 | 18 Nov 09 |
I’m a member of a lot of different writing organizations….International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, National Association of Women Writers, Novelists Inc, Science Fiction Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, Horror Writers Organization, and the Writers Guild of Acadiana. I’m probably forgetting one or two at the moment, but whew, just listing them tires me out! My primary reason for joining these orgs was to network with other writers. It didn’t take me long to figure out, though, that you get a lot more out of an org if you give them more than just an occasional appearance at a conference. In essence, if you volunteer for different projects, more information and contacts come your way.
One of the biggest challenges for any org, especially non-profits, is the lack of help. Volunteers are hard to come by. Everyone’s life is so busy that even the thought of adding one more responsibility to that mile-long TO-DO list makes me ill. But I think it’s worth it. A volunteer often stands at the front lines. They’re usually the first to know what’s going on in the org, first to hear the latest in the industry, first to meet some of the biggest names in the business. Plus they get a sense of satisfaction at having earned those perks and at having contributed to an industry that puts food on their table. Their voice is heard. They make a difference.
And let’s face it, if anyone plans to survive in this business for any length of time, it’s all about the who and what you know. Idealism wants to rest on laurels, holding fast to the belief that a writer’s work will speak for itself. Not true. Just look at the national best-sellers lists. Not all of those authors reached that pinnacle because of his or her vast talent in literature. Many of them got there because of who they knew. That said, it sort of makes sense to immerse yourself in many aspects of the business as you can, and writing organizations are the perfect venue with which to accomplish that. You never know what opportunities may arise.
Do you belong to a writing org? If so, what’s its biggest benefit to you?
© 2009 Deborah LeBlanc. All rights reserved.
Deborah LeBlanc is an award-winning author and business owner from Lafayette, Louisiana. She's also a licensed death scene investigator and an active member of two national paranormal investigation teams.
She is the president of the Horror Writers Association, president of the Writers' Guild of Acadiana, president of Mystery Writers of America's Southwest Chapter, and an active member of Sisters in Crime, Novelists Inc, and International Thriller Writers Inc. In 2004, she created the LeBlanc Literacy Challenge, an annual national campaign designed to encourage more people to read, and founded Literacy Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting illiteracy in America’s teens. She also takes her passion for literacy and a powerful ability to motivate to high schools around the country.
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I’m in RWA and MWA (and their local chapters). Although the information sharing is phenomenal, I think it’s the sense of belonging, of knowing you’re not crazy that is the most beneficial.
When my twins were born, a nurse gave me the phone number (no Internet or home computers then) of the Mother of Twins Club. When I walked into my first meeting and saw a room full of women, the feeling that I wasn’t alone was overwhelming. They all knew what I was going through, and I felt normal for the first time in months.
by Terry Odell November 18th, 2009 at 9:01 amMother of twins?! I think that deserves more than a support group, Terry. Like maybe sainthood!
by Deborah LeBlanc November 18th, 2009 at 2:24 pmActually, I felt sorrier for them than for me — I was a staunch advocate of giving a child 3 years as the ‘baby’. Three minutes wasn’t quite the same. A spouse who can change diapers in his sleep is a Godsend (and we’re talking pre-disposable days.)
by Terry Odell November 18th, 2009 at 2:36 pmI haven’t had the guts to join one yet. One of my goals for next year is to join RWA and the local chapter that isn’t too local.
by HollyD November 18th, 2009 at 9:55 amGo for it, Holly! Believe me, almost everyone in whatever group you decude ti join had cold feet at one time or another. They just might surprise you.
by Deborah LeBlanc November 18th, 2009 at 2:25 pmDeborah, I don’t do nearly as much as I want to do! I plan to volunteer more in 2010–that’s one of my goals. RWA has been of great benefit to me as has ITW. I think the part that has helped me the most is meeting the editors and agents and hearing straight from the horse’s mouth what publishing houses are looking for, etc.
by Debra Webb November 19th, 2009 at 8:15 am