By Beryl Hall Bray
Are you looking for a national writing organization with local or regional chapters, or a local writers' group to join? There's a lot to gain from belonging to national organizations, but there's also something irreplaceable about face-to-face contact, and friendships, with other writers. While national organizations might provide any or all of the following: job listings, educational resources and programs, special events and conferences; you'll find local colleagues are often the best source of critiques and encouragement.
Focusing on this quandary, the logical next question would be: What specifically could we expect a national organization to provide? National Association of Women Writers ("Where women unite to write.") seemed a logical place to start.
 Not only do your get their eReports, but you’ll receive 101 Best Resources for Writers for free when you sign up for their weekly newsletter.
Some of you will find an exciting opportunity because you can actually open your own chapter, with NAWW’s backing, giving you the best of both worlds--the national organization and meeting with local colleagues. While others who only have time to attend a meeting should be happy to support your efforts. Searching the website to understand better what the benefits to their members were, this quote elaborated on a couple of points.
"After being in PR and writing for close to 30 years - with the last 5 being on my own - I'm really excited to be part of a group of women who have "been there, done that." Being a freelance writer can be lonely & isolating. I'm looking forward to coming back into "the world" through NAWW! Already your resources have served to be invaluable. Thanks again & good luck." -Lisa Ben-Haim
Feelings of isolation as a writer can slowly drain the joy out of even the most passionate writer. There's a big difference between having the luxury of silence and not having anyone to share the same brand of insanity, which it takes to be a great writer. We need solitude as we unleash our genius and, at the same time, need inspiration from others. It helps to hear what they've been through and how they've surmounted the real world conditions facing writers. We want to communicate about our victories and challenges. Making friends, in person or in the various electronic means available today is vital. It's obvious that NAWW is filling this need. One member elaborated on the results of her membership.
"As a member, I can tell you about the "value" of membership. Since I joined about one and a half years ago, I have made connections with women writers locally and nationally that would not have otherwise happened. The ability to exchange ideas and information with other women has been stimulating and rewarding, both in my work and in the personal relationships I've developed. Since NAWW includes women writers at all levels, I've been able to act as a mentor to those less experienced and learn from those with more experience or who work in different genres. In addition, becoming the S. Florida Regional Rep has increased my professional notoriety and my career has skyrocketed as a result. I attribute much of the success I'm enjoying today to the increased confidence I feel because I am part of this organization. Many thanks, Sheri', for having the vision to create NAWW for all of us to enjoy." Best regards, Shelley Lieber
Interviews are beneficial, giving readers (that don't have a variety of successful authors as close ("let's have lunch and talk"), friends. Nevertheless, what would we ask if we had that opportunity? And even if we weren't close friends, if we could only establish contact... NAWW, judging from a good number of letters expressing appreciation, does a great job of supplying interviews with the right people, asking the right questions. A member shares the benefits she received from an interview.
"I find the membership in the NAWW very worthwhile. In one of your newsletters you had an interview with Julie Gallagher. She had shifted from a career in the law to becoming the editor/publisher of a start up magazine for women, Releasing Times. She was open to submissions so I sent her mine, "A Marriage Interrupted". It was accepted for publication. Your newsletter provided the necessary contact for me and I am grateful. I also have another submission in the hands of another publisher/editor showcased in your newsletter and that one is being seriously considered for publication. Again, I am so grateful to have found that contact as a direct result of my membership in NAWW." -- Ellie Bushweller
As the world of writing is widening out in the many alternatives, other than print, it is hard to keep abreast of the information needed, at the right time. NAWW accepts their responsibility seriously and works to keep their members well informed. Here's a letter that tells how well they are doing. Here's an avenue you might not have considered.
"...I am going to spend some time this weekend reading the FAQs book too. I have also contacted the audio recording service you recommended (naww.audioacrobat.com). I have been researching several audio recording services, but this one looks like the best and I like that it has been personally recommended by you. I feel like I have received way more value for my membership than what I paid in dues! Thanks again for a great association." -- Tina Parr
One of the frustrating aspects of writing is knowing you have something to offer, but to whom? If you know where to send it, how can you get the right person to notice your offering? NAWW seems to address this challenge, as well, as the following note attests to succinctly.
