WFWA Write ON! Fall 2015

Write ON!

QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE WOMEN’S FICTION WRITERS ASSOCIATION

Fall 2015

2015 WFWA BOARD CANDIDATES PLUS THE WHAT, WHERE, AND HOW OF VOTING

COMEDY, TRAGEDY, AND TENSION BETHANY CHASE EXAMINES THE BALANCE

AGENT BARBARA POELLE ON MARKET TRENDS WHAT’S HOT—AND WHY IT DOESN’T MATTER

BUILDING A SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE HOW TO BE THE NETWORK

CONTENTS

Departments

02 21

President’s Letter Member News

Columns

30

Guiding Scribe: Career longevity for the Mid-list

33

Tech Tips: Building a Social Media Presence

Features

04

2015 WFWA Board Candidates

16

The What, When, Why, and How of Voting

18

The Balancing Act: Comedy, Tragedy, and Tension in Women’s Fiction

by Bethany Chase

20

WFWA Retreat Round-Up (Or What You May Have Missed If You Weren’t In Albuquerque)

by Erin Bartels

25

To Trend or NOT to Trend . . . is NOT the Question

by Barbara Poelle

28

An Occupational Hazard: A WFWA Retreat-Inspired Treatise on Characters, Both Real and Imagined

by Zan Marie Steadham

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President’s Note

is a new website platform and additional workshop opportunities.

As you’ll see in the list of board nominees and the by-law changes (pages 4 and 15), the 2015 board has decided make the communications position an executive level one. The association has come a long way and that means the next phase is going to be that much more exciting. Gaining more visibility within the publishing industry is a key goal for the next year(s). As is making connections with readers of women’s fiction.

My first thought when I sat to write this was, “Oh, wow, it’s my last President’s Note.” That realization comes with equal parts sadness, pride, and excitement.

Sadness, because WFWA has been such a huge part of my focus for the last three years.

Many of you have heard the board joke about the “birth” of WFWA, that it literally took nine months from when we started the paperwork and brainstorming until we officially launched. Since then, I’ve been very much the stay-at-home mom, doing my best to make sure our baby is fully prepared to move on to the next step. And now I feel a bit like a parent facing empty nest syndrome.

It can be hard watching your “baby” outgrow one phase. On the other hand, the next phase for WFWA is full of potential. And that, my friends, is what it’s all about.

We had over 100 members submit responses to the member survey. In the next week, you’ll be hearing more about the results of that. But I want to issue a challenge (and it’s not a word count one!): decide what you want from your writing organization and then think about what you can do to help make it happen. Any volunteer-run organization is only as strong as its volunteers.

I encourage you to read about the nominees for the 2016 board and review the proposed bylaw changes. Voting will open on December 4 and run through December 11. And please, reach out to volunteer—whether it’s to me, or to the incoming president in January. Share your ideas with Pride, when I look at what we’ve accomus, tell us where you’re best able to help. Let’s all plished. I mean the collective ‘we’ of founding share in the pride and excitement of what’s ahead members, the 2015 board, volunteers, and WFWA for WFWA! members. There’s a reason WFWA has grown to Write On! over 700 members in just two years. The generosity and camaraderie within this community is far Orly and above any other organization I’ve been a part of. WFWA was launched with zero dollars—the founding members fronted the money for the website and filings—and as of the first part of October, we have $60,000 in the bank.

Founding President That’s the perfect transition to the last part— excitement. With the financial stability we’ve reached, the board can now move forward with many of our wish list items. At the top of that list 2 Write On! • Fall 2015

orly@oklopez.com P.S., I have big plans to fill that empty nest with a few more women’s fiction manuscripts. ;-)

Editors FEATURES EDITOR

MANAGING AND COLUMNS EDITOR

Erin Bartels is a copywriter by day, a novelist by night, and a wife, mother, seamstress, and tireless ambassador for the state of Michigan in between. Erin is a board member of the Capital City Writers Association and the author of The Intentional Writer. You can find her encouraging writers, talking about craft, and sharing beautiful photographs at www.erinbartels.com.

Tasha Seegmiller is a mom to three kids and high school English teacher in Southern Utah.

She writes contemporary women’s fiction with a dash of magic. Her loves include Diet Coke, owls, chocolate and cinnamon bears. She is a founder of and contributor to Thinking Through Our Fingers, and can be found at tashaseegmiller.com.

LAYOUT EDITOR Sierra Godfrey writes fiction with international settings and always a mention of football (soccer) or two. She is also a graphic designer with a soft spot for magazine layout, and a sports writer covering La Liga for various online sports outlets. She lives in the foggy wastelands of the San Francisco Bay Area with her family and can be found at www.sierragodfrey.com.

Write On! is published quarterly by the WFWA. womensfictionwriters.org facebook.com/WFWritersAssociation twitter.com/WF_Writers

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ABOUT THE WFWA We began this organization in 2013 with the idea to create a safe, nurturing place for male and female writers of women’s fiction. The publishing industry is morphing—with new opportunities and, as yet, unknown futures. The founders of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association wanted somewhere to amass and disseminate information to and about our chosen genre.

Defining Women’s Fiction has proven as subjective as the types of books we prefer. For that reason, our guiding statement is broad and comprehensive: Stories that are driven by the main character’s emotional journey.

Our stories may have romance. Or they may not. They could be contemporary. Or historical. But what binds us together is the focus on a woman’s emotional journey.

2015 WFWA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Orly Konig-Lopez President Kerry Lonsdale Vice President, Programs Laura Drake Vice President, Finance / Treasurer Maggie Marr WFWA Legal Counsel Lisa Collins Mauro Secretary Barbara Claypole White Guiding Scribe

Write on!

Christine Adler Communications Director Nicole Tone Membership Director

If you haven’t already, send them a friend request on the WFWA site to stay connected and see their newest posts in The Hub.

Reader Letters Like what you’ve read in Write On!? Send us a letter! We’d love to hear your feedback and reactions on the stories and features. Email them to writeon@womensfiction.org. Submitted letters are considered for publication and may be edited for clarity or space.

