Writers Seeking Support
When I began my career as a self-published author of women’s psychological mysteries, I sought help from a variety of sources. I read magazines and newsletters and subscribed to organizations that offered articles, telecasts, and Q&A opportunities. Usually seeking a solution to one of my plot or character problems.
While working on my first novel, CEO, I attended local university classes. One of the instructors invited several of her students to join her biweekly workshop. It was a supportive environment where I not only made lifelong friends but was also introduced to the kindness and extraordinary creativity of other authors.
I discovered that writers are inquisitive, interested in a broad range of topics. When gathered, you might discuss ways to murder a villain, design a fantasy universe, or focus your work on a particular historical period. To me, this makes them the most desirable of friends, certainly never boring. It also encouraged me to expand my reading choices, both fiction and nonfiction, introducing me to different genres and writing styles.
This creative environment enabled me to publish that first novel, twenty-five years after putting the first word on the page, and immediately begin working on my second. All the while, I had a career that took me traveling, along with attending a local university to earn my MBA. Today, all of these experiences, both artistically and vocationally, have become material for my seven novels.
Some writers have all their characters and plots already in mind. I write women’s psychological mysteries because I find women to be either their best friend or their own worst enemy.
The idea for a book has always been sparked by my views of some remark or social myth. CEO, the harm of feminism. ASAP, damage done when a career woman, wife, and mother places herself last on her list of priorities. TBD, when a woman lacks a true appreciation of her professional skills.
FYI: an innocent event can create an enemy. And the series, What She Didn’t Know, during which a woman goes from adoring wife to grieving widow thrust in the midst of a murder investigation.
While I continue to investigate supportive outlets, two have kept me an enthusiastic member for more than a decade: The International Dublin Writers Festival and Angie’s Diary.
Having attended conferences: aboard ship sailing through the Panama Canal; on Maui, Hawaii; Dublin, Ireland; Glasgow, Scotland; Shepherdstown, West Virginia; and in New York City, USA, I’ve come to the following conclusion… I want to learn, not compete for attention. Whether it is a workshop format or a lecture series, I want to trust the organization that selected the speakers and designed its sessions. I looked forward to acquiring new information along with ways to reach readers in today’s every changing book publishing world… A world increasingly accepting of self-published authors.
The International Dublin Writers Conference was founded by Laurence O’Bryan, CEO of BooksGoSocial, a marketing and advertising organization for authors. He says, “I went to a writers’ event in New York City for a weekend back in 2009. It was almost the best weekend of my life! I spent time at events and talks, ate with writers, went to a writer’s event on Saturday morning, and ate again with writers at lunch. It was my idea of heaven. Camaraderie and learning.
“In 2014, after years of talking about it, decided to start a conference. The International Dublin Writers’ Festival event has grown from 50 attendees to 150 already registered for the 12th Conference, being held at Trinity College Dublin on August 14-16, 2026.”
The reason I have attended ten of these conferences is that, unlike some, every attendee has been welcoming, sharing personal stumbles and successes, and helpful in getting me past one of my roadblocks. One example: during a conference break, I sat with four writers and mentioned that I was seeking a logo to represent my novels that featured successful New York City businesswomen facing a crisis. In less than twenty minutes, we sketched a puzzle piece that is now my logo. (Check the website here).
The second and even earlier association is with Angie’s Diary. The online literary magazine introduced me to new writers from around the world. From published books and poetry to independent articles, each supporting my belief that writers are truly the most interesting people. Over the years, Angie has featured each of my seven novels and articles. To be counted among other outstanding authors has been an adventure in literary exceptionalism.
In the end, a writer must believe in themselves. Start anywhere that is comfortable, and begin to tell a story that entertains them. If you aren’t engaged, you will have difficulty entertaining readers. Just because you write, delete, add, and correct sentences, paragraphs, scenes, even characters, do not give up. It helps to refine your work. Do not look for criticism. Look for supportive ideas and information. It is your story. Remember, you do not have to show your work-in-progress to anyone until you are ready.
An editor will comment on structure, grammar, and punctuation. Few will give you the inspiration, supportive excellence, and camaraderie I continue to find at The International Dublin Writers Conference and Angie’s Diary. Each provides advice, examples of other authors’ work, and, through participation, expands my writer’s vision of what, how, and why I continue to write.
From this writer to you: Enjoy your writer’s journey.
