Writing is a solitary activity, yet writers need connections with others for critiques, advice, business networking, and socializing through writing organizations. Writing organizations are one resource in the author’s toolkit. Memberships and participation–involvement beyond paying the membership fee–require time, energy and financial commitment. The benefits to be gained from each organization must be evaluated by a writer, but typically they mirror the level of engagement in the organization.
My Memberships
My current list of writing organizations includes:
- Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
- Florida Writers Association (FWA)
- Tampa Writers Alliance (TWA)
- East Hernando Writers Group
I’m new to all these organizations and am still determining their relative benefits and opportunities. Each of the organizations made the list because their focus is on helping writers improve. Some are geographically based; others are genre-specific. Currently, I’m reviewing their Web sites and attending local meetings. In future posts, I’ll share the outcome of my assessment. What’s not on my list is Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) because I do not meet their eligibility requirements yet.
Facebook provides many groups for writers and readers, often with an international mix of members. The greatest risk is the time consumed in finding suitable groups. Many groups are genre-specific, which helps an author target participation. There are no membership fees, and it is easy to leave a group that is not meeting expectations.
Networking should be managed as part of the business of writing. It must support the overall mission of sharing a good story. When networking becomes more important than creating, it is time to pause and re-examine priorities. Now, back to writing and editing!
East Hernando Creative Writers Group is pleased that you are a member. Your participation is valuable.
Anne, so glad I found this group. The critiques have been so helpful.