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THE WFWA FOUNDING TEAM Orly Konig-Lopez Kerry Lonsdale Laura Drake Linda Avellar Marilyn Brant Maggie Marr

www.orlykoniglopez.com www.kerrylonsdale.com www.lauradrakebooks.com www.lindaavellar.com www.marilynbrant.com www.maggiemarr.com

2015 WFWA

Board Candidates The following candidates are presented:

PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT •

Amy Impellizzeri

•

Amy Impellizzeri

•

Joy Ross Davis

•

Joy Ross Davis

VICE PRESIDENT PROGRAMS • •

Karen Cino Anitra Wilson

VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE •

Reese Leyva

VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS • •

Martha Sessums Lindy Ryan

SECRETARY •

Kasey Ferris

•

Tasha Seegmiller

•

Aly Walker

Amy Impellizzeri Amy Impellizzeri is a reformed corporate litigator, former start-up executive, and award-winning author.

Amy’s debut novel, Lemongrass Hope, was a 2014 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Bronze Winner (Romance), a Bronze Winner (Womens’ Fiction) in the Readers’ Favorite Awards, and a National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist and was named the #1 reviewed book in 2014 by blogger The Literary Connoisseur. She is also the author of the non fiction book Lawyer Interrupted, and numerous essays and articles that have appeared in online and print journals including: The Huffington Post, ABA Law Practice Today, The Glass Hammer, Divine Caroline, Skirt! Magazine, and more.

Amy is one of the Tall Poppy Writers—a Fall 2015 • Write On!

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collective of published women authors who are fierce advocates for the promotion of smart fiction written by women. She currently lives in Pennsylvania (by way of New York, D.C., and originally Pennsylvania—she loves a full circle!) with her husband, three kids, and one energetic Weimaraner, where she is currently finishing up work on her next manuscript entitled Secrets of Worry Dolls.

What do you think is the most important benefit of membership, and what will you do to support that?

Because of the combined institutional knowledge and networking support of a membership that includes published and emerging authors, agents, and editors, WFWA currently is the most visible organizational ambassador for the elevation of women’s fiction in the publishing industry.

Thus, I want to encourage the inclusive atmosphere of the organization by continuing to recruit and welcome agents, editors, bloggers, booksellers, other industry representatives, and writers of all types of women’s fiction.

I want to work to heighten the visibility of the organization through speaking panels and joint collaboration with other conferences, and to seek out other opportunities to publicize the organization. In short, WFWA should be the goto source when anyone in the industry is looking to discuss (and sell!) women’s fiction.

In addition to cultivating relationships with agents and editors (and hopefully adding more to the membership roster), I would love to see WFWA welcome and collaborate with bloggers and other promoters of women’s fiction.

I would love to see WFWA work closely with groups with book club databases and perhaps start its own book club database to promote women’s fiction.

I would love for WFWA to participate in panels and other industry events to elevate the status of and awareness of the quality of women’s fiction on the market today.

I know that the previous board has done 6 Write On! • Fall 2015

extensive research into developing a new web platform. If elected, I plan to pursue that research and make transition to a new platform a top priority.

I know too that the previous board has worked hard to ensure additional benefits for published authors, including adding plans for a Shining Star contest. I would continue to explore benefits for published authors, including paid gigs and other organic marketing opportunities.

I am thrilled about the programming that has been implemented to date and would continue to solicit new ideas about future programming including possible workshops for critiquing tutorials (how to critique) and writing craft advice from authors of other genres (e.g., mystery, thriller, horror, romance).

What is your leadership style? What would be your first item you’d like to address as president?

My leadership style is mostly confident collaboration. I love people, and I love people with big ideas even more. I personally admire leaders who can foster collaboration without becoming paralyzed by the expression of many, many different viewpoints. That’s the kind of leader I always try to be.

The first big picture items I would address would be transition of the web platform, ensuring a second annual retreat, and active recruitment of and collaboration with additional published authors and industry insiders.

What excites/intrigues you about the position you are running for?

The WFWA is at a critical time in its youth.

Thanks to the tireless work of the inaugural board, the enthusiasm and devotion of its membership, and the acceptance of its role in the industry, WFWA has emerged as a credible, strong voice in the publishing industry for women’s fiction authors. WFWA is poised to grow in numbers and influence. I’m thrilled at the opportunity to be part of this critical growth.

After participating in the First Annual WFWA Retreat in September 2015, I was able to

meet a diverse representation of our members in person, which was a special gift that I do not take lightly. I spoke with many about the future of women’s fiction, and our members are enthusiastic, eager to help out and volunteer, eager to share their successes, missteps, and rejections with each other with the purpose of support and raising up the members and the genre as a whole.

tographer for Tourism Ireland. Her first novel, Countenance, published in 2013, is the tale of a haunted B and B under the care of a renowned chef. Since that time, she has published four novellas and one Civil War short story. She is currently teaching English for the University of Phoenix and Lawson State. She lives in Bessemer, Alabama, with her son and three rescue dogs.

At the recent WFWA Retreat, I also heard the stories.

What do you think is the most important benefit of membership, and what will you do to support that?

And let me tell you something.

As rich as the written stories of all of our members are, the stories of our members that have not yet reached the page—well, those are just BREATHTAKING. To be part of the movement that encourages these writers to TELL THEIR STORIES? To be part of the movement that gives them a platform that supports them as they do that? To be part of ensuring the future of this beautiful genre that I call home?

Now that’s exciting.

Joy Ross Davis Joy Ross Davis is a student of the lore and magic of the backwoods of Tennessee.

She writes imaginative fiction featuring unusual angels as main characters. Born and raised in Alabama, she has a PhD in Creative Writing. She retired to become a caregiver for her mother who suffered from dementia and documented her experiences in a series of articles for a local newspaper. The articles, titled “Mother, Can You Hear Me?” have now been published by Helping Hands Press.

For several months in 2007, she lived in Ireland and worked as a travel writer and pho-

The most important benefit of membership with WFWA is being within a valuable writing community. My goals for WFWA in 2016 would be to continue to offer exemplary and informative programs that will benefit all members and perspective members in the association with a primary focus on the belief that writers need other writers. From beginners to professionals, all writers benefit from input from those who are involved in the writing community at large, be they writers, editors, agents, or publishers.

