Danielle Steel once
said, “When you write, your world is populated with the characters you invent,
and you feel those people filling your life.”
Make no mistake, I
completely agree. In fact, several times when I’ve come to the end of a series
where the characters had become a tangible part of my life for several years,
it’s been a little hard to say goodbye. Letting go of Emma Rae, Jackson, and
their crazy crew (from the AnotherEmma Rae Creation series I did for Abingdon Press) was difficult. I went
through a bit of an identity crisis without them, often wondering if I could
ever again create something readers would respond to in such a dramatic way.
Then came the JessieStanton series of novels where my loyal readers fell for Jessie, Danny,
Piper, and Riggs in much the same way. Hope restored.
But . . . fictional
characters aside . . . does writing really have to be a lonely endeavor? And even more importantly … Should it be?
I don’t think so.
There are plenty of
communities out there where writers gather. Your commitment to this Seriously
Write colony, in fact, indicates your acknowledgement that connecting with a
group of like-minded people can be more than simply inspiring. It’s imperative.
Beyond the simple sense of community, there is also accountability. Insight.
Encouragement. Comradery. Even guidance.
For those writing
Christian fiction, one of the first groups that likely comes to mind is ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). This
organization has grown exponentially since its inception back in 2000. They
tout nearly 3,000 members consisting of authors, editors, agents, publicists,
and aspiring writers. The group has sub-groups by region and genre and is
responsible for an outstanding annual conference (this year in Nashville) where
writers gather to socialize, network, take workshops, and meet with industry professionals.
"Agents and editors tell us they're quick to encourage their new authors to join ACFW," says Cynthia Ruchti, ACFW's Professional Relations Liaison. "Not only for its educational value, but because they understand the importance of journeying in companionship with others of like mind, heart, and purpose."
"Agents and editors tell us they're quick to encourage their new authors to join ACFW," says Cynthia Ruchti, ACFW's Professional Relations Liaison. "Not only for its educational value, but because they understand the importance of journeying in companionship with others of like mind, heart, and purpose."
If such a large group
isn’t your cup of tea, there are also many other communities with which writers
can connect and glean the benefits of fraternization. Finding one that fits
your needs requires a bit of legwork, but here’s a short list of a few of the
standouts:
Word Weavers focuses on providing a
forum for Christian writers to critique each other’s work in a face-to-face
format in order to learn about and improve your craft. Writers of all levels
are welcome, and there are regional meetings
from which to choose. Interested parties can also think about starting a
chapter of their own, which could be an excellent tool for some writers.
Inspire Christian Writers is a
group that, according to their mission statement, exists to provide a network
of support, encouragement, education, and spiritual growth for Christian
writers. They state, “Our writers minister biblical truths with excellence,
clarity, and love, to transform lives and the publishing industry.”
InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship (ICWF)
can be found in every province in Canada, and they focus on lending
encouragement and support to Christians who write. They claim their overall
goal is “to advance effective Christian writing, and to promote the influence
of all Christians who write.”
TheNextBigWriter, launched in
2005, offers tools, classes, and community with other writers. They purport
that their group is a place where Christian writers can gather and share their
faith journeys with fellow Christians as well as the novels, poems, scripts,
songs etc. that they are writing. The caveat with this group: “Since not all
Christians write only Christian books, this group will be open to all genres
that they are inspired to write about at this time in their life.”
There are also several
groups where members challenge one another to defeat the dragon and complete
their writing projects. One of the standouts here is the well-known writing
challenge issued each year called NationalNovel Writing Month (November). As a member of this group, you’ll be
encouraged and nudged to write 50,000 words in 30 days. Impossible? Not at all.
Challenging? Absolutely! But well worth a look if you’re one of those who need
firm nudges to keep your fanny in the chair and keyboard fingers in motion.
