Tips For Joining A Writer's Group

There's a saying that goes, the rich build networks while others are trained to look for work. I have been extremely blessed just from meeting this woman (and I know many others have been blessed also). Without further ado, this column was written by my sister & fellow author Barbara Joe Williams. This is a must read if you are called to be a writer/author.

Tips for Joining a Writer’s Group

Submitted by: Barbara Joe Williams

If you haven’t joined a writer’s groups yet, don’t think about it anymore…just do it. For most authors who’re serious about the writing craft, a writer’s group will give you the motivation and support needed to further develop your literary skills. You’re likely to meet local authors, aspiring writers, avid readers, professional editors, seasoned photographers, and accomplished publishers willing to share their experiences with you. The benefits are endless and some of the contacts you’ll make will probably last a lifetime. Not only will you feel like you’re a part of a positive organization, but you’ll also grow as a writer if you become an active participant.

While getting together with other like-minded individuals, sharing information, and socializing is important, you should never lose focus of your writing goals. Make sure you maintain a balance between the group and the actual writing process. A good place to find a writing organization is online, libraries, colleges, and bookstores.

Never underestimate the importance of joining a writer’s group and networking with other writers. If you’re interested in improving your writing skills and want the support and accountability of other writers, check out these tips for joining a local or online writing group:

1.      Local vs. online group. The first step is to decide how you’d like to spend your time as part of the group. For extroverted writers, I’d suggest that you find a local group to join so that you’ll have direct interaction with members of the organization. For writers who’re more introverted, you might want to join an online group. And it might be advantageous for you to join both if you have the time and willing to make the commitment.

2.      Determine your needs. Make sure that the objective of the group meets your needs or objectives as a writer. Are you looking for a group to do critiques or simply a place to share ideas? Do you need a group that’s focused on romance, mystery, or welcome all genres? You have to determine whether or not the group is a fit for you and proceed accordingly.

3.      Making a commitment. You shouldn’t join any organization unless you’re willing to make a time commitment. If the group meets once a week, can you handle that? If not, you might be more suited for a group that meets once a month or every other month. Either way, once you join, you should be committed to the organization and at least try to attend all physical meetings.

4.      Giving and Receiving. Hopefully, you’re joining the writer’s group to contribute to the organization as well as receive valuable information and make important contacts. The group forum definitely isn’t a place for blatant publicity stunts or one-way information exchanges. Writing groups are as much about giving as getting!

5.      Formal vs. informal. Some writing groups are more formal than others and may be incorporated with officers, have strict procedures, guidelines, registration fees, and monthly dues. However, other writing groups may be very informal with an open format. But either way, the group has to have a leader who’s the contact person and guides the development of the organization.

When I co-founded the Tallahassee Authors Network in 2008, it was formed as a means to bring all locally published authors, aspiring writers, and avid readers together in one venue to learn from one another. It was never meant to be a formal organization, a critique group, or a publicity machine, but just a place for members to network and grow together as a unit. After years of being on the road promoting my work, attending conferences, and visiting writing groups, I felt it was time to come home and build a place where all authors (and literary lovers) could feel comfortable.

Since that time, we have established a strong local presence and hosted group book signings at schools, bookstores, the library, and the State Capitol. I believe that I have accomplished more as a part of a group than I could ever accomplish on my own. As a general rule, bookstores are more likely to schedule a group signing than an individual signing because it brings in more patrons. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your writing skills, need feedback as well as support, and you’re ready to commit to an organization, don’t think about it anymore…just do it.

Author Spotlight (Felicia S.W. Thomas)

This week's author spotlight will be my sister & fellow author Felicia S.W. Thomas.

Felicia S.W. Thomas is the author of 80 Proof Lives, her debut novel, which was released in February 2011 and published by Amani Publishing, LLC. Felicia holds a B.S. degree in Journalism from Florida A&M University, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Florida State University.