My goal will be to keep our members involved with each other and with professionals who can offer compelling and innovative techniques and information.

Are there any new directions you’d like the organization to take? New ideas?

WFWA is dedicated to providing a community for career-focused women’s fiction writers via networking, education, and continuing support in career growth. Women’s Fiction Writers Association offers resources to help women’s fiction writers improve and succeed. To that end, I would work to incorporate more regionspecific forums and critique groups. I would also try to create a strong reader/reviewer exchange program. And perhaps instead of a yearly conference, we might incorporate smaller, affordable group conferences in specific regions throughout the year. Writers need other writers. They need the community support.

What excites/intrigues you about the position you are running for?

Everything about being closely involved Fall 2015 • Write On!

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with other writers excites me! WFWA offers so much to women writers all over the globe. The possibility of being involved in the decisionmaking process with such an esteemed group actually thrills me! I am eager to take on a new, more defining role. I’m eager to work with other women who write and share my experiences while they, in turn, share theirs. Writing can be a lonely job. Those who struggle to do it need constant reinforcement, encouragement, and helpful guidelines. Being involved in providing these services is quite thrilling!

VICE PRESIDENT PROGRAMS •

Karen Cino

•

Anitra Wilson

Karen Cino Karen Cino is an author, poet ,and former journalist.

She has been writing since she was fourteen years old, starting with poetry, short stories, and writing articles for her high school newspaper and the Brooklyn Times newspaper.

After reading Jackie Collin’s Lovers and Gamblers and Jacqueline Susann’s Valley of The Dolls, she knew she found her niche. She wanted to write women’s fiction.

As a member of RWA’s New York City Chapter for over twelve years, she served as vice president and president for four years each. She has published seven novels since 2012 and is currently working on book three of her women’s fiction trilogy. Karen is married with two grown children.

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What do you think is the most important benefit of membership, and what will you do to support that?

I feel the most important benefit of membership is to keep the members informed of what’s going on in the industry, from agents to publishers. I want to make sure members are able to ask questions and have an informative answer regardless of what stage of their writing career they are in. I will support all members and will take any idea and go with it. I feel everyone has something to give and it’s important that we are all supportive of one another.

Are there any new directions you’d like the organization to take? New ideas?

I’d like to see WFWA keep going in the direction it’s going in. Since WFWA is worldwide, I’d like to see writers living in the same community come together to help one another. I’d like to see writers take advantage of the internet; share their websites and other websites that can help writers to improve their craft. I’d like to see writers form critique groups and take advantage of Skype, for monthly or weekly meeting. The most important thing is to make sure everyone is on the same path.

What excites/intrigues you about the position you are running for?

Getting involved with other women writers.

WFWA is the only organization that gives support to women writing women’s fiction. Being a part of this organization and sharing my experiences with other writers, and them with me, is a feeling like no other. Most of the time I am alone. Let’s face it: writing is a lonely world. But the opportunity to meet other writers and to support each other makes it all worthwhile for me. I hope that I can share with everyone the life experiences I have had in the publishing community. We’re not just WFWA. We’re a community. Actually, we are the sisterhood of the traveling authors. I look forward to being a part of WFWA. What would you like to put in place in the coming year that we haven’t addressed yet?

I would like to form a mentor program, where published authors can help guide writers in the various stages of publishing, marketing, promotion, etc.

Anitra Wilson Anitra Wilson is a writer and member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

She draws inspiration for her upmarket and literary fiction from her interest in environmental issues, technology, and culture. She reads history books and diaries, and travels to museums and historic sites for inspiration for her historical fiction. Her stories include her love of culture, picturesque settings, vivid descriptions, and complex characters with a fresh voice.

What do you think is the most important benefit of membership, and what will you do to support that?

The most important benefit of membership is our programs. I will support our existing and new programs with strategic planning and implementation through a team effort with one or more WFWA coordinators.

Are there any new directions you’d like the organization to take? New ideas?

Yes. I would like our organization to develop online courses with the option to earn a course certificate and provide members with an annual membership certificate and membership card.

Another idea is to explore partnership(s) with a nonprofit charitable organization for an annual charitable project for WFWA. What excites/intrigues you about the position you are running for?

I’m excited/intrigued about the opportunity to create new programs and to serve in a leadership role with oversight responsibility for our

organization’s special programs.

What would you like to put in place in the coming year that we haven’t addressed yet?

I would like to put in place podcasts of editor, agent, and/or author interviews that explore innovations in women’s fiction or provide fact sheets analyzing trends in sub-genres of women’s fiction.

VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATION •

Martha Sessums

•

Lindy Ryan

Martha Sessums Martha’s experience lies in high technology public relations, managing external and internal communications through management positions at leading companies and agencies in and serving Silicon Valley, such as Apple Computer, Covad Communications, Hill and Knowlton, and Regis McKenna. She has developed and executed many kinds of communication, including introducing new products and executives, trade show exhibits, press tours, company turnarounds, and a prenegotiated bankruptcy.

Currently president of the Association for Continuing Education, Martha develops all communications for the website and blog. She tweets and posts on Facebook and Instagram for both personal and professional accounts. She also volunteers for writing jobs, from press releases for mobile software to brochure copy on senior healthcare to articles about Francophiles in the Fall 2015 • Write On!

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San Francisco Bay Area for France Today magazine. She has also finished an upmarket novel featuring a woman art thief, which is in the editing process, and has an MBA from Santa Clara University.

story of success by promoting the number of successful debut writers and their books, the success of the teaching programs provided by WFWA, and the unique resources provided. It’s a WFWA Hit List.

What do you think is the most important benefit of membership, and what will you do to support that?

Building your community circle is the most important. That means participating in events and programs, getting to know the members/ writers, sharing and encouraging each other’s writing, and celebrating our success. It also means that each WFWA member is an ambassador for the organization and we should encourage that attitude.

Are there any new directions you’d like the organization to take? New ideas?

