Networking for Writers

This past weekend I participated in a book discussion and signing at Glades Branch Library in Boca Raton. There were 18 romance authors including NY Times bestseller Heather Graham. Many members of our Florida Romance Writers attended for a show of support. Patrons filled the seats and asked relevant questions. We didn't sell many books but that wasn't the point. We met new readers, enticed people into the library, and performed a community service.

Our organization, Florida Romance Writers, arranges group events like this one. We're happy to show up for each other, buy each other's books, and rejoice in our successes. We share our rejections, pat each other on the back, and offer sympathy when needed. I joined FRW in 1988, and I owe everything I've learned about the business of writing from its members.

Allison Chase, Nancy J. Cohen, Linda Conrad

When I want to delve into crime-related details for my mysteries, I'll go to a Florida chapter of MWA meeting or I'll attend SleuthFest, their annual conference for mystery writers coming up in March (http://www.mwaflorida.org/sleuthfest.htm ). Published author concerns are addressed by my membership in Ninc, or Novelists Inc.

Carol Stephenson, Cynthia Thomason, Jan Washburn, Patrice Wilton, Pearl Wolf

Allison Chase, Nancy J. Cohen, Linda Conrad, Traci Hall

Heather Graham & Carol Stephenson

Besides the education, networking has brought me speaking engagements, authors who've endorsed my works, and critique partners. It's critical to a writing career to join professional organizations. It shows you're serious about your craft, that you are pursuing writing as a career, and that you're educating yourself about the industry. So here are some places for you to get started if you have an interest in writing:

Author's Guild: http://www.authorsguild.org

Florida Chapter of MWA: http://www.mwaflorida.org/

Florida Romance Writers: http://www.frwriters.org

International Thriller Writers: http://www.thrillerwriters.org

Kiss of Death: http://www.rwamysterysuspense.org

Mystery Writers of America: http://www.mysterywriters.org

Novelists, Inc.: http://www.ninc.com

Romance Writers of America: http://www.rwanational.org

Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers: http://www.sfwa.org

Sisters in Crime: http://www.sistersincrime.org

Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators: http://www.scbwi.org