An Interesting and Productive Afternoon

[rusty_armour]

I'm on the Sleuth of Baker Street email list, so, earlier in the week, I received an invitation to a book launch for a mystery anthology called Nefarious North. However, if I'm going to be completely honest, I was more interested in the writers that would be there as some of them write for the paranormal genre. Anywaaaaaay, the book launch was this afternoon, so I went to buy a copy of the book (Yes, I do have some scruples and a genuine interest in the anthology) and pick some writers' brains. I was afraid I would chicken out at first because mingling is so not my forte. I had an awkward 15-20 minutes in which I pretended to peruse books (Well, actually, there was some genuine perusing going on) while I waited for everything to be set up.

The situation improved when I was able to buy a copy of Nefarious North as I saw some ladies clutching copies and forming a kind of semi-queue. One woman (who turned out to be one of the authors) complimented me on my Celtic necklace, so we all got into a conversation about that, which really helped to break the ice. A short time later, I asked this same author to sign my book. I was able to ask her what genre she wrote for, but was interrupted before I could grill her some more.

There were people waiting behind me when it came to the next writer, but I was able to get a conversation going with a third author. Actually, she asked me right off the bat if I was writer and said she almost wrote "Good luck with the writing" when I first handed her my book. I'd like to think it's a positive sign that she picked up on that vibe. She didn't seem creeped out by me, so I'm going to assume that I didn't come off as being a desperate-stalker-author-wannabe. *g*

One of the most useful people I spoke to was the publisher of the anthology itself. She also asked me if I was a writer (I said I was an "aspiring writer") and was very friendly and supportive. She strongly suggested that I join The Toronto Romance Writers and Sisters in Crime. I think my doubt must have shown with the first suggestion because the publisher pointed out that they don't always stick with romance and that she apparently recruited some writers for the anthology from this organization. One of the women I met initially said that she was a member and found it extremely useful. Apparently, she was having her work in progress critiqued. This woman was actually the most useful person I spoke to because we're basically in the same position. She's also writing in the paranormal genre and hasn't been published. In any case, she was also very encouraging and strongly recommended the support system that comes with a writing group.

I don't know if either The Toronto Romance Writers or Sisters in Crime would be the right fit for me, but this whole experience has got me thinking about joining a writing group of some kind. I know I got a lot out of the one I joined in university. I took a creative writing class and we formed a writing group out of that. For me, it didn't last much past graduation, but it was a valuable support system at the time.

Comments

[jackycomelately.livejournal.com]

I think a writing group is a great idea (assuming you get generally supportive people). Accountability is good. Nothing like having a meet-up to make you keep to a deadline. Plus feedback (and, of course, networking).

I think it was very brave of you to go and talk to people! Talking to people? Not my best thing.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I think a writing group is a great idea (assuming you get generally supportive people). Accountability is good. Nothing like having a meet-up to make you keep to a deadline. Plus feedback (and, of course, networking).

My experience with writing groups is obviously very limited, but the experience was really positive for the most part. I found the other writers very supportive and encouraging. When they did offer constructive criticism, I always knew it was because they were trying to help me improve the piece I was sharing with them. And, as you say, accountability is good. A deadline is always a great motivator. Same goes for feedback and networking. The more research I do on writing (and the need for self-promotion), the more I realize how important networking can be. Even something as basic as word of mouth can make a huge difference.

I think it was very brave of you to go and talk to people! Talking to people? Not my best thing.

I have to admit that I came close to chickening out, but I knew I'd regret it if I didn't take advantage of the opportunity. Even with the courage I did pluck up, I know I could have done better. However, you can only get so much time with an author before someone else shows up for an autograph or a friend wants to chat. At least I got some information out of it, not to mention the anthology itself. I'm really curious to study how it was put together and see the range of stories that were written.

[alysscarlet.livejournal.com]

Well done for going to the book launch. It sounds like a really interesting afternoon. And it does sound a good idea to join a writing group!

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Well done for going to the book launch. It sounds like a really interesting afternoon.

Thanks, alysscarlet. I'd say the afternoon was definitely worthwhile. :-)

And it does sound a good idea to join a writing group!

Yes, I think at some point I probably will. Actually, Sisters in Crime is holding a seminar next week at my local library, so I might check it out. I think non-members can attend for the low, low price of $5. :-)

[karen9.livejournal.com]

Kudos for going to the launch and taking the initiative to talk to people. It looks as if this experience was useful to you because you could speak to published, even though not well-known, authors. I think a writing circle would have to include published authors to help you further on a professional path.

I like that the one author immediately recognised you as a writer!

P.S. I'm glad to read that you have some scruples! :o)

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Kudos for going to the launch and taking the initiative to talk to people.

Thanks, karen9. It worked out surprisingly well. Better than I thought it might. :-)

It looks as if this experience was useful to you because you could speak to published, even though not well-known, authors.

It was useful. As that unpublished writer said to me, it's nice to know that there are writers who manage to get their work published. Writing is such a lonely pursuit and it's really easy to get discouraged. It's good to hear about other writers' experiences -- positive and negative. And, of course, advice is always useful.

I think a writing circle would have to include published authors to help you further on a professional path.

Yes, that's definitely a good point. I know that both of the recommended groups have published authors as members. I'm just hesitant about joining because I'm not writing for either of the main genres they cover. What I should really do is fire off an email and see whether I'd even be accepted as a member.

I like that the one author immediately recognised you as a writer!

Yes, that was very encouraging! I'm happy I give off that vibe! :-)

P.S. I'm glad to read that you have some scruples! :o)

LOL! Yes, not a lot of them, but some. *g*

[crimsoncorundum.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a really interesting book launch! It was great that you were able to talk to the other writers. I hope you find a good writing group to join.
And the anthology sounds like a lot of fun too. Again, good luck with the writing too. :)

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a really interesting book launch! It was great that you were able to talk to the other writers.

Thanks, crimsoncorundum. It was really interesting -- and not just because I got to talk to other writers.

I hope you find a good writing group to join.

Thanks. I hope so too. :-)

And the anthology sounds like a lot of fun too.

Yes, I think it should be a fun read. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to start it yet. I'm hoping that will happen soon.

Again, good luck with the writing too. :)

Oh, thank you! I hope the muse favours you too! :-)

[funkyinfishnet.livejournal.com]

It sounds like you had a really fruitful time. I'm glad you felt encouraged and joining a writing group sounds like a really good idea, especially as being part of one was helpful and fun before :) I always find that talking to fellow writers and getting their thoughts on my work is really challenging and really useful for my writing.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

It sounds like you had a really fruitful time. I'm glad you felt encouraged and joining a writing group sounds like a really good idea, especially as being part of one was helpful and fun before :)

Thanks, funkyinfishnet. It was definitely fruitful and encouraging. :-) And, yes, I probably could use the motivation and support of a writing group. It's a very good idea.

I always find that talking to fellow writers and getting their thoughts on my work is really challenging and really useful for my writing.

That's so true. Talking to other writers is extremely useful. It's really hard writing in a vacuum. You need some kind of feedback. And I completely agree with you about the way conversations with other writers can really challenge you and force you to improve your work. It really makes you up your game. :-)