The direction is forward. I suspect the WFWA is just beginning to grab traction with growing members and earning a position in the industry. The benefits of WFWA should be promoted, and member and industry contacts made easily accessible. I would hope to maintain the professional level of the organization that supports serious, as-yet-unpublished members as they continue their work and learn how to be successful in the publishing business.

What excites/intrigues you about the position you are running for?

It’s those contacts again. Plus, I like the challenge, and would love to work with a group of interesting, successful, professional women who are not just a group of writing hobbyists.

How would you grow the WFWA audience?

First, continue to position membership to career-focused women’s fiction writers. This is done via consistent messaging in all types of media, including social, video, and written. Second, take the message to the industry influencers via partnerships, conferences, industry meetings, blogs, newsletters, magazine articles, and videos. Ensure that the influencers understand and spread the word. Third, be a part of the industry 10 Write On! • Fall 2015

Lindy Ryan Lindy Ryan is a published fiction and nonfiction author, a college professor, and a researcher by trade.

It’s not far-fetched to say that every aspect of her life revolves around words and the ability to tell a story—whether it’s through prose or through data. She is a member of WFWA, RWA, and The Author’s Guild.

What do you think is the most important benefit of membership, and what will you do to support that?

Community and the opportunity learn from and support fellow writers while contributing to the ongoing success and betterment of our trade.

Are there any new directions you’d like the organization to take? New ideas?

I’ve really enjoyed the workshopping and peer review opportunities we have at WFWA. I’d like to find new ways to deepen this resource pool and bring some of our membership assets to the forefront so that newbies can engage better and share ideas for next steps. The best ideas and inspirations come from collaboration, and I’d like to find more ways to work as a membership body.

What excites/intrigues you about the position you are running for?

I enjoy multitasking and digging through the details to put together a catalog of events and opportunities to engage with fellow members

and other participants and leaders in our community.

How would you grow the WFWA audience?

First, maximize depth of all current audience relationships by connecting in new ways. Then, organically grow our audience through various activities while pursuing managed growth in strategic activities. It will be important to analyze the impact and effectiveness of each effort in order to identify which are the most successful and where we should look for other opportunities. These can be things like social networking, promotions, ad campaigns, etc.

What would you like to put in place in the coming year that we haven’t addressed yet?

Having spoken at and participated in hundreds of events across the globe for many years, I’d really like to leverage that into building an annual summit, with guest speakers and other live events. In-person chapter meet-ups, and book tour/signing events are additional ways we could grow as a group and within our local communities.

VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE •

Reese Leyva

Reese Leyva Reese Leyva is a new mother, poet, and aspiring author making the transition from a finance career to a writing career. She wrote her first poem at the wise old age of seven and is now working on her second (yet-to-be-published)

novel. She dreams of owning a large piece of land and lots and lots of chickens. When she’s not working or writing, she’s partying with her super cool infant daughter and nifty homemaker husband. And by partying, she means napping.

What do you think is the most important benefit of membership, and what will you do to support that?

I think writing at times can feel painfully solitary, and spending hours alone with one’s computer and imagination incredibly isolating.

The most important benefit of membership is the community of support it provides at all times for whenever us members need it. I’d really like to spend more time interacting with members on the boards and the FB group, helping to develop and nourish our community.

Are there any new directions you’d like the organization to take? New ideas?

Hmmm . . . new directions? New ideas? Not necessarily. Just more of the awesomeness that’s already been going on. ;) What excites/intrigues you about the position you are running for?

It’s gratifying to use my skills in accounting, finance, and small business development in other areas of my life. I’ve volunteered many times before as an accountant for a wide range of nonprofits and each time it was a joyful experience, merging my strengths and interests into a singular effort.

What experience have you had in the past, either in your career or volunteer time, that will prepare you to take over the organization’s fiscal reins?

I’ve got a 20-year accounting and finance career under my belt, almost exclusively with start-ups and small businesses. I’ve worked the spectrum of accounting positions from accounting assistant to controller, managing finances of businesses making $0 per year to upwards of $10 million. I’ve also volunteered as an accountant for a women’s small business incubator, a high school entrepreneurship program, and a Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

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SECRETARY

stories out there and read. I regularly promote WF authors in various ways, and will continue to do so.

•

Kasey Ferris

Are there any new directions you’d like the organization to take? New ideas?

•

Tasha Seegmiller

•

Aly Walker

Kasey Ferris With a “day job” and five kiddos at home, Kasey Ferris does most of her writing by the midnight oil and considers coffee and Oreos the lost foundation of the food pyramid. Her women’s fiction debut, One Step Forward, was chosen as a finalist in the WFWA Rising Star contest and is currently out on query while she finishes up her second novel.

In all of her free time you can find her writing about women’s issues for the Huffington Post.

What do you think is the most important benefit of membership, and what will you do to support that?

I think the best part of membership is finding a community of writers who write the SAME things I do.

There are so many resources and writers groups out there, and that’s great, but until I found WFWA I wasn’t finding any fellow women’s fiction writers. There are a ton of sci-fi, YA, MG, romance, and fantasy authors, and all of those genres are excellent, but I think WF writers have a unique challenge in storytelling.

WF is my home because I think the issues and the challenges that women experience are gripping, emotional, unique, and vivid, and I think those stories need to be told. So being part of WFWA, for me, is really about getting those 12 Write On! • Fall 2015

I believe the current direction WFWA is taking is obviously successful. I would like to see us get our name out there a bit more, because I think our group has RWA potential. But for being two years old, we’re trucking along! I LOVE the Facebook page/hub, and I think a great number of our members use that much more often than the website. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing; Facebook is a terrific tool. I would suggest maybe even putting more emphasis on that particular outlet, if possible.

What excites/intrigues you about the position you are running for?

I would love the opportunity to get more involved in WFWA; I think it’s a terrific organization. Volunteering on a very foundational level is exciting; I think big things are coming and I’d love to be part of helping other WF authors finding success.

What experience have you had in the past, either in your career or volunteer time, that will prepare you to take over the organization’s secretarial and recordkeeping duties?

