The Writing Community

About ten years ago, I began writing my first novel...uhh, no, it's still not finished. Back then I knew nothing of the craft other than the types of books I liked to read. I certainly knew what I didn't like in an author, but did I have the ability and imagination for producing something I would read? Hmmm, if I look at my first writing attempt, I might have to say close but no cigar. Perhaps that was the reason it never got finished. I knew it was missing that certain something.

So, last year I broke down and joined Romance Writer's of America and joined the local chapter, Capital Region Romance Writers. In April 2005, I went to a workshop by Joanne Rock. It was the best thing I could have done. Not only did I learn a lot at that workshop, but I also met one of my now closest friends, Lisa. About a month later, I had this idea for a new historical romance. This story was beating down my muse demanding to be written. The first three chapters about 20pages each flowed from my fingers in two days. Then, I attempted my first synopsis, as Joanne's workshop suggested you do one first.

Here is where I get to the title of this post. The writing community is fabulous and helpful and it is amazing how much they make you feel like a family. I emailed Joanne with a question and she happily answered. She even gave me some pointers on my synopsis! She is a multi-published author, but still made time to help a newbie find their footing. It has not ended there. In another workshop presented by Joanne, she suggested emailing your favorite author who you think you might sound like, and ask them who their agent is.

I did this. I emailed Jane Ann Krentz aka: Amanda Quick and asked her who her agent was. The same for Stephanie Laurens. Imagine my delight and surprise when they responded, whishing me luck and giving me their agents' contact info.

Now, I have a completed ms. It took me just over ten months--not years--to write, and once again, the writing community has stunned me with their generosity and support. I am a member of Charlotte Dillon's RWCList yahoo group, and I posted a blurb of my completed ms asking for advice. Of which I got excellent input. One in particular actually compared my blurb to something Amanda Quick would write. Talk about doing a happy dance. Anyway, Sharon agreed to read my ms and is giving me some pointers. She is published and I've read her work, and LOVE it. So, suggestions from her go a long way with me.

I just want to take this time to thank everyone in the writing community that has given their assistance to any new and aspiring writer. You are all wonderful people and I count myself lucky to be amongst such a giving group. I hope I can one day help someone as you have helped me.