Facebook Groups: An Author's Bread and Butter

I cannot emphasize to you how much connection with other authors and readers on a daily basis truly helps to keep me motivated. From group deadlines, critique circles, conference help, or just a bit of silliness, joining a group that you feel comfortable with is a key part of staying engaged with both your readers and the industry.

I am a part of the Knights of the SciFi Roundtable and though we are both science fiction and fantasy, there is a lot of crossover in terms of advice and world building. I find that joining a group that is specific to your genre really helps to make connections.

I've been able to join co-op giveaways and contests where I learned so much. A fellow Roundtable Knight walked me through setting up a landing page and newsletter on MailChimp...on her own time...over a couple of days.  Talk about really helping out a fellow word-slinger!

Not to mention anthologies and conference booth opportunities. But it also helps you to keep your finger on the pulse of what is going on in the publishing world

This month, I have joined a multi-author giveaway. SciFi Roundtable partnered with Art of the Arcane to put together an unprecedented event with so many authors and contests and giveaways.  I am so excited to see how it turns out as it is my first one of this magnitude.

But more than the technical and business of writing, groups often provide something no one else can. Fellow authors can understand your struggles, your weird sense of humor, and often your doubt like no one else is able.

The Write Life posted a wonderful list of 20 Facebook Groups for Writers You Don't Want to Miss and let me tell you, it is awesome. From motivation to calls for submissions, these groups truly tether an author to the publishing world via a supportive community.

What types of things have you found that truly help your writing journey?  Do you have any suggestions for all of us?

3 Reasons Why You NEED a Writer's Conference

Book proposals clutched in their hands, appointment slip at the ready, writers everywhere are taking one step closer to their dream of publication with a trip to a writer’s conference. From horror writers to inspirational romance authors, they gather at conferences every year with their name tags and pitch sheets.  

And I have three reasons why you should too...

Most agents meet their clients at a writer’s conference than by any other means.  Be it snail mail or email query, the best way to get the attention of a prospective agent is by meeting them. Nothing can replace the passion and excitement you have for your book as you talk about it face-to-face. It’s also a great way to size up what you want in an agent. During your meeting you can ask what their level of involvement is, in what genre they feel they have the best contacts, and how they communicate with their clients.

You connect with other writers. As an author, you cannot get better unless you get feedback. Plain and simple, you have to show people your stuff. If you’re not ready to meet with an agent, then sign up for a critique. Most conferences offer them. It will give you an opportunity to find out where in the publication process you really are. Are you polishing up a ready to submit manuscript or just starting out and finding your voice. Meeting with authors both published and unpublished in invaluable in growing as a writer.

You have access to the experts. The best things about writer’s conferences are the workshops. Classes to learn pacing, character development, crafting a page turner are all available to you and the best part? They are usually taught by authors you know and read. How about learning about character arc from your favorite romance writer? The art of the red-herring from a mystery writer? You can learn so much not only from the class, but from the question and answer period afterwards.

Wherever you are in your writing journey, be it novice or seeking representation, a writer’s conference is a wonderful place to network, connect, and learn.  From face-to-face meetings with your dream agent to ‘How-To’ classes with a favorite author, if  you’re serious about writing you need to go to a writer’s conference.

+Raquel Byrnes 

(Originally posted on Blogging Authors, 3/16/11)