Virtual friendships

Many of you know I had hip #2 replaced almost two weeks ago now. I’m doing good, thanks for asking.

What does this post have to do with virtual friends?  A lot.

I published my first book, The Bull Rider’s Brother, with Crimson Romance, a new digital first imprint with the company that brings you Writer’s Digest. As part of the launch, several of us formed a mini community of authors where we could ask our newbie questions without looking stupid. As we gained insight into the publishing world, we also became friends. I’m still part of two different Facebook groups made up from authors who started with me at Crimson.

In San Antonio, I met one of these authors in person. Becky Lower and I were joined at the hip almost immediately. And kind of literally. Becky’s a historical/contemporary romance author. We shared an agent for a short time. And we both had our first hip replacement surgery in late 2014. 

Having someone who you can talk to about the ups and downs, aches and pains, successes and failures of this type of surgery (or any medical treatment) in my mind is crucial. Becky had some issues with hers and had to go back to get it fixed (which scared me straight in following through with my PT and medical instructions.)

But not only can we talk about what we need in an orthopedic surgeon, ha, we can also talk about ways to manage our writing careers. This is a woman who lives a few states over in Ohio who I would have never met if not for the internet.

And when something feels weird in my recovery process, I can reach out and ask questions without looking stupid.

Although I’m beginning to believe no question is stupid, repetitive maybe, but not stupid.

Have you ever started a friendship completely on line? Any feel good stories out there?