Writing Communities Outside the Box (Guest Post by Natalie C. Markey)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Last week, I wrote on Writing Communities and asked for anyone with a success story on how the writing community at large has helped, encouraged, or inspired them, to let me know. One of my good writing buds, Natalie C. Markey answered the call. Keep reading to hear how Natalie reached outside the box to find a great support system and network.
Take it away, girl!
Finding Writing Communities Outside the Box
Recently Rachel Harris wrote about writing communities. Like Rachel, I’ve been amazed by the support and user-friendly attitude of writing communities. Though I share some of the same writing communities with Rachel (YA Sisterhood, Houston YA/MG, #MyWANA) I challenge her readers to think outside the box, as I did in finding more valued communities.
When I was in the early stages of writing my book, I knew that I needed to join some kind of writing group in order to learn about the industry and seek publication guidance. I thought, who better to ask than an author? So, I went to a book signing of one of my favorite authors, Kimberly Frost. I asked her about writing groups and she suggested that I join the local chapter (at the time I lived in Houston) of West Houston Romance Writers of America. My hesitation was that I didn’t write traditional romance. Yes, my YA has a romantic element to it but it is nothing that a reader will find in the romance section of their bookstore.
When I pointed this out to Kimberly she informed me that many writers in the group write in genres other than romance. The fact is that writing fiction is writing fiction. Whether I’m drafting a query letter for a YA or a romance, the elements are very much the same. The fact is that RWA is one of the most active writing organizations in the world. Members have access to so many valuable resources. I would have never thought about joining this group on my own and I’m so glad that I did!
Joining RWA not only has given me great resources but it also is responsible for the publication of my non-fiction novel. It was at a West Houston RWA meeting that I met NY Times best-selling author and co-founder of Who Dares Wins Publishing Bob Mayer. My book, “Caring for Your Special Needs Dog” published by Who Dares Wins in now available.
Another writing community that I advise writers to take advantage of is through your literary agency or publisher, once you have one. I love the helpful and team-like environment that the authors with Who Dares Wins Publishing have. We bounce ideas off of each other and help promote each other’s books.
Writers need community. After long hours of sitting alone in front of our computer and notes we need other people who understand us. The writing industry is full of resources and communities to take advantage of. Find the communities that fit you and you’ll further enrich your writing experience.
Natalie C. Markey is a nine-year seasoned freelance journalist. She writes for several local and National publications. After a professional career in PR and Communications, she now writes non-fiction and fiction full time from a forest in Arkansas. She lives with her supportive husband, daughter and dog. Follow Natalie’s blog Pen to Publish and on Twitter @NatalieCMarkey
Reader Comments (9)
RWA is so largely misunderstood by beginning writers! This is a great way to get the word out that it's not just a place for romance, it's also a place of support and writing help. Thank you, Natalie and Rachel. :)
Anita--It is misunderstood. I have romance in all of my stories, but I originally assumed membership was only for people who wrote the red paperbacks my mom devours. (not that there is anything wrong with those-that is some fun reading!) But yeah, it is wide open, with so many contacts--AND a GREAT YA section of RWA as well!
Wonderful post, seriously some advice that I need right now! I'm shy and so launching myself into a community is tough, but it's so important to.
Jenna--So glad you found this post! It can be hard walking in but it is so worth it. And there are many online communities that are helpful and beneficial, like the ones I mentioned last week, and those are so easy to be involved with. Let me know if I can help you in any way with getting involved in those :-)
Happy Writing!
Anita and Jenna,
I'm glad you found this post helpful. I too am open to make introductions into some of these groups if either of you are interested. Having a supportive community is very important in this industry.
Natalie
Okay, so dumb question...I write nonfiction, and aspire to write thrillers. I assumed RWA would not be a fit for my work--comments? I know lots of RWA authors who ROCK but still . . . ???
Okay, so dumb question...I write nonfiction, and aspire to write thrillers. I assumed RWA would not be a fit for my work--comments? I know lots of RWA authors who ROCK but still . . . ???
Hey Amy,
I write non-fiction and freelance articles with plans to also get published in the YA/MG market. I would advise a definite YES joining RWA. The groups is so well connected in the publishing market that you never know who you can meet through it. RWA is how I met Bob Mayer and that meeting led to my non-fiction book "Caring for Your Special Needs Dog." which his publishing company published.
I hope that answers your question. If not feel free to email me, NatalieCMarkey@gmail.com.
RWA has so many wonderful and successful authors, many of which do not write romance.
Natalie
Hey there!
I forwarded this question to Natalie who I think is answering now, but here is my opinion for what it's worth . . .
I am not a RWA member yet--Just waiting on the fundage :-) But I do know many members. And the genres they write in run the gamut. Romance does have the expected kiss/love scenes, but if that was all it had, it wouldn't be very good. The best romance books touch on the other genres, and that includes Supense and Thriller. I have seen topics like these discussed at meetings.
But even without topic coverage at meetings, they do tackle basic, foundational skills all writers need, regardless of where your book would sit on the shelf. And you make connections with other writers, agents, editors, and industry professionals.
I say it is definitely worth giving it a shot :-)
Thanks for stopping by!