If you’ve been in the writing business for awhile, you’ve probably have heard of RWA … Romance Writers of America. This is an organization geared toward romance writing. Its membership is better than 10,000 strong with authors from all walks of life. Published and un-published, best sellers, midlists and those just starting out.

I think I discovered RWA in 2001 and have found it to be extremely helpful in my pursuit for publication. Sure there are problems … there always are with any type of organization, but the good it does far outweighs any of those problems.

The networking alone is invaluable, plus they have up-to-date information on publishers and agents. Articles on writing is available both on the website and in the monthly magazine, RWR.

As far as I’m concerned, attending the yearly conference is one of the most valuable things I get out of RWA. Yes, the classes and workshops are informative and terrific, but it’s the opportunity to meet with old friends and make new friends … not to mention the friends you’ve only known over the internet … that truly appeals to me.

All in all, I think RWA is a valuable resource for any writer and I highly recommend joining if you’re at all serious about pursuing writing as a career.

This is the day after Christmas and I’m going to make this short. The presents are all opened and being put to use. (The little darlin’ has managed to play with every one of her gifts in a short period of time.)

Got the word from Dr. D. last week and he indicated that my numbers rose a little bit (nothing to be concerned about), but they wanted to put me back on the Xeloda as a precaution. Okay, I’m with you on that. Better to be cautious than have another full blown episode. (Like that word? Episode? Sounds so much better than Recurrance. )

I just wanted to say that I hope you have a fabulous holiday and that the remainder of 2007 is healthy and happy.

I’m continuously amazed by the closeness of the writing community. What other business do you have your competition giving you advice, encouragement and even contacts?

I have had authors give me tips on writing, advice on promotion, stories of their own experiences in the publishing world. I’ve even had authors recommend their own agents. I don’t know if this is limited to the romance genre, or common among most authors, but its nice. Yes, getting published is still a cut throat business. You HAVE to be good enough to obtain that publishing contract. After all, the idea is to get published, gain that recognition for all the hard work you’ve done and make a few bucks on the side. The percentage of writers who actually see the end result of a published book is depressingly low. Still, we persevere, we learn and we might eventually achieve that holy grail.

I went to a conference not all that long ago which two science fiction writers attended. Can’t think of their names off hand, but I recall while I was sitting there chatting with them, they were continuously amazed at the sight of authors (both published and unpublished) wandering from table to table, stopping to chat, to laugh, to share a drink and stories. The man said you’d rarely find this type of sharing at a science fiction conference. Never having been to one, I can’t say if this is correct, but my reaction was that I was sad.

For me, this is a part of writing. This closeness, this sharing. Writing is a fairly solitary profession, and even though writers seem to be compelled to write, this camaraderie is an added bonus to the business as far as I’m concerned.

Dealing with the holidays when you’re battling cancer is not fun. Depending on the person, you might be of the attitude where you’re not going to let this affliction spoil your holiday festivities. If you have children, you feel the need to make sure everything is perfect. Or, if you’re on the other end of the spectrum, you might figure this is a perfect opportunity to blow off the whole thing.

I suspect that most people fall somewhere in the middle of that equation. I’ve been fortunate where I’ve never had to deal with chemo during the holidays. Somehow I always timed it for summer … fancy that.

While going through treatment, you’re going to feel ill, wiped out and pretty much “ick”. Give yourself permission to take it easy. If the holiday cards don’t get out? So what? The worse that’ll happen is that you might get dropped from a couple of lists. Is that bad? If you can’t face the thought of decorating, don’t. Let you spouse or significant other take care of it. Might not be up to your standards, but again … so what? Baking cookies? Get them from a store … or better yet, if someone volunteers to make them for you, let ‘em. It will make family and friends feel like they’re having a hand in your recovery and you get the benefit of fresh cookies … even if you probably won’t feel like eating them.

The point is, you have to take it easy. Your health is the most important thing at this point. Holidays can be a strain when you’re in the best of health. Don’t push it when you’re not up to par.

Repeat after me … “YOU ARE A CANCER WINNER”

I’m afraid this segment is going to have to be a little short this week. I somehow messed up my left wrist and typing is … shall we say … a challenge right now.

Let’s see, where did I leave off? Ah, yes, editors. Every conference I went to has a workshop involving how to submit to an editor. There’s the humorous list of how not to get your manuscript to an editor. Naturally, I don’t have them memorized, but I can think of a couple that I’m told have actually happened over the years.

- Do not address your query letter to the wrong editor.
- Do not corner an editor in the elevator.
- Do not slide your manuscript under the bathroom stall.
- Do not stalk an editor with a manic gleam in your eye.
- Do not badmouth an editor to your friends. You never know who might be listening nearby.

If you can think of any others, add them. No doubt there are a number of good ones that I’m missing.