Dear Writer, You're not Alone.
They say it's a solitary profession, but what they don't know is it takes a community to write a best seller. And then, it takes a pueblo or small township to market and sell a single book.
There’s something to be said for self-employment. Right? You get to decide what you want to create, make, and sell. You make your own hours. You hire and fire the help- oh, wait, but you do everything. And you probably do it alone.
I think there’s a myth about authors. People who don’t write tend to believe we’re “living the dream.” They think we have it made. That we’re like unicorns, grazing in the meadow, whiling away the hours until a best-selling idea pops into our heads and then magically we make words appear on a page. Weeks later, the books walk into a bookstore (I hear the song, Ants go marching one by one to cue the cartoonish walking books.) where they hop up onto the shelf by themselves. Readers - all of them- flock to the store and the author becomes a millionaire.
If only.
We are creators who by no fault of our own must also market, and sell our books. We do all the things. We are accountants, collaborators and book sellers. We are managers and CEOs. We are publicists.
Let me tell you, you don’t have to do it alone.
Though I love my writing time, it’s the only part of my #writerslife I spend by myself. I thrive in the communities I belong to because here, I feel empathy. I feel supported, and nurtured. Honestly, I couldn’t do most of what I do without them!
In writing communities, you can find help on crafting the best story, and recommendations on the best editing software. You can find writers to read your words and help you see areas of weakness and strength. You can meet other like-minded authors who maybe - just maybe - are struggling with the same aspects of this career that you do.
Where does one find these beautiful people, you ask?
Here are my top five recommendations with a small disclaimer. I’m a mystery/thriller writer. My favorite groups are geared toward authors in those genres.
Sisters in Crime: You really don’t need to be a mystery/crime writer to benefit from this international group. With your membership, you gain access to hundreds of videos on craft and the business of writing. Also, there is likely to be a local chapter near you that meets in person. I belong to 6 chapters nationwide and my local Wisconsin chapter. SinC helps to host the biggest yearly writing convention, Bouchercon (bough'•chur•con).
Which brings me to number two on my list: Bouchercon! Hundreds (maybe thousands?) of readers and writers flock to this conference each year. It’s not terribly expensive, as far as conferences go. Included in the price, you get to choose from 4 or more panels each hour for 5 days. Panels on craft and the business of publishing are invaluable. Or, just go for the best-selling author interviews. I’ve met so many other writers at this con! Fun Fact: Each year it’s hosted by a different city. Maybe it will come to a city near you. This year, it’s in Nashville.
International Thriller Writers (ITW): This one is trickier. For a free membership, your publisher needs to be recognized by the ITW organizers. They have resources to help you find a critique group. If you’re an avid reader, they always need reviewers. They also host a huge conference each year in NYC. Highly recommend it. BTW, Thriller is a big genre label that encompasses sci-fi, paranormal, crime, mystery, suspense, action, military, espionage, romance and more.
Women’s Fiction Writers Association: Excellent for craft and community. I found my first critique group through them.
Blackbird Writers: I would be crazy not to mention these friends. Though BW is not open to new members, it is a fab resource for both aspiring and established authors. Their weekly blog -written by a different Blackbird each week -is filled with knowledge and expertise that I don’t think you’ll find in many other places. Join the conversation on Facebook, Substack and Instagram. They’re a friendly flock!
Because of my involvement in the writing community, and because of a published story, I was invited to the Chicago Book Cellar last week for the launch of LitBop Vol.1, #3. Let me tell you, I was thrilled! It was standing room only. I wish I’d taken pictures because it’s been a hot minute since I’ve done a book event. Let me count the -oy!- years.
The event included writers of many genres, thanks to Tim Chapman, (pictured above in the gallery) publisher, artist, author, musician. I consider him a friend and colleague, someone I’m proud to have in my writing community. Tim is the creator, publisher (and more) of LitBop: Art and Literature in the Groove. A literary and art publication worthy of that prime location on your coffee table. We met in 2020, but that’s another story.
Don’t go at it alone. There are resources, and writers to journey with you. Because none of us are unicorns.
Glad you are in my circle!
I must find a like-minded group.