I’ve worked in government and nonprofit clerical, secretarial, and office positions nearly my entire adult life (so sixteen years—eek!). I’m kind of a geek about office/clerical duties, and the duties and responsibilities of the secretary align perfectly with what I have been doing for over a decade.

Tasha Seegmiller

What excites/intrigues you about the position you are running for?

Tasha Seegmiller is a mom to three kids and a high school English teacher in Southern Utah. She writes contemporary women’s fiction with a dash of magic. Her loves include Diet Coke, owls, chocolate, and cinnamon bears.

She is the managing editor for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association quarterly magazine and founding member of the Thinking Through Our Fingers blog.

I love that I’ll get a better appreciation of what works behind the scenes. I’ve had glimpses working with Write On!, but to see that expand, to hear the discussions and the desires of other members who want to lead this organization forward, is an incredible prospect. And I can’t wait for the opportunity to really give back, because the workshops, friendships, education, and guidance I’ve received from WFWA has gifted me with more than I could ever repay.

What do you think is the most important benefit of membership, and what will you do to support that?

Without a doubt, the breadth and depth of knowledge and support. I cried when I found out this organization was in the makings (I found the original Yahoo! group in spring of 2013) because I hadn’t found anyone who wrote what I did, who had published what I was hoping to publish, who knew the nuances and understood what I was writing. That feeling of awe and appreciation grows continually as I see what people involved with WFWA are willing to share.

Are there any new directions you’d like the organization to take? New ideas?

I know that there are many people who are lurking, and that’s perfectly okay, but I wonder if they are lurking because that is their nature or because they don’t feel like we’ve found that niche form of communication or the “quite right” connection to step forward and become more engaged. I’d love to hear what makes members pause before participating, and try to provide either workshops or additional forums to further broaden the support WFWA offers its members.

What experience have you had in the past, either in your career or volunteer time, that will prepare you to take over the organization’s secretarial and recordkeeping duties?

I currently work as the managing editor for Write On!, where I set the schedules, check in on deadlines, and work to communicate both with other contributors and readers. During the day, I’m a teacher, which requires dedicated record keeping and heightened communication between me and administrators, colleagues, students, and parents. I’m also the social media liaison for an arts organization and the secretary for another music program in my community. Proper note taking and precise communication drives everything I do.

Aly Walker Aly Walker graduated from Loyola College in Maryland with a degree in creative writing and sociology. Upon graduation, she was looking for adventure and moved to Colorado on a whim.

She has never looked back. Aly lives there now with her husband, two daughters, Fall 2015 • Write On!

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and more cats than she is willing to admit. They all have a deep love for Hawaii and escape to paradise when they are able. She is working on her first novel and helps coordinate WFWA’s weekly Member Spotlight.

What do you think is the most important benefit of membership, and what will you do to support that?

After attending the WFWA Retreat I know that the connections we make both online and in person through WFWA are integral. Together we support one another. We learn from each other. We befriend each other in a lonely and misunderstood career and more importantly in this genre.

Our Member Spotlight is a great way to continue to introduce members to one another.

(Please stop by and say hello to your fellow members, by the way.) However, I hope to reach out more, and one way to do that would be to create local enclaves. The purpose of these chapters would be to connect members for things such as attending literary events together—or possibly road-tripping to the next retreat. ;-) Are there any new directions you’d like the organization to take? New ideas?

I’m excited to see WFWA continue to grow and become the women’s fiction ambassador in the industry. We already have solid relationships with multiple agents, and I would like to help that pool grow, as well as broaden our connections with publishers and resources such as Writer’s Digest.

Additionally, I would like to help increase member benefits by contacting businesses to offer WFWA members discounts for their products and services. My goal would be to contact five businesses in the first quarter to get this program going.

As secretary, I would like to publish a “Member Briefing” of relevant meeting minutes to keep members updated on what’s going on within the organization. I hope this information may also highlight additional ways interested members may volunteer within WFWA. 14 Write On! • Fall 2015

What excites/intrigues you about the position you are running for?

I feel that the position of secretary is one where I can serve WFWA in a capacity in which I have experience and that I enjoy. I would love to offer my time to a group that has been so helpful to me and my writing. I look forward to the fun of serving on the board and I’m not afraid of the hard work and tough decisions that may be involved.

What experience have you had in the past, either in your career or volunteer time, that will prepare you to take over the organization’s secretarial and recordkeeping duties?

What do you do with a creative writing degree and a boatload of student loans? You put those mad typing skills to work and become a secretary, of course! After graduation, I registered with numerous temp agencies and quickly found my niche as a secretary. It wasn’t my dream job, but it paid my bills and I excelled in that field. For the five years I was an administrative assistant, I took meeting minutes for my team among other organizational tasks. Currently I volunteer once a week and occasionally sub for our school’s secretary. I have fun working with the teachers and students, and that work takes multitasking to a whole new level! •

The What, When, Why, and How of VOTING

WHAT It’s time to vote for the 2016 Board of Directors. Thank you to everyone who stepped up for these positions! It’s a testament to the strength of the association that we had so many people interested in leading us forward.

In addition to voting for the board, there will also be a vote on changes to the WFWA by-laws.

The proposed changes are below.

WHEN Voting will open on December 4 and run through December 11.

WHY Because it’s your organization and you need to help shape it.

HOW The day before voting opens, you will receive an email from Simply Voting with a link and a unique password. Follow that link to cast your vote. If you do not receive an email, check your spam folder. If it’s not there, please contact the secretary at secretary@womensfictionwriters.org Please note that we need two-thirds of the membership for the vote to count.

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINEES See pages 5-14 of this issue for the nominees.

PROPOSED BY-LAW CHANGES 3.4.3. Appeal Rights. An individual whose membership is terminated pursuant to Section 4.5.2 3.4.2 may appeal the decision of the Board of Directors by paying any financial obligations listed in the reasons for termination and by writing to the Appeals Committee within one year after the date of termination.

Section 4.4.Vice President-Finance/Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting dues; notify the Board of delinquent members; supervise the collection and disbursement of Association funds; keep the financial records of the Association in good order; work with the Secretary and Membership Chair in maintaining the list of Association members; provide an accurate and up-to-date financial statement to the Board at least every six months; present the annual audited report to the members and, if required, to RWA; and fulfill any other obligations designated by the Board of Directors.

