Somewhere I belong

 

 

Do you belong to any writing organizations, for crime writers or general writing­—MWA? SinC, International Thriller Writers? If not, why not? If so, what value have they been to you?

 

My first introduction to any writing organization was Sisters in Crime (SinC) and that was because of the Elanor Taylor Bland scholarship, which I almost won one year. Almost. I didn’t, but some really talented writers that I have come to know and love did, and if for no other reason than that, I would say bravo. But there is so much more that these organizations offer, chief of which is that sense of belonging. We writers tend to be a lonely bunch a lot of the time. Sitting in our writing spaces alone, crafting new worlds, breathing life into characters to launch into the world, with only our whiteboards, our music, and sometimes a favored pet (cats) to keep us tethered to the real world. Writing organizations remind us that though a large percentage of our lives are lived strictly inside of our heads, we actually do have a community behind us waiting to provide us all the support and resources we need. If only we could tear ourselves away from our latest masterpiece to join.

I am currently a part of two writing organizations, SinC, and Crime Writers of Color. Both are fantastic at what they do to support writers, whether it be financially through the scholarships they offer, SinC. Or through that feeling of belongingness that writers sometimes lack, especially writers of color.

I’ll never forget showing up to my first Bouchercon and being asked, if I were a member of SinC. I didn’t even know what that meant. Sure, I had heard of it from other writers who were members and had actually joined at some point, but I had no idea how much they did for the community until I made that first in-person contact.

I’ll admit, I’m still not the most active member, but I hope to change that soon. Still, I love showing up to a conference and knowing that I already have people there. If I ever found myself wandering aimlessly and alone, I know that I can just find a member and instantly be part of a community.

Besides that, they offer wonderful programming, whether you need a write-in to get yourself back on track with your current work in progress, yes please. Or getting to hear your favorite writer on one of their podcasts, or a book club for writers, amazing, there’s something for every writer at every stage.

Crime Writer’s of Color is equally amazing, and probably more important, if you’re a writer of color. This organization changed my writing life as well as so many others, I’m sure. It was here that I actually learned about so many writers that I didn’t know were out there changing the game, which they have done irrevocably and undeniably. Prior to finding this organization, if you asked me to name a writer of mystery or crime, I could only give you, Walter Mosley. After becoming a part of this organization, formed by Walter Moseley, Kellye Garret and Gigi Pandian, I was given a whole new world of greatness that’ll I’ll be forever grateful for.

Because of Crime Writers of Color, I was introduced to so many great writers, to include Shawn A. Cosby, Yasmin Angoe, Amina Akhtar, Tracy Clark, Delia Pitts, and so many more. If you are a crime writer of color, you belong here. If you’re not, you should seek out their members and read all their books.

Finally, my first and favorite writing organization has to be my own writing group, The Literary Llamas. We started writing together way back in 2006 or so. To me they are the editor inside and outside my head. They are my support system when that little voice gets to whispering to just give up. They are my biggest cheerleaders whenever something great happens. I truly can’t imagine writing without them. And whenever any new writer asks if I have any advice, my response is always, get yourself some llamas! Or whatever you want to call it. They are invaluable.