Monday 12 October 2020

RWA – Where Would We Be Without You?

 By Marilyn Forsyth



A month or so ago a question was posed on the RWA Community Facebook page that really had me thinking. That question was: What has been the most useful part of your RWA membership? 

I jotted down my immediate thoughts then started reading through all the other responses (in hope of having come up with something original to add to the comments. Am I the only one who does that??). 

Anyway, as I read, two things became obvious. Firstly, there is no way to define just one thing as the most useful part of belonging to the RWA. Secondly, the RWA is absolutely and totally an indispensable organisation for all writers – aspiring, emerging or established. 

Here are some of the comments that struck a chord with me... 


Nina Campbell responded with ‘Finding my tribe’. It wasn’t until I joined RWA (and learned that the Breathless in the Bush writing group was looking for new members) that I realised there was a whole community of people out there experiencing the same things I was going through in my writing life. Who knew?? 






As Elisabeth Rose put it, ‘the support of like-minded people (is) where RWA is so strong.’ 






Another wonderful thing RWA provides is ‘the collective wisdom that everyone is happy to share’, as mentioned by Bree Vreedenburgh, No matter what stage of the writing journey you’re on, there will be something you can either contribute to, or learn from the RWA Facebook Community discussions. 





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‘The generosity of established authors to newbies(is) amazing,’ Nicole Flockton pointed out, and I couldn’t agree more, having been on the receiving end of all manner of advice from some of the most well-known Aussie romance authors. But it’s not only about the support of peers and established authors, it’s also about ‘most importantly, the friendships’, as Immy Moore reflected. 









Some of my tightest friendships are with the lovely people I’ve met over the years through RWA and, like Renee Dahlia-Geelen commented, ‘being able to talk about genre romance to people who get it and aren’t going to snicker about porn’ is a wonderful thing. 









On yet another level, the work that RWA puts into providing ‘enormous support and education possibilities for emerging and aspiring writers’ (Pamela Freeman) is exceptional. Heidi Wessman Kneale agrees, citing ‘levelling up in my skills, not just in the craft, but in marketing and more’, as among the most useful results of her membership. The monthly OWLs (Online Writing Labs) are well-priced and so worthwhile. OWLs 






 
Lisa Ireland wrote, ‘the opportunity to pitch directly to agents and publishers directly led to my first contract’. It was the same for me. Thank you, Sue Brockhoff, for believing in the potential of The Farmers Perfect Match and taking it to the team at Harlequin MIRA.









Last but not least, Leisl Leighton nominated ‘the two Cs – contest and conferences’ as her picks. Entering (many) contests and taking onboard the feedback enabled me to get my first book published. A dream come true! 



As for conferences – they’d have to be the highlight of every RWA member’s year; an unequalled opportunity for professional development. Sadly, this year we didn’t get to mix in person with our tribe or the stalwarts of our industry, but what a mammoth effort the conference team put in to make sure the online conference was a triumph. Huge congrats to you all! 



Thank you, RWA, not only for all you have done for me personally, but for all you’ve given to those of us chasing the goal to be published. Where would we be without you?? 

What do you love about being a member of RWAus?

Love to Love being a member of RWAus. Click on the link for more info RWAus

Love to Laugh at the black humour of Fargo, the series (available on SBS On Demand). 

Love to Learn that there is light at the end of the tunnel after a hip operation. I won’t say it’s been easy, but I know it’ll be worth it in the long run.

16 comments:

  1. It was such a great question. Definitely finding my tribe and Breathless in the Bush, but also contests. They really were able to validate for me that my ms was ready to submit for publishing. Friendships, of course, have been the most valuable of all. The support of like minded people is the best.

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    1. It's been great to have travelled that road with you, Cassandra, with the help of RWA.

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  2. DITTO! To all of the above. I wouldn't be the writer (or the person) I am today without my RWA family.

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  3. Some years ago eight women writers (I was one of them) wondered if there were other writers out there and if they'd like to know they weren't alone. If they'd like to be part of a group of like-minded writers offering support and guidance to others in pursuit of the same dream of publication. If we hold a conference, will they come? They did, in the hundreds, and we knew we weren't alone. We were part of a tribe. A tribe we called RWA. It's grown since then, in numbers and in what it offers, everything any romance writer could ask for, and I love every aspect of it. But that early start holds fast to a piece of my heart.

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    1. As one of the founding members of RWA, you have my total admiration and gratitude, Enisa.

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  4. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes (ditto)... RWA is amazing for learning, support and encouragement. the best! Also ARRA (Australian Romance Readers Association) - not as much on the craft side of things, but supportive + of authors. Wonderful communities!

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  5. This organisation is the best. I have - in other work roles - been a member of many organisations and never, ever felt the warmth, camaraderie and generoristy of spirit I have as a member of RWAAus. I have been a member for the past three years and am ready to self-publish next year. Would not have had happened without the learning, conferences, competitions and writing friendships I have formed. Hooray to RWAAus.

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  6. Very nicely put! And so true! Congrats on your future self-publishing and thanks so much for dropping by.

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  7. I am really looking forward to the conference next year and seeing everyone again. We all missed our face to face fix and the incredible writing energy boost that comes with conference. Online is good but the tribe in the flesh is so much better.

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  8. Hi Elisabeth! I totally agree about the face to face fix. I'm really missing mixing with my RWA cohort. Hopefully all will be under control for next year's conference. Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  9. Thanks for the shoutout Marilyn - without the collective wisdom I mentioned, I'd still be floundering away :-) I've never met a group of (mostly) women who are so giving of themselves. RWA blows me away every time.

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    1. Hi Bree! Exactly! So many fab published authors who are happy to share all they've learned along their journey. Thanks for dropping by.

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  10. I agree with Nina Campbell. RWA is a great place to "find your tribe" and connect with like-minded authors and readers.

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