Section 4.5. Secretary. The Secretary shall be responsible to for membership applications and an up-to-date list of Association members; record attendance; record the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and the membership; keep Association records, including copies of newsletters, communications, Association business correspondence, committee reports, and all other official documents; mail notices; and fulfill any other obligations designated by the Board of Directors.

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Section 4.6 Vice President-Communications. The VP Communications shall be responsible for the overall messaging for the Association, maintaining consistency in all internal and external communications; overseeing all communication vehicles including the quarterly magazine and weekly eblasts; and ensuring that the Association website is up-to-date. The VP Communications will work closely with the President in identifying opportunities for message dissemination and promotion of the Association, as well as fulfill any other obligations designated by the Board.

Section 4.6 4.7 Past Presidential Advisor.

Section 4.8 Guiding Scribe. The Guiding Scribe shall serve as a respected guiding voice within this Association. The Guiding Scribe will be published in the genre of women’s fiction.

She/he will offer advice at meetings and through her/his votes quarterly column in Write On! E-magazine and in posts on the WFWA website and Facebook group in order to best serve the needs of all writers working within the genre of women’s fiction. This is an appointed advisory member to the Board, chosen by the incoming President, and voted on by the Board. This is a non-voting position.

Section 6.2. Qualifications. In order to be eligible for a Board position (whether elected or appointed), a candidate must be (1) a General member in good standing of the Association immediately preceding filing for office.

7.2.1. Notice. Each member of the Board of Directors shall be given notice by e-mail of any Board meeting at least five days before the date of such meeting. Each General Member and each member of the Board of Directors shall be given notice of any Board meeting at least 10 days before the date of such meeting. Such notice shall be by announcement on the WFWA website and/ or by e-mail.

7.2.6. Attendance by General Members.

General members may ask for and receive a copy of the General members may attend any Board Meeting and/or ask for, and receive a copy of the Board’s meeting minutes unless the Board conducted an Executive Session.

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Section 7.3 An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held yearly. The date and time of the AGM shall be conveyed to the Membership no less than thirty (30) days prior to the AGM. The Agenda for the AGM shall be conveyed to the Membership no less than thirty (30) days prior to the AGM. All General Members may attend the AGM. The AGM is to be held during the annual WFWA retreat. If a retreat is not being held, the AGM may be held telephonically.

Section 11.1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of this corporation shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.

The Balancing Act:

Comedy, Tragedy, and Tension in Women’s Fiction

by BETHANY CHASE

W

hen I was working on the query letter for my debut novel, The One That Got Away, one of the challenges I grappled with was how to convey that the book contained a little bit of everything: humor that might tempt editors to position it on the lighter side of the women’s fiction spectrum, but also weightier themes like grief and loss. I worried that the book’s marketability might suffer by virtue of its dual nature.

Instead, this characteristic has turned out to be one of the positive aspects most commonly cited by readers and reviewers alike. And the reason, I think, is as simple as the fact that life is just like that. The cloth of our lives is woven from threads of both sorrow and laughter, and readers intuitively respond to stories that reflect that. So how to work with both elements in the same novel, without hitting discordant notes that can jar readers and knock them out of the story? Like so much else in writing, it’s about balance and authenticity.

If your novel’s tone is lighter overall, you can add depth to it by digging deeper into your characters’ hurts and disappointments—both the things other people do to your characters, and the ways your characters let themselves down and fall short of their own best standards. Make

sure you give reactions enough resonance; we’ve all had moments in reading where the author breezes right past something really hurtful without pausing to show its effect, and it feels like a missed opportunity.

Likewise, even if the subject matter of your book is serious overall, don’t be afraid to crack the drapes and let a little sunlight in. Deb Caletti does a wonderful job of this in her novel He’s Gone, in which a woman struggles against terror and panic after her husband suddenly goes missing. Despite the main character’s desperation, which grows steadily throughout the story, there are moments of lightness and humor sprinkled in that briefly provide relief from the gnawFall 2015 • Write On!

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ing tension. The protagonist even remarks on it herself in an internalization—the persistence of humor and mundanity, even in the midst of a living nightmare. There are times when a person in pain will seize the release that laughter brings, even if just for an instant. Moments like that foster that wonderful sense of recognition that creates connections between readers and books.

Obviously, if your work is darker, you won’t want to switch tone for any significant length of time—this is where the proportional aspect of balance comes in. You can add lightness with a full scene, or as little as a single well-placed oneliner. Or, if you’re up to it, you can even write a character with unsinkable gallows humor, like the title character in Andy Weir’s The Martian.

But in almost any work, the brightness of humor will spark an interesting contrast against darker material, the way interludes of calm in suspenseful stories allow readers to catch their breath before the tension tightens up again. So if you spot opportunities in your work to play light against heavy, go for it—because above all, writers are entertainers, and I promise you, no reader ever liked a book less because it made her laugh. •

18 Write On! • Fall 2015

A native of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Bethany Chase headed to Williams College for an English degree and, logically, wound up working in interior design. When she’s not writing or designing, you can usually find her in a karaoke bar. She lives with her lovely husband and occasionally psychotic cat in Brooklyn, three flights up. She is the author of USA Today bestseller The One That Got Away and the forthcoming Results May Vary (Ballantine, 2016).

WFWA’s Annual Write-A -Thin (WAT) WHAT: WFWA’s Annual Write-A-Thin (WAT).

That may seem like a typo, but it’s not . . . Now! It’s a wonderful month-long manuscript writingrewriting-revising-editing-tweaking-trimming event.

WHEN: January 2016 WHERE: At the WFWA Fourm WHO: Why, all of WFWA, that’s who! Program Coordinators, Cathy Vigolini and Zan Marie Steadham, will lead a daily check-in and support forum with weekly motivation from our Guiding Scribe, the wonderful Barbara Claypole White.

too!) Motivate and cheer your fellow WFWA Write-A-Thin participants.

WHY: To find a great way to kick start your writing year after the holidays! We’ll start the year at a run while cheering each other on.

