By Marilyn Forsyth
I’d like to introduce you to the new RWAus president, Joanne Boog. I spent a delightful few minutes chatting with her at last week’s conference in Sydney. She is truly honoured to have been selected for the position and enthusiastic about the future of RWAus.
What is your vision for the future of RWAus?
I want RWAus to be the best it can be by combining new ways of thinking with ways that have proved successful in the past.
Firstly, I was surprised at the small number prepared to put their hand up for the position. Yes, it’s a big role, but it’s also a vital one, and reliant on volunteers.
I felt I had the ability to do the job but I wasn’t sure I’d be acceptable. I subsequently found out that not only was I acceptable but the selection committee wanted to know where I’d been hiding.
What do you bring to the position of President?
I’m a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors and have both experience and expertise in writing policies and procedures. Having managed a law firm for fourteen years, I think I have a pretty good feel for the running of a large organisation.
More importantly, I’ve been a member of RWAus for ten years which puts me in a position of knowing what RWAus is all about.
What do you see as your role?
To represent RWAus to the world at large. I want to not only support our current members but to encourage more people to join. Our current membership is about 700, having decreased over the last couple of years. I’d like to see that situation reversed.
How do you envisage doing that?
The fabulous new committee and I are committed to providing our members with more than education about the craft of writing and publishing opportunities. We want to inspire our members.
We have been working on a number of ideas, some of which will be presented to the membership for their consideration.
We intend to maintain the great relationships we have with all the Australian agents and publishing houses and hope to expand that area globally.
The great beauty about RWAus is that it provides support for all writers, whether multi-published or yet-to-be published. We will continue to do that, while promoting and providing opportunities for authors seeking traditional publication or who wish to follow the independent route.
How much work do you think will be involved?
I realise the role will be time-consuming, but RWAus has done so much for me that I feel I need to give something back.
In what ways has RWAus helped you personally?
Through the conference sessions, the OWLs, the competitions, it’s made me a better writer. And it’s given me opportunities to promote my work.
It’s encouraged me to be the best writer I can be.
A Message from Joanne: 'RWAus is a great organisation that needs to support the volunteers and members. If you know anyone who has left RWAus please ask them to let me know why. I can be contacted at president@romanceaustralia.com. If you would like to volunteer please go to the website and fill in the form. You will be most welcome.'
If you have a question for Joanne please leave it in the comments.
Joanne
Loves to Love: the colour purple.
Loves to Laugh: often.
Loves to Learn: everything I can.
