Comments Liz Talley says: What a fabulous post, Jeannie. And so very true. I said it before and I’ll say it again – we write happy ever afters, good triumphing evil. We write our principles through our characters. And I don’t know about you, but none of the characters I write would ever stomp on someone, never steal their dreams, never push them off a precipice and smile about it. So it is with who we are. We write the good because being good means something to us. Therefore, we spread the good in every way, whether it’s a critique, serving on a board, passing along info about an agent, or commiserating with cyber chocolate. It’s simply the BEST organization I’ve EVER been affiliated with. And I will say that the ladies here are some of my favorite ladies out there. RSS rock! I always get mushy when romance authors speak of their husbands, families, significant others. Even when times are tough, they know how to narrow down on the things that really matter. It’s okay to be a glass half full sort of person. It really is. Another interpretation of karma, is the idea of allowing the positive into your life by being positive yourself. I think you reflected that spirit here perfectly.  Elise Hayes says: Hear, hear, Jeannie! I wrote on my own for several years before I even knew about RWA. In fact, I finished my first manuscript working completely solo. And it was a lonely journey without half the growth that I’ve had since joining RWA. Now I have sisters, colleagues, friends who have been invaluable in challenging me, teaching me, and holding my hand. I hope I can give back even half as much as I’ve received over the years. I know what you mean! I totally struggled through trying to finish things because I was afraid to show anyone. I thought writing was supposed to be a lonely endeavor you banged out on your keyboard. When I started joining writer’s groups, I realized what I used to consider a final draft was only a first draft!  Rita says: What a heartwarming story. Barbara certainly knows a winner when she sees one. Passing on what we’ve learned and helping other writers is an important part of the process. One reason this blog is so great. Thanks for the post. When I judge a contest, I am looking for “voice”. If I find one I like, I do tell the contestant everything else can be learned. Barbara told me something like that over dinner. She said what she saw was voice and storytelling ability. It still baffles me — my voice was quite raw then, if it was present at all. I think it’s easier for other people to recognize our strengths and weaknesses than it is for us to see them for ourselves. I’ll bet your voice was there then, just like it’s there now. Awesome post, Jeannie. I felt like I came home when I found RWA and the women and men who are its members. I’ve never dreamt that people who I consider famous would be so open and encourge others to jump into the pool and strive to realize thier dreams. But they did and do. In my early days, for me, my mentor was Kasey Michaels, who told me to stuck it up more times than I can count, and my PLRW chapter mates. And while they still cheer me on and encourage and tell me what I need to approve my stories, my networking of freinds has grown a thousands times. I love them all, including my RS sisters. ((HUGS)) The amazing thing about networking in Romancelandia is that it’s not hard. I used to cringe when everyone said you need to network because I’m naturally shy in person. It takes a long time for me to feel comfortable. But I went to my first national conference as a fresh-faced know nothing and everyone just took me in and tried to talk to me. It was still very awkward, but I really appreciated it. Jeannie, what a wonderful blog topic. I do think that romance writers are some of the most generous people around. Almost every loop I belong to has published authors (and unpublished alike) who are willing to help and who are honestly cheering their fellow writers on. Since many of the romantic subgenres include some kind of HEA, maybe it makes us, as writers, eager to see that happy ending worked out in the lives of those around us. I was telling my non-writer BFF about how going to my chapter meetings always uplifts me and puts me in a good frame of mind for everything, not just writing. She pointed out that it was because we were talking about relationships and love; things that are important to women and to all people. Of course I left feeling ready to face the world! What a great post! It’s true. In romance writing, you do have the sense that everyone is pulling together, helping up those who have tripped. I think it’s what makes RWA so successful. And Barbara was right. I had the privilege of judging 2 of your manuscripts in a contest long before the GH, and they immediately stood out above the rest. Thanks Gail! I always appreciate hearing from people who have judged my writing. I always try to be conscious of my judging because that’s another area where I’ve gotten good karma. It was a while before I started getting good scores, but even the low scoring judges helped my development.  