In December of 2002, while doing online research on my favorite topic of writing romance, I somehow found myself on a website entitled “From The Heart” Romance Writers. I imagine many of you found yourselves there the same way ;-)
Reading further and exploring the links, I was surprised to find this site represented an “online” chapter of Romance Writers of America, of which I was already a member. Quite frankly, I had no idea such things existed and I couldn’t quite envision how it worked; was it one of those boring forums or those silly chatrooms? I didn’t have time for that – I was a serious writer, for goodness sake! I had romances to write and research to do. But since it was research that led me here to begin with, I decided to check out what an “online chapter” had to offer.
The “free” page had all sorts of great links to articles on writing specific to the genre – synopsis, character development, publishers. Quality stuff, but nothing I hadn’t seen before. Two contests for published and unpublished writers – all electronic? Interesting. Links to separate but related sites for self-promotion? Hopefully, I was going to need those someday. An online newsletter? Looks chock full of stuff. More intensive online workshops about the craft of writing? That’s something I haven’t tried. And what about this member news section? Full of contest placings and first sale announcements - there was some real talent here.
Despite a large local RWA chapter right here in my town, I never really had a desire to join, though I toyed with the idea - particularly after I took second place in the Historical category of their annual contest. But after all, how well could you get to know a group who has structured meetings once a month for half the day? I wouldn’t know anyone, and I didn’t want to invest the time and effort. Online, I could be anonymous and invisible, and unlike a boring meeting, I could leave anytime I felt like it ;-). So I thought, why not? I’ll send in the entry fee through my Paypal account and see what happens.
You know what happens next; the instructions for YahooGroups, and the first friendly email welcome. Hope I haven’t gotten in over my head. How does this work? An even friendlier chorus of welcomes in my inbox from strangers I’ve never met, and a flurry of emails about topics already under discussion. Whoa, now – take it easy. . . who are all these people and what are they talking about? Then a glimmer of understanding hits – they’re talking about agents and publishing houses and target lines and internal conflict and plot development and characterization and query letters (mixed with some quirky discussions of chocolate and human nature). They’re talking about the things that matter to me as an aspiring writer (well, except maybe the chocolate
What began as a plan to “lurk” in the shadows became harder and harder for me to do. These women (and a couple of men) understand! They’re on the same path I am, and they’re willing to share the benefit of their experience! I floated a trial balloon of my own – I needed some advice on a particular agent I was trying to interest. Not surprisingly, I received some good suggestions and plenty of encouragement. Wonderful! Fabulous! I took my first big plunge and submitted an article to the monthly newsletter about a conference I attended in February. Picked up by three other chapter newsletters, you say? Awesome! I heard about an offshoot of our chapter, the FTH Critique Group. You mean I can get some honest, anonymous feedback about my work-in-progress without having to enter a contest or join a club of weirdos who meet once a week in someone’s home? Sign me up! Feeling a bit guilty at all the benefits I was reaping, I decided to volunteer. Golden Gateway contest co-coordinator? No problem – ACK!
And then, the inevitable happened. Despite my desire to remain anonymous, I began to know these people. I not only made some personal connections in an impersonal way, I learned that as individuals we all have a certain style that tells more about us than we realize.
After six months as a member of From The Heart Romance Writers, I can tell you who is published and who is not; who is close to being published and who is not; who is crotchety and who is sweet; who is into New Age and who is more conservative; who are lifelong friends and who are recent acquaintances; who writes contemporary and who writes historicals; who likes science fiction and who likes Regency; who is “grace under pressure” and who is more emotional. I don’t claim to be bosom buddies with everyone, but I do feel part of a larger whole who feel my pain at the blood, sweat and tears of writing romance and the process of trying to get it published.
Six months ago I would have asked the question, “Why an online chapter”? Now, I’m just absurdly grateful to be part of such a supportive group of people who aren’t afraid to share their triumphs and their tragedies (and the occasional recipe for a great dessert!) Thanks, FTH!
Copyright © 2007 Terri Garey, All Rights Reserved