christinamguerrero.com ~ the official site ~
What I've learned from from six years
of membership in Romance Writers of America
Copyright 2000 Christina M. Guerrero
I heard angels singing when I first joined Romance Writers of America in 1994. I
was convinced that membership guaranteed me imminent status as a published member,
millions of adoring fans, and enough money to live on happily ever after as said angels
harmonized sweetly in approval of all my hard work.
Six and a half years later, I’m still unpublished in book-length fiction.
At last count, I had about ... oh ... five ... and a half online fans who like the
detailed messages I post on the board that the five of us visit daily. That 1/2 fan is about
16 years of age, by the way.
Money? I just applied for a variety of things I’d rather not mention, in order to
stay out of financial trouble.
The angels are still singing. They’re singing what I’ll be hearing if I submit to the
temptation of self-harm as a reaction to people saying, “Why don’t you give that
up and get a real job?” (Just kidding, but the question gets frustrating).
If I could go back to 1994 and give myself some advice, I would. The next best
thing is to offer advice to any new or existing members who believed the first
paragraphs of this article could even remotely resemble reality.
* * * * *
It is possible to be published within a few months of joining RWA, but you
have to work hard at it.
You have to learn about the market, write your manuscript, target a publisher,
query an editor or an agent, wait for a reply, deal with rejection if the manuscript is unacceptable or negotiate for terms if
the manuscript is accepted, wait impatiently for the book to come out (and in the
meantime assist your publisher with marketing and promotion), and then find a way to
promote your book when it hits the bookstores. Then there are appearances, book-signings,
etc., and the deadline for your next book, if the publisher has requested one.
Tired yet? Suzy Newcomer, who joined a mere three months after you, and who
already has a book out, probably had a plan and then followed through. Follow her
example of hard work.
* * * * *
Resist the urge to worship published authors.
I still have to restrain myself from falling to my knees and chanting something mysterious
when in the presence of an AUTHOR during chapter meetings.
During my very first meeting, it helped to hear
a published member muttering something about how she was going to make her next
mortgage payment. That made her more human and less of a god, although I still wanted to polish her shoes for her.
From the published author's point of view, life is still the same, except for that book contract. Treat published authors with courtesy and kindness, and they won't look at you like you've lost your mind.
* * * * *
Learn from those who are generous enough to share their experiences with us.
By reading Romance Writers’ Report each month, I’ve received an inexpensive
education on the world of publishing. I make note of who is professional and eager to
work with new authors, and I keep track of agents, editors and publishers who have bad
reputations. If Jane Bestseller takes the time to inform you of sleazy practices in any area,
whether through an article or during a speech, or in person, take time to understand the issues.
* * * * *
If a publisher will not accept stories about cross-dressing potato chip truck
drivers, don’t submit that type of manuscript, hoping to be the first to “convert” them.
I actually tried this--well, not with the potato chip storyline. I refused to believe
the tip sheets I had received from publisher X, and chose to send a query letter and
synopsis which featured topics they did not want. The publisher returned my synopsis
with a polite note, “This is not appropriate for our readership ... I welcome any new ideas
you may have.” Believe the tip sheets.
* * * * *
Treat writer’s block seriously.
If you’re sitting in front of the computer or a blank pad of paper, and nothing
wants to emerge and be written, it’s time to do something else.
I had a lengthy experience with writer’s block. I waited and waited, but my
creativity had disappeared. In order to resolve this, I put all my writing projects in a box,
covered it, and wrote nothing except email for four months. I even considered giving up
writing, and taking the advice of friends and family. After all, it had been six years and
my credits consisted of a few nonfiction articles, plus a few unpublished manuscripts and
one unproduced screenplay. Oh, and there was the query letter I told an agent and
publisher to disregard (Wonder what they thought of that. An aspiring writer who knows
when she stinks? Maybe it was a first).
With delight and surprise, I felt creativity return in the middle of the summer. I’ve
been attached to my computer since then, giving life to the ideas that populate my
subconscious. The writing still stinks but now I’m proud of it.
* * * * *
Be professional.
Dress appropriately, be punctual and use good manners.
Socialize in a positive
way. People gossip about “good” people as much as they gossip about “bad” people.
Develop and maintain a reputation for being “good” as you develop contacts in your
writing career.
* * * * *
There is no such thing as the “RWA fairy” who comes into your home and
works on your manuscript when you’re busy doing other things.
I still struggle with this one. I still have hope that this fairy will arrive at my home
and sprinkle “finishing” dust on my projects. With a child and a job and too many other
activities, there is little time for writing. For some reason, the manuscripts never finish
themselves.
* * * * *
Which brings me to my next point. I used to think, “There’s no way I could ever
be published. I have X, Y, and Z going on in my life.” Then I started paying attention to
the lives of published authors. Not only did they have to deal with X, Y and Z, they had
A, B and C going on.
I met one aspiring author who was confined to a wheelchair.
I felt guilty ... and inspired. I found a way to complete a time-travel novella and
was thrilled to enter it into a contest in August.
* * * * *
Find a way to make your stories work.
Some of my characters do not act like most romance heros and heroines. My
heros cry when they feel bad and my heroines are independent and want to protect
everyone. One day I developed a science fiction story, and found that these oddballs fit
into the plot. Who knows if it will get published, but at least now I know where the
freaks go.
* * * * *
There is only one way to achieve success in the world of writing -- apply your
behind to the chair; poise your fingers over the keyboard or pick up your writing utensil;
and begin typing or writing.
Eventually, the words will flow. One page will grow to a chapter, a chapter to half
a book, half a book to a manuscript. Do your research and learn who accepts the types of
stories you write; or vice versa--target a publisher and tailor your manuscript accordingly.
Don’t let rejection stop you. And please don’t wait for the fairy. Do you really
think a flying, three-inch high pixie could write your stories as well as you do?
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