Adults and children alike are raving about 80 Proof Lives. It’s a young adult fiction novel set in Quincy, FL during the summer of 1976. A teenaged girl is forced by her mother to clean house for the local madam and bootleg queen, Miss Lipstick, in order to pay off the mother’s beer tab. The young girl encounters colorful characters throughout the summer and discovers why some people live their lives inside a liquor bottle, as well as some life-changing information about herself that could plunge her into an 80 proof life.

Go to Amazon.com and read the reviews of 80 Proof Lives. Here are just a few:

“This first novel of Felicia S.W. Thomas weaves a tale of unforgettable flawed characters, some who support Fla's dreams and some who nearly destroy her future. Older teens and adults will enjoy this book.”

“80 Proof Lives provides an interesting but safe way through which one can view non-traditional lifestyles and challenges. A short read, the large print book is both kind to the eyes of the fiction's adult characters' age-cohort reading audience and coercing to young reluctant readers.”

“This is a story of forgiveness and redemption, where young Fla learns even the lowest of lowlifes have their stories and their reasons for sinking into self-defeating, destructive behavior. To Fla's credit, she learns to forgive those who have failed her and to rise above her rough beginnings. In many places, the prose sings like a poem.”

Felicia Thomas currently lives in Quincy, FL, with her husband and three children. She is hard at work on her next novels. You can check out 80 Proof Lives on her website at www.feliciaswthomas.com.

Never Give Up (The Almighty Will Never Give Up On You)

From time to time, I will have special guests writing columns for my blog. With that said, this post is written by my sister & fellow author Nedra M. White. What she has to say is dedicated to the ladies. Be blessed.

Gracie's Journey Out Of Darkness:

It's my testimony that I never gave up on finding my birth family, and God gave me the strength to keep living. Things didn't happen in my time, it was in His divine time. I can only speak of my journey to you that even in my darkest, darkest hour, only God could save me.

When you go through circumstances in life you have no control of at a young age and make decisions that you have no knowledge of the consequences, it's hard.

My life started out being taken from my birth mother and separation from my siblings, knowing this at the age of seven can be horrific. I was placed in a foster home that was a den of hell. If God hadn't been by my side, I would not have made it out of that den.

Every step from then on, he was by my side.  Having a child at the age of 15, and continuing to have 4 more children kept me from insanity. God's plan works and not my plan (and I can truly say, "in mysterious ways.") While feeling sorry for myself at times, drinking and thoughts of suicide, who do you think got me through my darkest hour?

Through the heartache of wondering where was my Mother, looking in the mirror for my identity, and searching for my siblings; it was more than any child or even a grown person should have to bare.  My message when it's all said and done is this: God will lift you up, give Him the glory and the praise, because without Him, it is then you will be lost to the point of no return.

Ladies, I ask you to believe no matter what mistakes you have made, other situations you have no control of, put the Almighty in control of your life, put Him first. I am living proof, to say He saved me from myself and He will and can do the same for you, and I am Thankful to him.....Amen

Author Spotlight (Shantae A. Charles)

Today, I turn the author spotlight on my sister, editor & fellow author: Shantae A. Charles.

Shantae Charles is principal of God Ideas, LLC; a publishing, editing, and creative arts consulting company. She is a licensed minister, singer, songwriter, freelance writer and author of the popular novel series Church Love. She has been teaching for the past ten years to adults and youth ages 3-18 in various subjects and arenas, specializing in Life Skills, Abstinence Education, Spiritual Education, Stress Management and Corporate Spiritual/Gender Conflict Management.

She currently has a blogspot entitled: Legs Closed Mind Open. Check it out at:

http://legsclosedmindopen.blogspot.com

Church Love can be purchased on her blogspot or the following link below (note: this link is to Book One):

http://www.amazon.com/Church-Love-Worthy-Second-Chance/dp/098445960X/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309859869&sr=1-7

Freedom

Many of us today will be celebrating July 4^th with cookouts, fireworks and everything else in between. I write this post today thinking about this country and what it stands for. Notice the pledge of allegiance doesn’t say “with security and justice, for all,” it says “with liberty and justice, for all.” I don’t write this post because my father & I served in the US Armed Forces, I write it for all of those who either have been, are currently or contemplating entering the US Armed Forces. If it wasn’t for the US Armed Forces, we wouldn’t have the freedom that we unfortunately are taking for granted.

