Ernest Hemingway said, "Writing at its best, is a lonely life." I can see it might be but I'm grateful for our wonderful Romance Writers of Australia organisation and the work the committee members do to ensure it's not a lonely life.
Next month (August 17th-19th), romance authors, aspiring authors, readers and industry professionals will descend on Sydney for the RWA annual conference. I attended my first conference in 2003 as an aspiring author and was blown away by the positive energy and friendly vibe of the event. More than a little in awe at meeting and actually being able to speak to authors whose books I'd devoured since my early teens, I couldn't believe how supportive everyone was in giving me tips to help me achieve my dream of publication.
All these years later, I'm still excited to be attending the RWA Conference. Whilst being able to work in my
Hemingway also said, "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." That may well be a quote only other writers can understand. There's a definite sisterhood in romance writing as we've all travelled/are travelling the journey through initial rejection to the thrill of first publishing contract. We all know how deflating those rejection letters and poor reviews can be, how thrilling it is to reach publication and to have a reader make contact to say they've stayed up all night turning the pages of your novel because they simply couldn't put it down.
Other writers understand that an author's not really schizophrenic or delusional when they hear characters in the novel speak to them, and they're not certifiable when they sometimes feel they've merely channeled the story!
Love to Love: Connecting with this fabulous group of romance writers and celebrating their successes, and helping aspiring authors.
Love to Laugh: With author/writer friends over a cocktail or two.
Love to Learn: The latest news from the romance industry.
Postscript: Due to a change in blog schedules, I will be overseas when this blog goes 'live'. I'd love you to leave a comment on your thoughts, but if I don't respond it is due to lack of internet access as I'll be exploring the Amazon!
I think the romance writing community is one of the friendliest and most supportive ever, Alyssa. So many like minded writers and readers enjoying the vast variety of romantic fiction, and cheering each other on with each new book. Why write in isolation when you can have so many wonderful friends? And the readers are also staunch fans and prolific readers. Everything to enjoy, whichever way you look at it. Enjoy the Amazon (wow!) - and maybe we’ll read about it in a book one day?!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Malvina. I love that while there’s only so much reader $ out there, I’ve always found romance writers supportive rather than competitive - no holding back on giving helpful advice and constructive critiques.
DeleteI have never looked back since joining RWAust and the Breathless in the Bush writing group. Such support is priceless and I know I would never have got to publication without their help.
ReplyDeleteDitto Cassie. I remember Poor Malvina wading through my first manuscript right to the end and writing all sorts of helpful comments in the margins (still have it Malvina!) Elisa also went through my first manuscript with me page by page and pointed out so many flaws and weaknesses. She spent so much time nurturing me along and that was all through joining RWA and becoming part of the Breathless in the Bush group!
DeleteHi Alyssa, I think RWA is an incredibly welcoming and supportive community. Like you, I love being part of the Breathless in the Bush writing group. I find romance writing challenging, satisfying and so much fun. Enjoy your holiday in the Amazon.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon. Malvina asked me recently why I had decided to rejoin this group after several years of absence. For many years family circumstances meant I had to drop out, but after my eldest two finished HSC last year, 2018 has marked my return and I’m loving being back in such a fun group. Hope to see you at the August meeting.
DeleteWriting is a lonely profession. It is only you and your computer as you write, after all. But when writers get together...Wow! So supportive of each other. So willing to share knowledge and offer encouragement and cheer you on as you pursue your publication dream. Writers are the best and I love being part of the writing community, especially RWA and the Breathless group.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I’ve made wonderful friends through RWA and the Breathless Group and have always appreciated your encouragement and support. x
DeleteGreat post, Alyssa - thank you! I agree the solitude of writing is best tempered by the friendship of other writers - and we are so fortunate to have a wonderful supportive community of writers in RWA! I hope you had a lovely trip - safe travels home and look forward to meeting up in August!
ReplyDeleteThanks Penelope. The RWA committee of volunteers have always done a fabulous job and it must be really difficult to cater to writers at all different stages of their careers. Will hope to meet you in August!
DeleteHi Alyssa! (I'm enjoying South America vicariously through your photos.) RWA and Breathless have given me the support I needed to get my stories published and I'll be forever grateful. The isolated writer still needs a tribe. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn, glad you’re enjoying the photos. My first manuscript was about a couple who met in Peru. Visiting Machu Picchu yesterday made me want to re-write the story to a publishable standard. Yes, we writers all benefit from a tribe. The manuscript I refer to was rejected (and rightly so!) but a rejection letter is just that. It’s the critiquing and mentoring, workshops and contest judges comments that can help the journey to publication. And, when published, there’s still so much we can learn from each other about the industry. Then there’s the fact that Romance writers are just generally a fun bunch of people to be with!
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