Comments on: Bug eyed aliens, kool aid, and writing organizations http://www.fictionwithfriction.com/2007/06/07/bug-eyed-aliens-kool-aid-and-writing-organizations/ The Hottest Gay Romance Authors Are Here... Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:47:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Kimber http://www.fictionwithfriction.com/2007/06/07/bug-eyed-aliens-kool-aid-and-writing-organizations/#comment-76 Kimber Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:47:29 +0000 http://www.fictionwithfriction.com/2007/06/07/bug-eyed-aliens-kool-aid-and-writing-organizations/#comment-76 While I agree that it's important, especially for beginning writers, to get that support and encouragement that organizations like RWA are so adept at providing, I tend to agree with Ally that for those of us not inclined to participate in *real world* writers' meetings, shelling out the cash to join an organization that's main draw is its magazine and workshop schedule seems like a waste of hard earned dollars that could be better spent in other ways--like buying ink cartridges and mailing off manuscripts etc. But like you, Luisa, I do agree that one of the best ways to gain acceptance for ourselves and our beloved genre is to work at the opposition from within. I just don't know if I want to be part of the RWA, or any group for that matter, that doesn't want me or what I write to be included under its precious umbrella of whatever definition is in vogue this year. Perhaps I'm being harsh in my judgment of RWA and the like. I did belong to the organization for a while several years ago and faithfully paid my dues and read my romance writer's report each and every month, but even then I failed to see what I was really getting in return for my money. Okay, so I'm not a joiner by nature. So everything I said here should probably be read with that in mind. *g* But I can say that I am going to have to think long and hard about shelling out what is, at least to my mind, an exorbidant amount of money each and every year to receive a magazine published by an organization that would prefer not to recognize me or what I write. Great topic. Very thought provoking. While I agree that it’s important, especially for beginning writers, to get that support and encouragement that organizations like RWA are so adept at providing, I tend to agree with Ally that for those of us not inclined to participate in *real world* writers’ meetings, shelling out the cash to join an organization that’s main draw is its magazine and workshop schedule seems like a waste of hard earned dollars that could be better spent in other ways–like buying ink cartridges and mailing off manuscripts etc.

But like you, Luisa, I do agree that one of the best ways to gain acceptance for ourselves and our beloved genre is to work at the opposition from within. I just don’t know if I want to be part of the RWA, or any group for that matter, that doesn’t want me or what I write to be included under its precious umbrella of whatever definition is in vogue this year.

Perhaps I’m being harsh in my judgment of RWA and the like. I did belong to the organization for a while several years ago and faithfully paid my dues and read my romance writer’s report each and every month, but even then I failed to see what I was really getting in return for my money.

Okay, so I’m not a joiner by nature. So everything I said here should probably be read with that in mind. *g* But I can say that I am going to have to think long and hard about shelling out what is, at least to my mind, an exorbidant amount of money each and every year to receive a magazine published by an organization that would prefer not to recognize me or what I write.

Great topic. Very thought provoking.

]]> By: Ally Blue http://www.fictionwithfriction.com/2007/06/07/bug-eyed-aliens-kool-aid-and-writing-organizations/#comment-75 Ally Blue Fri, 08 Jun 2007 12:47:15 +0000 http://www.fictionwithfriction.com/2007/06/07/bug-eyed-aliens-kool-aid-and-writing-organizations/#comment-75 Amen, sister! RT and RWA both desperately need new blood. They're stagnating, because they are afraid of change. Life isn't static. In order for anything - a person, a species, an organization - to grow and live, it needs to accept change with open arms. When we allow ourselves to stagnate, we die. That said, I've never once bought the RT zine because I've never been interested in reading ANY reviews, I've never bought an RT ad because obviously I don't get my money's worth since they refuse to review me, and I haven't joined RWA because money's REALLY tight and I can't afford to spend it on what would amount, for me, to a ridiculously expensive subscription to a magazine I'd never read. The closest local chapter to me is Charlotte, which is 2 hours away. I have too many online groups as it is, plus frankly if all they have to offer is support and encouragement I already get plenty of that without paying for the privilege. You're absolutely right, though, the only way to change things is from the inside. Kudos to you and Laura and J.L. and everyone else who's taken the plunge and is trying to make a difference :) Amen, sister! RT and RWA both desperately need new blood. They’re stagnating, because they are afraid of change. Life isn’t static. In order for anything - a person, a species, an organization - to grow and live, it needs to accept change with open arms. When we allow ourselves to stagnate, we die.

That said, I’ve never once bought the RT zine because I’ve never been interested in reading ANY reviews, I’ve never bought an RT ad because obviously I don’t get my money’s worth since they refuse to review me, and I haven’t joined RWA because money’s REALLY tight and I can’t afford to spend it on what would amount, for me, to a ridiculously expensive subscription to a magazine I’d never read. The closest local chapter to me is Charlotte, which is 2 hours away. I have too many online groups as it is, plus frankly if all they have to offer is support and encouragement I already get plenty of that without paying for the privilege.

You’re absolutely right, though, the only way to change things is from the inside. Kudos to you and Laura and J.L. and everyone else who’s taken the plunge and is trying to make a difference :)

]]>