Writing is a lonely profession. When I started writing, back in October 2007, I was employed fulltime, had watched one son graduate college and the other survive a stint in Iraq. I hadn’t planned to write fulltime. I am a voracious reader. Harlequin paperbacks filled my library. Mystery series by Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich joined them. But it wasn’t until the week my youngest son came home on leave that the floodgates in my mind opened and a story tumbled out.
My first attempt at writing a ‘real’ book turned out to be a contemporary romance. It took one month to write. Boy was I naive. Like a fish out of water, I bought a book on formatting (Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies by Leslie Wainger) and a book listing agents and publishers. I could have learned so much more by joining ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA (www.RWAnational.org). I submitted my self-edited, formatted by-the-book manuscript’s query letters to several agents and Harlequin Publishing (www.eharlequin.com). I remember the feeling of shock and awe when Harlequin requested to read my full manuscript. Their letter soothed my reaction to dozens of earlier rejection letters.
Unfortunately, they also rejected my book. I stashed it away. Did I stop writing? No. Did I still see a future in it? Yes! What I did next was join the Romance Writers of America, and write another book. I attended a local chapter’s all-day workshop featuring two well-known authors. Due to my work schedule, I was never able to attend the chapter’s monthly meetings.
Then we sold our home in central New Hampshire (right before the bust) and moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. By November 2008 I had completed three full manuscripts. I now reside only eight miles from my local RWA chapter’s meeting place( www.heartofcarolina.org ). The members have helped fuel my ambition and get me excited to succeed. I also joined an on-line writing group for mystery, suspense, and crime-fighting novelists (www.SistersInCrime.com).
Writing does NOT have to be a lonely profession. There are various groups out there, including dozens available on-line. Having someone to talk to, to listen to, to ask questions of, to respect your opinions, etc. is priceless. I plan to post more chapters relating to writing on this blog with more writing tips and useful websites. Have a question? I invite you to either make a comment or e-mail me.
Nancy Lee Badger
8. February 2010 at 21:33
Great info, Nancy.
I started writing in early 2009, so technically, I’m still a newbie and it’s been an elightening experience, thus far. I completed my first paranormal ms seven months later and semi-finaled in a contest three weeks post-completion. Needless to say, I didn’t win and have revised countless times since. That’s where I am, the editing stage. I’ve been there for 2 months, now.
I think it’s important to have peer support. Those words of encouragement make all the difference.
Jae Lynne Davies.
9. February 2010 at 08:09
Hi Nancy,
Being around other writers is truly energizing. I’ve spent the last 3 days with my writers group and it not only make me want to write, but it also convinces me that I will succeed. So glad you have a group close by now. Enjoy the journey
16. February 2010 at 03:23
Sounds like quite a journey. I am familiar with Romance Writers of America, but not the others. Will check it out.
16. February 2010 at 03:24
I love hearing that you realized you needed help. This IS a lonely profession. Give us more websites to check out. Please?
16. February 2010 at 03:28
Dear Camo and R-G;
I am happy I have enlightened you on some aspects. I will share a few more websites and blogs you should take a moment to check. Check back soon!