I salute my fellow soldiers as we celebrate the 4^th of July, for we didn’t fight for security, we fought for freedom (in 1776). Some people think security and freedom are the same words, but they aren’t. The more security you have, the less freedom you have. Today, so many want security over freedom and we’re losing the true meaning of what this country was built on. Sure, many can say it was built while beating the backs of others, but still this is our country.

And this needs to be mentioned although it’s been heard many times; freedom does have a price which somebody else has to pay for. Think about it. As you celebrate this 4^th of July, think of those who died for you to enjoy the freedom in this country. They didn’t die for you to have security; they died for you to have freedom. And last, but definitely not least; our Savior died to set us free from the bondage of sin. Galatians says to stand fast in the liberty which we are called (I know I’m paraphrasing), but you get the point.

And with all of that said, have a great 4^th of July!

Author Spotlight (Ellen Thomas)

Today's spotlight will be on my sister & fellow author Ellen Thomas. I had the privilege of meeting Ellen at the Tallahassee Writer's Association Conference in March 2011. The title of her book sparked my interest (I'll reveal that in a moment).

Ellen Thomas is the author of The BiPolar Express: One Christian Woman's Life Journey In The Company of a Child with Bipolar Disorder & Asperger's Syndrome. She is a world traveler, entrepreneur, public school teacher, guest lecturer & mother of a child with Bipolar Disorder & co-morbid Asperger's Syndrome. So this is no ordinary author we're talking about here. A victim of providence, Ellen received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education, 12 years prior to boarding the Bipolar Express. She has shared 28 years with her best friend & husband Jim. Together, they have raised their children: Tony, Luke & adopted adopted daughter Grace. Grace is the catalyst of this book.

Author Spotlight (Barbara Joe Williams)

Today's spotlight is an author who really needs no introduction. She is the co-founder of the Tallahassee Author's Network and the founder of Amani Publishing, LLC. I did ask her three questions, and wait until you see her responses. With that said, show your love for Barbara Joe Williams.

Barbara Joe Williams is a freelance writer, independent publisher, and motivational speaker living in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a graduate of Tallahassee Community College and Florida A & M University. Barbara is also the founder of Amani Publishing, LLC (2004), and the co-founder of the Tallahassee Authors Network since September 2008.

She has published books for over twenty authors and seven for herself including: A Writer’s Guide to Publishing & Marketing, Moving the Furniture: 52 Ways to Keep Your Marriage Fresh, Courtney’s Collage (with Sherille Fisher), How I Met My Sweetheart (Anthology),  Falling for Lies, Dancing with Temptation, and Forgive Us This Day.

Website: http://www.barbarajoewilliams.com/

1. Can you tell us as to what caused you & fellow author Marilynn Griffith to start TAN?

Marilynn & I had been traveling together for two years trying to promote our books. We were tired and on our way home from a road trip when Marilynn suggested that we start meeting at the library every other month to discuss building something in Tallahassee. I agreed with her and suggested that we open it up to other authors. After that, we formed TAN as a means to bring all locally published authors, aspiring writers, and avid readers together in one venue to support one another.

2. Do you find that successful people are rarely selfish people?

Yes, it's very hard to be selfish and successful. For example, I experienced success on my own, but once I connected with Marilynn, my business expanded. And once we formed TAN, my business has expanded even further.

3. Continuing from the prior question, because in many communities, most groups have the mentality of "every man for himself," how did you manage to not have that atmosphere in TAN?

Marilynn and I have learned that we're more powerful together than we are as individuals, so that was something that we were able to bring to the organization. I'm not afraid to share what I've learned because I know that what God has for me is for me, and the more I share what I have, the more He'll give to me. So I believe it's my positive attitude that affects the atmosphere of TAN more than anything...