I first started writing in a vacuum. I didn’t know Romance Writers of America existed. Or any other writer’s organizations for that matter. I wrote because I had stories to tell, and I thought if I finally finished a book I could get published. (If only it were that easy!)
I discovered RWA in January of 2003 and my life changed. I felt like I belonged, because everyone understood me, as a writer. As an unpublished writer. And there were many people who helped me along the way from being unpublished to soon-to-be published.
The single best thing about belonging to RWA are the people who are so willing to help others grow and learn. I am continually amazed at the generosity of time and information that my fellow writers share.
Some people have gone above and beyond, not only for me personally, but for all writers. Dianna Love Snell, the 2003 GH and Daphne winner, told me once that there were a few published writers who took her under their wing and really helped her. I started thinking about a few who have helped me along the way. Few are recognized publicly, and I wanted to do my little part in introducing one or two of these selfless people to the readers of this fabulous blog.
I stole this idea of thanks from M.J. Rose. She did a “Give a Valentine” on her blog where you could write a letter to someone who made a positive difference in your career. I read these with interest, like I do everything on her blog. If you don’t know who she is, she self-published her first book (she now writes for MIRA) and became a sensation in the publishing community, particularly among writers who admire her marketing knowledge and savvy. She freely shares information about the industry and marketing, and I’m sure her invaluable blog takes away from her writing time. It’s well worth a visit to read the archives.
There are so many published authors who freely share information on loops, particularly the wonderful on-line chapter Kiss of Death (primarily romantic suspense authors.) I couldn’t possibly name them all, so this is a blanket thanks!
Early on, long before I sold, Pamela Britton, who I met through my RWA chapter the Sacramento Valley Rose, answered questions for me (some of my questions were very dumb), and she always did it with enthusiasm. But when she found out that she’d judged one of my entries in a contest, she jumped up and told everyone that one day I’d be published. She knew it. This was after a series of rejections and it boosted my wounded ego tremendously.
You know that cliché about random acts of kindness, right? Well, writers — particularly romance writers — live it.
Do you have one or two people who have made a difference in your writing career? Someone who, though they might not have known it at the time, helped you through a rough spot, provided you valuable information without a thought of what it would get them, or simply extended a kindness that you have never forgotten? Who is it and why?
Sometimes on faceless forums we get lost in the anonymity. Words can hurt, even in cyberspace, or they can give someone much needed support. What you say matters.
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I think most authors write in a vacuum, and it is important to get a kind word and some support from one’s peers.
Many authors have been incredibly supportive and helpful to me and I notice that these same authors are also kind and supportive to others on various lists & blogs.
K/C, Ruth, Ann J., LG, Beth, Kate, Treva, Shelley, Chip, Dakota…every time I see these names I also see kind words about others, helpful tips and hints for this tricky business, and boundless enthusiasm. Thanks guys! You make writing much more fun!
Without a doubt Jennifer Crusie has been a huge support since I met her at a week-long writing intensive several years ago. She has an on-line writing workshop and all the people there are fabulous, as well. Alicia Rasley is very cool. She took the time to answer e-mail questions from me. And a writer who shall remain nameless (she asked me not to tell) once offered read a complete manuscript of mine out of the blue. Angels, every one of them.
I started out writing YA, and there were so many people who helped and got me started. SCBWI was one of the organizations that made a huge difference for me as a young adult author. When I wanted to write adult romance, a friend who also wrote YA introduced me to RWA. But the single most important person, who has made a huge difference in my writing career is my critique partner Susan. She lives in another state, we met online, and we’ve only seen each other in person 3 times. But she has become my best friend, and has made such a difference in my life. Great topic!
I think I started out in the same vacuum, Allison. I call it my Kirby period. My first discovery wasn’t RWA, but eHarlequin.com. I learned so much from that forum and from all the wonderful writers who populate it.
