Why I volunteer with RMFW, part deux

I just had the most amazing opportunity to fill out a publisher’s Publication Information Packet, and when I got to the dedication section, one of the three “thank yous” I had to mention was RMFW. Why, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you.

I’ve been writing for more than forty years. I’d sold several articles, and one novel. The novel was sold because someone I knew sent me a “call for submissions.” So, it wasn’t because I was actively trying to sell my book—it was the direct result of a connection. As you might know from reading my earlier blogs, submitting is something I’m not good at, and am very uncomfortable with.

When I found RMFW through a small notice in the newspaper, I was ecstatic. Here was a place where other people would understand what it’s like to be “a writer.” The highs and lows of writing just the perfect paragraph, then reading it the next day and picking it to pieces. The worry that you’ll never finish anything. That if you actually did publish, the negative reviews would annihilate you, or you’d never sell a single book.

But after going to workshops, and conference, and finding a tribe of writers—both newbie and experienced—I found out what it was like to belong. Really belong. Multi-published authors would sit and talk to me for long periods of time. I found people who would explain terms, give advice on marketing, discuss concepts and plot lines and characters. I learned writing craft and discovered how little I knew about writing. And I got better.

I met editors, publishers, and agents. I pitched to them. I gained enough confidence to teach workshops, and eventually, to teach at the Community College. And I learned to trust myself enough to put my work in front of others. First, submitting to contests, including Colorado Gold (now the Gold Rush), then performing readings (in front of total strangers, for crying out loud!) at Gold, as well as pitching to editors and agents, and after embarrassing myself, getting pitch coaching at the next conference.

And as a volunteer, I met connections. Now, that’s not the reason I started volunteering, but it is absolutely the result of volunteering. I drove agents and editors to/from the airport, I booked people for workshops—getting to know them, and also being shocked to find they actually wanted to get to know me. Volunteering is a totally win/win situation. The time and effort you expend will be paid back tenfold. So don’t just passively work on your writing. Get involved with the groups that you have come to count on for good information, whether it’s RMFW or some other. There are so many things you can do, other writers you can help, and as a result get more help yourself. Trust me, it works! And, of course, you MUST WRITE ON!