jodi says: True, everyone has the potential to be a technically perfect writer, but not everyone has voice. A good voice stands out. Barbara Ankrum sounds like a smart woman. Barbara’s a wonderful teacher and a great writer. I actually read her books before signing up for her class. They had me bemoaning the fact that I would never be able to write sexual tension that well. (In case anyone’s wondering, her newest book is written as Carrie Hudson) Wonderful post! The community aspect is one of the many reasons I love being a writer. I used to think it was a strictly solitary business, but that was before I “saw the light” and realized how wrong I really was! And the internet of course adds a whole new aspect to this. How did people write before it? Or maybe they got way more done…  Elisa Beatty says: The internet’s definitely a knife that cuts both ways!!! Elisa Beatty says: How great that you’re already actively mentoring, Jeannie! Like others who’ve commented this morning, I started out solo and clueless and have been just astonished how warm and welcoming the community is–and how much more I’ve been able to learn in one year with all the help and advice. You’re absolutely right about how empowering it is! The great thing about mentoring is it really helps you learn. There are so many topics I haven’t gone back to in a while, but in truth, we’re never done with “the basics” are we? Great post. I’m a pretty new writer, unpub. I found my chapter, a couple of years ago. I cherish the friendships and supportive relationships I’ve made. I am refreshed by the positive energy and attitudes of romance writers. My CP and I encourage each other by saying even if we never get published we’re enjoying the process. Believe me we want to get published. lol but it is great to have so much fun and make great friends along the way. One of the highlights this year has been reading and commenting on this blog. You’ve done a great job. I’ve learned from the posts and felt comfortable sharing on line with all of you. Thanks. Eden, I’m glad to hear you’ve enjoyed the RSS blog! We’ve all been through the ups and downs of the business and it was one of the reasons we wanted to start this blog to support each other as well as anyone else looking for a little encouragement once in a while. The romance writing community is one of THE most supportive communities out there. Hands down. Where else will people be genuinely happy for you when you achieve your dream? Or pick you up and dust you off when you hit bottom? I’ve hit bottom too many times to count, and yet I’m still going because of the support I’ve received from writer friends, Romance Divas, my critique group and all my fabulous Ruby Sisters. For all the support you’ve received, I know you’ve dished it out tenfold, Cynthia. I was actually thinking about this the other day: if I ever become a good writer and published and the whole shebang, I so want to do for others what people have done for me. So many people out there have been generous with advice and encouragement (you are one of them, Jeannie). It’s very inspiring. Just to pass the buck along, in a good way – At the RWA conference in San Francisco, I went to a Bantam book signing to get Eden Bradley’s new book. (I’m an avid fan!!) She was pointing out all the other authors in the room and telling everyone how good their books were. I really got the sense that she took the time to know the other authors there and to know their books. I thought then that if I ever made it, I’d want to be like her, so open and generous.  Katrina W says: Jeannie, what an interesting premise about karma. I just thought it was lucky that the genre I’ve always loved has such great people at its heart. In retrospect, gee, it’s kind of obvious why that is. I bought Candace Havens’ book because her online fast draft loop really helped me when I was trying to find my writing process. I’ve bought other books because authors helped me out with something. It’s not a sacrifice since I enjoy reading across so many genres, but I figured it’s a little way to say thank you. I could definitely see how a little of that here and there based on “connectedness” will result in higher sales overall for the genre. In any case, I found it to be a nice thought. Jeannie, I’m terribly distracted today, but your post is lovely and calming. Thanks for it! I can’t *ahem* imagine why….  Kate Parker says: Jeannie, I tell my mom about chapter meetings and conferences and all the wonderful, helpful writers I meet and their advice, which has improved my writing a hundredfold. She’s amazed that so many famous “names” are so kind and helpful. But then, maybe romance writers couldn’t be any other way and write powerful, uplifting stories. Glad to hear you’re passing on the tradition, ruby sister. It’s not hard to give back when you’re in such good company. I think the beauty of writing, and this goes for non-romance too, is every writer seems to remember how it was to be just starting out, your heart on your sleeve (or at least in your manuscript) and putting everything on the line. We are an awesome group, aren’t we? I also am very grateful for all the help I’ve gotten from other writers. I wouldn’t be half the writer I am without them.  Lynn says: Jeannie, Enjoyed your post, Jeannie. The writing community is amazingly generous. Everyone is so eager to share their knowledge. It’s really inspiring. THANKS ALL!! It is an amazing community. Great books create lifetime reading addicts, so we should encourage as many authors as we can to write those great books. It isn’t competition; it’s a chain reaction of success. I definitely want to be one of those authors who gives back, but every writer’s path is so different, I worry about inadvertantly steering someone astray. Fabulous post, Jeannie. Good on you for paying it forward. I’m always amazed by how generous romance authors are when it comes to sharing their knowledge. In the long run, the advice they give helps the genre as a whole. Wonderful post, Jeannie. Thanks to MORWA I have a mentor that has taught me so much in the short time she’s been helping me. I hope to do the same for some other writer. Awesome post, Jeannie! I think teaching is a great way to learn – I learn so much from critiquing as well as being critiqued.
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Wonderful post, Jeannie!!! I have had so much help and support through all of this as well. It just seems romance writers are so willing to take that extra step, to mentor and laud, that I truly feel like I am part of a community. We have such a connection and commitment to the genre and the profession. Super nice job! I really loved your story.
I think the sense of community is one of the reasons I stayed and why I very consciously made a decision to write by books as romances.