The stereotype says that writing is a lonely profession, but just because many writers are introverts doesn’t mean that we don’t like getting together to talk about the craft. There are many kinds of writing organizations to join from informal friend circles of fellow scribblers to regional organizations of writers and publishers. If you know what to look for and you choose the right kind of organization for your needs, you will not be disappointed. However, each organization cannot do everything, so mix and match to get your needs met.
Every May, for the last four years, I have planned a trip to Marquette, Michigan to attend the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA) annual conference at Peter White Public Library. It has been a lifeline for me, a lonely writer in the middle of the Keweenaw. The first year, I learned so much about self-publishing in preparation for releasing my first novel, Pyrrha’s Journey. Fellow authors were so generous in sharing their experiences with KDP (Amazon’s publishing platform) and IngramSpark (another popular distribution service). In addition, they talked about the ins and outs of editing as well as the never-ending process of marketing and promoting published work.
More importantly, I have met a whole community of fellow writers who live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Year round the email and website is abuzz with information about everything from warnings about publishing scams to information about beneficial competitions. By following the group, I have had an education in what it means to be a professional writer and live a writer's life.
On May 15, I am traveling to Marquette with my teardrop camper to attend the daylong UPPAA conference on Saturday, May 16. However, instead of attending the adult portion of the conference, I will be volunteering for the Young Writers Storytelling Workshop (YWSW) where teenagers learn about the craft of writing and publishing. Several established UPPAA members have created hour-long sessions to help mentor the next generation of authors. We will talk about plot and character as well as poetry and publishing. The program is created to encourage youth to follow their dreams and become writers.
As a volunteer, I learn about writing by teaching writing. Oftentimes as an author, plotting, character development, and worldbuilding happens subconsciously below the surface. It is something I do as I create the story. However, in order to get better at these elements of storytelling, it is necessary to explicitly talk about the mechanisms that make them work. Since I have been volunteering with the young writers, I have been asked many questions when presenting on various topics. Discussing the details has improved my writing. For example, I have a much better understanding of how the protagonist and antagonist interact to create complimentary character arcs after discussing it with workshop students. I go home from the workshop and find new ways to improve my work because what was once invisible is now obvious.
Finding a community and volunteering in an organization has helped me become a better writer. Hearing the success stories of fellow authors who I know and adore encourages me to keep writing even when it feels impossible. I recommend all writers find an organization that works for their needs because we all need encouragement through the dark winter months.
For more information about Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA) : https://www.uppaa.org
For more information about Young Writers Storytelling Workshop (YWSW): https://storytellingworkshop.org
Comments