The Writing Doctor on Writing Organizations

Next week Kim, Carol, and I are speaking at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library on Promo.

Why promote yourself?

Name recognition is an important reason why readers buy books. If a reader knows your name they are more likely to buy your book than one written by someone they never heard of. Of course, other writers are also readers so they can be your first source of networking.

Name recognition also plays a role in obtaining representation from an editor or agent. If you have been around long enough for your name to be recogonized they know you are serious about your career. It helps, but don't forget you need a great novel for them to buy.

If you are not yet published, you are just starting out, where can you start promoting yourself?

Writing Organizations – This is a great place to learn the craft of writing and to get your name out there when you network at meetings and online. Many organizations have some sort of loop for you to communicate with other members of your organization. Remember, writers are also readers. Always be respectful to others. It's just good manners too.

Romance Writers of America is where I learned the craft and business of writing from newsletters, local chapters, online classes both free and paid for, conferences, speeches on CD/tapes, critique partners, etc. The local chapters are where I do most of my networking. There are also the meetings where I have made life long friends.



Romance Writers of America – http://www.rwanational.org/
Local AZ Chapters:
Desert Rose - http://www.desertroserwa.org/
Meetings are held in Tempe the last Tuesday of the month.
Valley of the Sun http://www.valleyofthesunrw.com/
Meetings are held in Glendale the second Tuesday of the month.

Listing of 118 US Chapters - http://www.rwanational.org/cs/about_rwa/chapters_listing/us_chapters


Special-Interest Online Chapters:
The Beau Monde Regency Special Interest Chapter

Celtic Hearts Romance Writers

Chick Lit Writers of the World

Electronic and Small Press Authors Network

Elements of RWAFaith, Hope, and Love, Inc. (Inspirational Writers)

From the Heart Romance Writers

Futuristic, Fantasy and Paranormal

Golden Network Chapter

Gothic Romance Writers

Hearts Through History Romance Writers

Mystery/Suspense Chapter (Kiss of Death)

Outreach International Romance Writers

Passionate Ink

Published Authors Special Interest Chapter/PASIC

Rainbow Romance Writers

RWA Heartbeat

RWA Online

Scriptscene
Young Adult Special Interest Chapter



Other chapters my romance-writing friends have found helpful.

Sisters in Crime - http://www.sistersincrime.org/ (Has a local AZ chapter - meets every 3rd
Wednesday at Carumbe Cafe in Scottsdale.)

International Thriller Writers. http://www.thrillerwriters.org/
Published authors can be active members, unpublished are affiliate members.
They hold an annual conference called Thrillerfest




There is an expansive list of writing organizations at http://novelspot.net/node/1154


Once you feel you have an idea of what you are doing, then it is time to join social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter. Your fellow writers will be glad to help you get started. You can also attend our free workshop next week in Scottsdale. I posted all the details last Sunday.

Until next week,
Happy Writing!
Tina LaVon