Oh! And there are weekly raffles and a grand prize raffle at the end of the month!

For more info, pay attention to announcements in emails, Inside WFWA, and at our Facebook group. We’ll let you know when registration is open.

So come one, come all! Join us for a rocking good, writing-focused time in January!

HOW: 1. Sign up on the WFWA website. (There is no deadline to register!)

2. Post the Write-A-Thin participation badge on your blog or website if you have one. (You can even post to your Facebook page or pin on Pinterest.)

3. Set your ONE goal. Post it on your WFWA Hub profile page and/or in the WFWA WriteA-Thin forum.

4. Check in daily at the WFWA Write-A-Thin forum.

5. Update your goal on your WFWA Hub profile page whenever you can. (Tweet them Fall 2015 • Write On!

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WFWA Retreat Round-Up

(Or What You May Have Missed If You Weren’t In Albuquerque)

by ERIN BARTELS

I

don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the very first WFWA Writing Retreat in Albuquerque, NM, was a resounding success. Friends were made (or at least seen for the first time in the flesh), word counts were increased, lightbulbs went off, tips and tricks were shared, sun was soaked in, margaritas were imbibed, and memories were made.

In case you missed out on all the fun, sun, and inspiration, here’s just a taste of what some of your fellow WFWAers had to say about their time in Albuquerque. * * * “Something inside me unlocked this week.

I’ve been trying hard to write something new and while the idea was there, the motivation and belief that I was going to do it were not. I wanted it. But I felt so weak . . . almost like I was running my vehicle on the wrong kind of fuel. The engine was sputtering and backfiring and sounded like a souped-up sewing machine. After the inspiration from WFWA (wiff-wa) retreat, the engine under my hood is purring, revved up, and ready to burn rubber!”—Jennifer Fromke “I spent more time in my room than I did at events, but the retreat was a HUGE success for me. I finished the final draft of my manuscript, 20 Write On! • Fall 2015

something that would have taken me weeks otherwise. It was a bonus to be able to chat about writing when I did emerge. That’s the hard part about writing for me: not having like minds to talk it out with.”—Criss Roberts “Most of all, what blew me away was how friendly and approachable everyone was. Unlike other conferences I’ve been to, there were no divas, no egos, no cliques. Whoever you walked up to was willing to welcome you and include you in their conversations. It wasn’t possible to feel like a stranger, because someone was always there to make you feel like you were part of the gang.”

—Linda Fletcher

“Writing is a solitary endeavor, so the opportunity to be with other writers and to finally meet people who have been encouraging online was incredible. Kimberly Brock jump-started us with imagination and insight. Her take on the creative process showed us what we already knew, that our stories have power—we just need to get them on the page in the best format we can create and then believe in them. Kathryn’s editorial tip session was fun. We went around the room, each person supplying a tip, Kathryn often expounding on that idea. It was exceedingly helpful.

I enjoyed my session on POV, conflict, and diversity. Everyone participated and the discussion on diversity provided some important insights and opinions. The night we each read from our WIP was wonderful—there was so much talent in that room and all unpublished! But not for long. Bottom line, I am grateful to our board for such an incredible experience and I am now at my computer working with purpose and new insights.”

—Beth Havey “I’ve been a member of RWA for years, and despite the wonderful friends I’ve made in my local chapter, I’ve always felt a bit like an outsider since no one else writes women’s fiction in my group. Going to my first RWA nationals this summer was fun, but completely overwhelming in many ways—and although everyone was welcoming and kind, I felt even more like an outsider than I had before. The rules for romance and WF just aren’t the same, and a lot of the workshops didn’t even apply to me. Then I went to the retreat and finally it all fell into place. These are my people; this is where I belong. Being in the group online has been great, but getting together in person changed everything. Being able to share our experiences and talk about writing and women’s fiction in general was invaluable. Not to mention the margarita fountain :) Thank you to everyone for a wonderful weekend. Can’t wait for next year!”—Kristin Contino “There’s so much I could spill about what grabbed me the most, but I think it was the discussion groups. It was enlightening to see other writers experiencing the same problems and asking the same questions that plague me. Who knew? And to be able to discuss it among us was the ultimate WIN! It’s also so freakin’ cool to be

among people who write in the same genre. The best bit of advice I received was about diversity— that discussion could have gone on a lot longer.

And the self-editing tips are invaluable. It took all I had to register for this (crowds terrify me) and if not for a fellow WFWA member whom I know from Northern Arizona RWA, I never would have gone. I’m so glad I did.”—Susie Haught “You know how sometimes you push and shove out the words, and they clunk around the page without doing much? A sick conviction had bloomed: the bit of writing I’d accomplished was a fluke, and I was over. I extracted a few pints of blood from my therapist and made arrangements to attend the WFWA Retreat. I traveled to an unfamiliar place and connected with writers whose words, like mine, wanted to emerge in the form of women’s fiction. Discussions and classes pried open my mind. Wonderful authors shared their skill, creativity and coping methods. The weekend was a sweet reward for pushing my comfort levels. Following the retreat, I pushed myself further and walked around the hot, dry, high-altitude town with my husband. The natural museum dazzled me with the liberation of unending time and space. The art museum provoked me with uncompromising creativity. I returned home and nestled into my snug, familiar space. This morning, a dream informed me I no longer fit quite the same way. Like a tiny earthquake, the retreat had shifted my foundation. Perspectives had shaken free. Buried jewels had been exposed. I dashed to the computer. An idea and a few words flowed instead of clunked. Thank you, WFWA.” —Lucy Marker “I found my inspiration in Kimberly Brock’s workshop. I was reminded that my writing is not selfish from Darynda Jones’ inspirational speech.

I overcame my nerves and read my work during Travis Erwin’s mock reading. I even had an opportunity to lead a discussion on finding ideas.

Every single bit of this trip was a chance to find my voice and get to work on my novel with more confidence. I cannot express how rewarding this trip was. I want to thank Orly and the rest of the team for all their hard work in putting this retreat together. It was a total success and I am so blessed to have had an opportunity to be a part of it. Can’t wait for next year!!”—Maggie Giles Fall 2015 • Write On!

