The Mid-Willamette Valley Romance Writers had their annual Christmas Party last night and it was a doozy!
We had so much fun as we laughed ourselves silly and got to know each other better. We talked about writing, publishing, editing; we shared stories about our families, friendships, heartaches, and just generally bonded. The food was potluck, and of course, it was delish! We have some very talented people in our chapter and it was inspiring just hanging out with them.
There are many reasons to belong to and support your local RWA chapter. Some of the most important reasons, at least for me, on the writing side of belonging to this chapter, are the people you meet and become friends with. They have so much to teach and give, and they "get" you. They get the reasons why you write and love words and ideas. They offer help and support when you're frustrated or down. They are there as mentors/teachers, friends, and cheerleaders. If you need to brainstorm, you can find someone in the chapter who will be willing to help you. If you need a critique partner and don't want to search all over the net for a stranger to critique with, you'll find one in your local chapter.
If you want to be a published author, the best way is to be an active, participating member of your local RWA chapter. I say this because of all the classes and teaching tools that are offered by a chapter. You have access to many helps and people who actually know what they are doing. So get active! If you're shy, or on the quiet side, step out of your comfort zone and do something different. Try reading the chapter blog and commenting once in a while. Chime in on the chapter email loop. Attend a chapter writing retreat, or see if you can hook up with someone in the chapter and begin a critique relationship with them. If you don't put forth the effort, how can your chapter benefit from your expertise and talents? Your chapter needs you. You're important and have great, viable ideas. You know who you are, don't you. Now get off your butts and participate! You won't be sorry.
9 comments:
Rah! Rah! Sis Boom Bah! Gooooo Piper!
Yes, get involved it's the best thing you can do for your writing.
Last night's party was a blast! I've never laughed so much! It always inspires me when I get together with you ladies. I love having people to talk "shop" with.
You go, girl.
Is that so last year?
Anyway, I have found friendship in our local RWA group of a kind that had been lacking for a long time. My best friend is a grass farmer's wife. We share a lot of things but writing isn't one of them.
Our chapter is a place where I can learn things I never "got" before, and share skills I've been working on most my life. It's a place to laugh and cry. I feel very fortunate to know all of you, am happy to help when I can, feel free to ask for help when I need it, and just plain old enjoy the company of like minds.
Thanks, Piper, for reminding me of this bounty and yes, the Xmas party was an absolute hoot. I have a sore throat today from laughing so hard last night. And thanks, too, to Chris, our hostess.
Alice
I loved the christmas party. I feel like I was waiting my whole life for a group like this--even through college and law school, female friends were few and far between, and I know that I've grown so much through the group too. Not just as a writer, but as a person too.
Way to rattle some cages, Piper. You go, drill sageant, sir! Ha!
No, really, you made some very good points. We are, together, a wealth of experience and information. Basically, we rock! (That might be so last year too. I'm not up on my slang lingo lately)
And yes, the party was a hoot. Good food, great company. Hilarious prizes. Especially one, in particular.
Paty used my computer to comment this morning before she headed home, and I just realized she's listed as the identity who will show up on this comment. If I sign in as a different user, I'll lose what I've typed. So, I guess Danita is impersonating Paty today. Ha!
Give me an M..."M!"
Give me an i..."I!"
Give me an d..."D!"
Give me an W..."W!"
Give me an i..."I!"
Give me an l..."L!"
... Forget it. It's too freakin' long! 8^)
I am so jealous I couldn't be with you all last night! It's so hard being this far away. Sigh. I've got xmas parties coming out of my ears right now, and was at a Bend one last night, but I know the MWVR one was far better (in spite of the cool coffee canister and mug set I got, but I digress...)
I totally agree with getting involved with your RWA chapter! It's a win-win proposition.
Gooooooooo TEAM!
Karen
If I knew Danita's password, I'd impersonate her! LOL
I was reading and didn't think I'd already posted a second time! LOL
I made it home in one piece, had good news about my son, and am now frantically packing and wondering why the heck my dh bought 14 pregnant cows at the sale when we are leaving????
Have a good one. I'll try to post while I'm gone, but it will depend on how much the dh will spend on motel rooms now that he bought cows!LOL
14 pregnant cows??????? Wow. Save that for a scene in your latest book. LOL.
Great blog, Piper. Were you a cheerleader in high school? :)
Personally, I think you get out of RWA what you put into it. If you aren't getting much, then maybe you should consider being more active in your group.
When I was at Nationals this summer, I looked around at all the successful published authors and wondered why so many of them bother to go to the convention. It isn't open to the public (aside from the literacy signing which they make no money at), so it can't be for publicity or sales. The few authors I asked though all said the same thing - they go to give back; because RWA has done so much for them, they want to give back to keep the organization going. Isn't that an amazing thing?
The excuse I hear from people is the same over and over - I'm too busy to get involved. But really, who isn't? Karin Tabke's first book just came out this fall. She's since sold four more, has deadlines up the wazoo, and what did she just do? She ran for President of the bay area chapter - and won. If that's not a busy woman, I don't know who is. People make priorities for what's important. I'm glad to see there are people who make RWA a priority.
Our group is great - we have a lot of active, excited members, and the energy is electrifying. Those of you hanging on the fringes...get involved, join in the discussions here on the blog and the loop and come to the meetings. It's worth it.
Are you kidding? That's Piper's nice way of saying she had big boobs. Ha!
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