand out, with focus on under-developed countries who need to learn how to feed their own people.

Last year a Cambodian man, Kim Hong, came to America to tell his story. Through the help of FRB, he was able to instruct whole villages on how to plant rice for better production. In essence he was trying to keep his fellow countrymen and their families from starving. Hunger is still a major problem in many countries.

I had the pleasure of hearing Kim Hong speak. He is a well educated young man, another rarity for a Cambodian, and I knew as I listened, I wanted more folks to hear his message of hope. It wasn't until our small sector of FRB had a meeting to organize our Harvest Celebration did it strike me how I could help.

It took little time, and I was able to use my talent to spread his word. I turned Kim Hong's story into a skit. A simple enough chore for me. He had done all the work, I merely recorded his story and have since passed it on. His story won't die just because he has gone back to his homeland. It's been recorded and can be acted out for anyone wondering what good their charity will do.

I always forget how folks react when they see something changed into a written format that had never existed before it was set to paper. They act as if it's magic. When really it's a skillful way to document history and solidify what has transpired for memory's sake. (duh!)

Sometimes I use my gift as a gift to others. I don't expect payment when giving a gift. But I've opened another door by doing so. I've told infinite number of people I am a writer by giving away my skit of Kim Hong. Word will spread, I have no doubt of that. And I've done a good thing in the process.

Not bad for someone who doesn't network well. I urge you to reach out and share your talent as well. If you already have, share your story with us here at acme authors.

Til next time ~

DL Larson

PS: I won't be posting next week - my husband and I (and many others) are Illinois delegates for the FRB and we will be in Washington D.C. drumming up awareness on the political front.