I’ve been a member of Romance Writers of America for more years than I can count and I’ve noticed a pattern. Each year before the National Conference and generally after the Rita/GH finalists have been announced something happens within the organization that gets everyone fired up. Whether this is on purpose (or even has a purpose) or is just a strange coincidence, I don’t know.

I’m not one of those people who likes complaints without suggestions and solutions to problems. So I have a few suggestions and solutions for those who are finding RWA distasteful.

Rather than a) sending in your money to an organization you don’t believe in, b) spending time and energy pleading your case or c) making changes to the organization, why not join on of the several wonderful online communities that offer endless information, networking opportunities and support?

1. Bookmark  CataUniversity.com. Read through the available information. Write articles for the website. Comment so that others may learn from you.
2. Join the CataNetwork Writers loop to get that support and networking you crave. Why pay to be a member of an online group when this group offers information, workshops, published author perspectives, interviews, support, and much more…for free?
3. Join the JustWriteIt loop. A wonderful group run by bestselling author Shirley Jump. You’ll find lots of information there and helpful discussions. Don’t forget about RWC, a long running group for writers that offers a wealth of discussion topics for all romance writers. There’s also a group run by NYT bestselling author JoAnn Ross.
4. Join RomanceDivas or any of the other websites dedicated to authors. You can find a wealth of information online, through author websites and from those who’ve compiled information…such as Gabrielle Luthy.
5. Set up meetings for lunch with local authors. With online contacts surely you can find five or ten writers close to you who write romance and meet once per month? If the RWA tapes are important to you, go in together and have your own tape library. If a newsletter is important to you, contribute to one of the free online publications who desperately need your support, such as the CataWriters Toolbox.

You are not alone in the world, dear writer. The internet has brought us together. You have options. Start exploring them.

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