No matter your specific
streamlined goal as a writer, lone-wolfing-it
is not recommended. Check out some of these organizations to see if they might
be a good fit for you. If not, keep looking. A strong sense of community, in my
opinion, is as important to making
writing your business as getting familiar with the publishing market,
researching your storylines, and learning the rules of writing before trying to
break them.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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| SANDRA D. BRICKER |
HOW TO CONNECT WITH SANDIE:
I agree with Sandra that it's often hard to say "goodbye" to our characters...at least some of them. I enjoyed a couple in my first novel so much I centered my new release and built a book around them exclusively. I don't seem to relate as closely to my novella characters, perhaps because I don't get to know them as intimately as in a novel. :)
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Diane. For the most part, the novel characters are so much more easier to fall in love with because we've spent so much more time with them. The exception to this rule for me was a novella I recently wrote for the launch of Gilead Publishing this Christmas ("All I Want for Christmas," the first of four novellas in a collection called Sleigh Bells Ring). I became so involved with the lives of my characters that I've been brainstorming how to visit with them again!
DeleteSandie, I remember a favorite author, Eugenia Price who wrote a number of non-fiction and fiction books. Her quartet about Savannah had the same characters from birth through the last book, and that was something she wrote at the end. We can reread those books, but she had to finally say 'good-bye' to them. :)
DeleteOh how I love this post, Sandie! I struggled for years before I found my writing communities. They are there when I stumbled, fail, falter or just need a virtual (and sometimes an actual) hug.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, your Seriously Write community loves you, Sandie, and you too, Reader! So glad you're a part of us.
Angie, thank you so much! I've contributed to various other venues over the years, but I don't think I ever connected so naturally (or quickly) as I have with SW.
Delete"No matter your specific streamlined goal as a writer, lone-wolfing-it is not recommended."
ReplyDeleteI so agree! It's wonderful to associate, even virtually, with other writers who serve as mentors, encouragers, prayer warriors, sounding boards, brainstormers, and on and on. :)
Agreed, Sandra! It took me several years to understand this fact and embrace it.
DeleteSo true, Sandie! We must keep reminding ourselves--these characters aren't real.;) Personally, I like finding/fellowshiping with other writers. They "get it"--this writing life. Thanks for this great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Annette. Have I mentioned that I love it here? :-)
DeleteI've depended on my writing communities like ACFW, my crit group, Seriously Write--the list goes on--for motivation, encouragement, education, and so much more. Friendship with like-minded people has been a huge blessing. No, we don't have to be alone in our writing endeavors. Thank you, Jesus!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jesus INDEED!
DeleteSandie - thanks for this great list! I had no idea some of these organizations existed and there are a few I want to check out.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful we don't have to go it alone. Even with my characters to inspire me I'm not sure I could manage without my writerly friends. And Seriously Write, well these women (and regularly contributing men) are fantastic!
So true, Terri! Thanks for swinging by on my day of the month. :-)
DeleteSandie, you have a great list here! I've always stressed the importance of joining a writing community. For me, living on a teeny tiny island, it's been imperative. Without the support of the mentors and friends I've made through those online groups, I think my journey to publication would look very different. You have got to surround yourself with like minded individuals. And if you get to meet in person once a week, all the better. Unfortunately for me, that doesn't happen, but there is Skype, and I try to make it to ACFW every year if I can!
ReplyDeleteHi, Cath! Thanks for popping by. I was a very solitary kind of writer for many years because I'm an introvert and overwhelm easily when meeting new people. When I found ACFW and their local chapter when I was in Florida, I started to realize the importance of community among writers. And BY THE WAY, I'm reading Bridge of Faith right now and I can't put it down! You are spectacular.
DeleteI absolutely agree with you - community is important. Can I suggest a couple of other groups your readers might be interested in?
ReplyDeleteFaithwriters - online writing group with regular challenges.
Omega Writers - Australian-based group who host an annual conference (the 2016 conference is in Sydney)
New Zealand Christian Writers - what it says!
Iola, thank you for these additions. I'm sure someone will benefit from them.
DeleteDon't forget Faith, Hope and Love, the Romance Writers of Americas online Christian writers chapter. http://www.faithhopelove-rwa.org
ReplyDelete