"My membership with NAWW is helping me get a lot more responses to jobs and people are mentioning it at interviews. Yahoo!!" -- Michelle Hill
Ever have a great idea yet you're at a loss deciding how to begin your research? Belonging to a national association, like NAWW, can certainly make your writer's life easier. Check out what happened from simply being able to post a question in the right place.
"Thanks for posting my question about editing prices. I continue to be amazed at how helpful your association is. I think you should know that I have been researching my project since March, 2002. I launched my site October 31, 2002. I started getting the word out to family and friends in November. I have a folder of women that I want to invite for my book. However, I thought I would start with the NAWW women because in my mind. it is a captive audience. Well, I am still trying to get to my folder because I have had such an overwhelming response from the women in your organization. Women are either sending submissions, asking good questions, or inviting me to place a "call for submissions" in their online newsletters.
"All of this positive feedback has encouraged me to attend your convention in February. This week I am making travel arrangements and plan on being there. I am also bringing my editor. Thank you for having such an incredible association full or women who are willing to share themselves and their knowledge of the writing profession with all." Blessings, -- Dotsie Bregel
To succeed as a writer, one must accept there are times frustration and/or uncertainty set in. When this happens, it's not a good time to be isolated. This is the time when you need the voice of reason and a variety of options to push negative thoughts out of our minds. This short NAWW tribute came off the screen and begged to be included because, if you're still writing today, you've had something similar happen--out of the blue, maybe. Belonging to the right association for you can give you just what you need at the time. Everyone needs what Patricia received.
"The NAWW Writer's Guide is awesome and it couldn't have come at a better time. Having just gone through another round of rejections I really needed the boost!! Keep up the good work!" -- Patricia Forte
Motivation being one of the few things in life we can't have too much of, it makes sense that we want to open up all the avenues possible. It's great when Aunt Jenny tells us that since Gone With the Wind no one has penned such a great novel. That still doesn't unblock the dead computer in our heads. NAWW is well-designed to help ignite your soul , if I may borrow that expression. It was appealing to read and feel the heart and sense of renewed energy in the following thank you note to Sheri McConnell, the founder and president of NAWW.
"Thank you for your recent, inspiring article in Volume 1 that tells us ideas for stories/poems. (Writing Exercises to Ignite Your Soul) You mention many options, but I was particularly motivated by the suggestion to write about something from our childhood. What a great idea! The following poem is the offspring of your suggestive idea." -- Andrea Forbing-Maglione
When do you know that you've hooked up with the right group? That would be when a light shines brightly on ways to improve, see your abilities and goals from a different perspective; then you truly know you've hit pay dirt. And how often does that happen? Here's one time, for the writer quoted below.
"First of all I would like to tell you how delighted I am with the membership package. I read the book from cover to cover, and it has inspired me to look at my writing life in a completely new light. I am proud to be a member of this wonderful organization, and I plan to be one for life. Thank you for everything!" -- Kelley Ann Hornyak
Working so hard, accessing your deepest emotions, reading every How-To book in the writing industry that you can get your hands on and editing, editing, editing...until you're published! Now where is that rooftop to shout out your victory? You could always add the NAWW Blog to your address book. Their blog's purpose is to showcase the writing-life journeys of their members.
Any group joined comes at a 'price' because it requires that you become involved. Therefore, it's always smart to check them over carefully. It is WOW ! 's hope that we've helped you become acquainted with NAWW. We've found NAWW to be a boon for women writers. Check them out; perhaps you'll discover that you agree with the last two women's responses.
"I just want to say thank you to Sheri' and the contributing members for working so hard on our collective behalf. The weekly emag is chock full of useful information, inspiration, and motivation. I'm finding that NAWW speaks to my soul like no other discussion group, and I'm joyful to have found you all. Your essays and articles feed my literary hunger. Thanks again to all of you." -- Angel Brown
"...I have been looking for someone or something that had a better understanding of the Writer's Spirit. I finally found it, NAWW..." -- Robin L. Patmore |
