Joining RWA
After some thought and some advice from others, I have decided to join RWA. Romance Writers of America.
No, I am not a romance writer, but it seems that writers of all genres join this organization due to the benefits and experiences that come along with it. According to their website, over 50% of their members are published in other genres. The other great thing (for me) about RWA is that you need not be published in order to join. Aspiring writers are welcome as members. So, I think I’ll fit in quite nicely.
I wanted to join because I want to be involved in the writing community. I want to get out there, meet other writers, be part of a support group, get important input, etc. I want to join my local chapter so that I can attend monthly meetings with other writers in the area. I want to learn more about the craft and the industry so I can be a better writer.
Then, there’s the conference. You do not need to be a member to attend the big RWA national conference each summer, but the cost is somewhat lower. I don’t plan on attending the San Francisco conference this year, but they are going to be holding it in DC, Nashville and New York in the next few years. I can make it to those locations. Plus, hopefully, it will give me a chance to meet others that would be going. So, I won’t be wandering around alone admist swarms of writers, editors and publishers in a strange city hundreds of miles away from home. That sounds a bit intimidating!
I can’t wait until the first chapter meeting. It will be great to spend time with others who love this whole writing thing as I much as I do.
Filed under: conferences, organizations, rwa, writing
I joined the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for the same reasons, and I’ve had mixed results. The conferences are usually pretty good (I’ve never been able to go to the national ones, but I’m sure they’re incredible).
But the local chapter… not so much. I had hoped for the same camaraderie and peer support, but most of the members are older school teachers/librarians/housewives who think it would just be cute to write a picture book for kids. Frankly, not the best bunch of writers (now that may be a totally different story in another city). For another thing, I’m practically the only guy, and probably the only person under 40. It’s just plain awkward.
I hope you have a lot more luck with RWA, though! I think you’ll end up in better company.
I thought about joining that organization as well since I’m working on a YA novel, but the website says that sales are necessary in order to be a member. I don’t have any of those yet.
It’s too bad that the local chapters weren’t all you had hoped. Maybe you should try nationals next year. I’ve heard they are pretty amazing experiences.