There are also the writers on the mailing lists I’ve joined…particularly th Gonna-Beez and the RWC list. Charlotte Dillon’s been a huge help simply because of her awesome website.
And of course, I can’t forget the RWA chapter members of GRW, RWAOL, FTH and Chick Lit Writers. All along they’ve all been willing to answer my sometimes neophyte questions.
But the three people who get credit for maiking the biggest difference are my three CPs: Sheri, Eve and Cynthia. I don’t know where I’d be without them.
I also started out in a vacuum, but then I found RWA and joined the OC chapter. Life got good after that. I met people like me for the first time, LOL, and I was no longer alone. Loved your post, and the reminder … always pay it back.
Like many others I have a long list–I’ll just mention a few of them. Kat Martin–who took me under her wing, listened to my questions and offered much advice these past three years. Nicole Burnham and Kathleen Eschenberg who patiently answered many newbie questions from me online. Deb Stover–who generously offered a critique in a raffle that I was lucky enough to win. The ms. she critiqued was later published. And my chapter mate–Claire Delacroix who seems to know everything there is to know about this industry and is always willing to share her wisdom with others.
Like Lynn, I discovered eHarlequin message boards before I learned about RWA. I have met my most valuable friends there. My crit partner, Shara Jones, who sees all the things I don’t is one of those. Valerie Parv, though indirectly, has been an inspiration to me, as well. I would have never “met” her with out the eHQ boards. She is a very approachable person, who doesn’t assume superiority over the “un-pubbed.”
Community ties keep me going.
Everyone in my current critique group is a teacher and a mentor for me. Karin, Liz, Michelle, Allison, Amy, Jan and Sharon, you’re the best!
I discovered RT before RWA. My life as a writer flourished after attending that booklovers convention in 1994. That’s where I met my mentor Sandra Chastain. Her generosity was extraordinary. And she was just the first of several kind souls who have supported and cheered me on. I’m blessed.
Thanks for the reminder, Allison. Writing and getting published can be such a heart-rending experience – how can anyone get through it without the support of fellow writers who really “get itâ€? The generosity and humor of those I’ve continually had the pleasure of meeting through venues such as this blog constantly amaze me. So to all of you who take the time even just to drop a note of encouragement or make a suggestion when you “know†you should be doing something else – thank you. And a special thanks to my cp’s, Lynn and Sheri, who’ve talked me down off of more than one “literary ledgeâ€.:eek::grin:
My experience is a little different. I’ve learned a lot from RWA conferences and my local chapter, but I never really had anyone take me under their wing. The people who helped me were three creative writing instructors. They encouraged me at a time when I needed it the most.:smile:
It’s heartwarming to see that I’m not the only one who’s had a helping hand or a shoulder to drench with tears (even if it’s through a keyboard!) I’ve been blessed with a very supportive critique group (I see many posts praising CPs!), so I’m waving to Sharon, Jan, Amy, Karin, Edie, Michelle and Liz . . . and my local Border’s buddies, Michele, Kathia, Sue and Melissa. I always look forward to our one night a month where I can get out of the zoo, er, house and talk shop face-to-face.
Also remember that YOU are an inspiration to someone, just like someone has been an inspiration to you.
I have a long memory for people who have gone out of their way to help me. Carolyn Jewel read some material of mine when I got a request eons ago, and she provided very helpful feedback. All voluntary, I would have never had the nerve to ask when I was so new. Kresley Cole also provided invaluable feedback when I was a newbie.
Critique partners are without a doubt invaluable. And they are really hard to find. Good comfy ones that is. I’m so not into hugs and kisses and endless platitudes
but I’ve been known to get a wee sentimental about finally settling with a warm, squishy group.
But none of my successes would be possible if it weren’t for Amy, who has stuck with me since day one of my writing venture, and has kicked my arse on a daily basis ever since. You don’t find friends like that too often.
Suzanne McMinn opened my eyes up on how to create emotion on every page. I’m still working on it, but she taught me how to see it when it happens. Thanks!