SUCCESS BY ASSOCIATION

Just renewed my membership to American Christian Fiction Writers today. Joining them was one of the best things I've ever done for my writing. Probably the coolest thing about them is their Yahoo group where you can network with most of the big names in the industry. It's a great resource for anything from asking questions about research to finding out the latest news on publishers, conferences, and awards. There are also tons of book give-aways and marketing ideas. Plus, they have a newsletter that I actually got to be featured in when I sold my first novel. It's a wonderfully encouraging community.

Now not everybody writes Christinan fiction like I do. But I'm sure there's an association for your genre, as well. One other group I've joined was Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. They offer similar opportunities, including scholarships to their annual conferences in California and New York.

If you want to know where to start with your writing and publishing dreams, these are good kinds of memberships to have. Include them on a cover letter to agents and editors and they'll know you have actively pursued the improvement of your craft.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Writing can get lonely. And only other writers will understand your passion/obsession. It's so important to network. That's how I got my agent. That's how I got the first request from an editor for my manuscript. That's how I got a scholarship to a writing conference. That's how I met my amazing critique partner. That's how I got to judge the Genesis book contest. If you aren't sharing ideas and information with other writers, then you are missing many opportunities.

For this reason Borderline Publishing put on an author appreciation coffee this past Friday. Thanks to all who showed up for the event. I enjoyed getting to know you better. And I loved watching the connections that were made. One fantasy author connected with a sci-fi author who was able to help in getting him into local sci-fi convention Fandemonium to speak on the author panel. Then I introduced two other ladies who have a similar audience and now want to do their book launch parties together. And of course, Di loved showing off her picture in the newspaper. Such enthusiasm is contagious.

I encourage all writers to find a way to connect with others. Look for a writer's conference or join a Yahoo group. Or hey, sign up for the writing class I'll be teaching through community ed this spring. And if you can't wait that long, meet me at Red Letter Books at 10:00 this Saturday to learn about plotting your novel. ;-) It's the second session in my six-week-series. Hope to see you there.