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“Since the retreat and Erin Bartels workshop discussion, time management has been on my mind! I have been thinking of ways to prioritize my time and finesse more writing time into my day. I have been retiring earlier (9ish) at night and getting up at 5am to write. Hubby is joining me and we sit and drink coffee and silently work while the world wakes up! It feels a little bit like jet lag, but we’re adjusting! Thanks, Erin, and Darynda Jones for the inspiration.”

—Kari Bovee “By far, I was thrilled to finally meet all the wonderful WFWA people I’ve connected with online. And Kathryn’s self-editing discussion was fantastic. I am ready to attack my WIP with her notes!”—Christine Adler “Merci mille fois, my dears, for a gem of a retreat: for friendships born and friendships rekindled, for words of wisdom and encouragement, for inspiration, for peace and days filled with joy.

I don’t think I stopped smiling (at least inwardly) all weekend.”—Normandie Fischer

I spent most of my time in the same corner of the gorgeous patio, fingers dancing away across the keyboard of my laptop while ladies in bright skirts and embroidered blouses brought me meals and lovely and interesting people of all kinds flowed in and out of the hotel like the tide.

I started a new novel and managed to write 6,700 words of it. I took notes on my surroundings and some people for a short story, which morphed into a novel as I continued to think about it once I was home. II wrote out a workshop talk I needed to do at another writing conference in October.

I got up early, felt the sun rise within me as it ascended into the sky, and allowed my soul and my mind the blessed freedom of emptiness. No schedule, no responsibilities, no deadlines. That’s what I need to write well and write fully in the moment.

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town was my “room of one’s own.” I cannot wait to return. And I hope to see you next year, sitting next to me in the morning as we both participate in the magical act that is storytelling. •

“I loved everything. Every. Single. Bit. But the best part for me was the patio. Silently writing together with other authors, or sitting and chatting, getting to know each other better. I’m home now, and parts of me that I didn’t know were parched, are filled. Ahhhhh.”—Laura Drake * * * These are just a few of the testimonials we heard after the retreat. And I’ll add mine to them.

To string together even just a few days of time away from home, away from family, away from responsibilities and cooking and cleaning and laundry and chauffeuring, is so difficult to do.

Sometimes we must be forced to put ourselves first (because there’s no one around who depends on us). Sometimes we must be forced to relax (because someone else will make our bed and refill our coffee and wash the dishes). Sometimes we must be forced to just sit and allow our finally uncluttered minds to absorb beauty and light and serene blue skies. That’s what the WFWA retreat did for me and for so many other writers in our fine association.

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Erin Bartels is a copywriter, a freelance editor, and the author of The Intentional Writer and This Elegant Ruin: and other stories. She left a piece of herself in New Mexico and is going back to find it next year. You can find her at www.erinbartels.com.

Member News WE’RE EXCITED TO SHARE THESE NEW MEMBER RELEASES COMING OUT THIS QUARTER

MEMBER BOOKS RELEASED THIS QUARTER: She Promised Her Heart

by Kathryn Daugherty

Merry Mary

by Ashley Farley

Thirty Days to Thirty

by Courtney Psak

House Trained

by Jackie Bouchard

The Good Neighbor

by Amy Sue Nathan

How to Grow an Addict

by J.A. Wright

The Royal Wedding Chapel of Las Vegas

by Kathleen Irene Paterka

The Last Dreamer

by Barbara Solomon Josselsohn

Have something being published between January and March? Please send an email to

writeon@womensfictionwriters.org We’d LOVE to get your news in the next issue of this magazine!

Fall 2015 • Write On!

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She Promised Her Heart

by Kathryn Daugherty Release Date: October 8, 2015

When Dr . Isabelle Kelly is offered a first class plane ticket from a fellow passenger, how could she know that this meeting would find the two women’s lives so intertwined? Isabelle is still in love with an Air Force Captain that she promised her heart to before he left for a second tour of duty in Vietnam. When he didn’t return, even forty years later she continues to keep her promise.

How many broken promises do you forgive?

Jillian is disappointed once again when her fiancé puts business before her. Her intention is to return her fiancé’s first class ticket for a refund, when she overhears a passenger trying to find a seat on the same plane. In a move to seek retaliation against his broken promise, she offers the ticket to Dr. Kelly.

Neither knew as seatmates how their lives would intertwine. The past will come to haunt and preserve their futures.

Thirty Days to Thirty

by Courtney Psak Release Date: October 13, 2015

What if you were on the cusp of marrying the guy of your dreams and reaching that career goal you set for yourself, only for all of it to be taken away in one fell swoop?

What if this all happened a month before you turned 30?

This is the story of Jill Stevens, who after moving back home, finds a list she made in high school of thirty things she wanted to accomplish before her thirtieth birthday.

With a month left and hardly anything crossed off her list, she teams up with old friends to accomplish as much as she can before the big 3-0. Along the way, she discovers her true self and realizes it’s not about the material successes in life but the journey.

The Good Neighbor

by Amy Sue Nathan Release Date: October 13, 2015

Things are a little rough for Izzy Lane. Still reeling from the break-up of her marriage, the newly single mom moves back to the Philadelphia home she grew up in, five-year-old Noah in tow. The transition is difficult, but with the help of her best friends—and her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Feldman—Izzy feels like she’s stepping closer to her new normal. Until her ex-husband shows up with his girlfriend. That’s when Izzy invents a boyfriend of her own. And that’s when life gets complicated.

Blogging about her “new guy” provides Izzy with something to do when Noah’s asleep. What’s the harm in a few made-up stories? Then, her blog soars in popularity and she’s given the opportunity to moonlight as an online dating expert. How can she turn it down? But when her friends want to meet the mysterious “Mac,” someone online suspects Izzy’s a fraud, and a guy in-real-life catches her eye, Izzy realizes just how high the stakes are. That’s when Mrs. Feldman steps in, determined to show her neighbor the havoc that lies can wreak. If Izzy’s honest, she could lose everything and everyone. Is the truth worth any cost?

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Secrets of the Royal Wedding Chapel

by Kathleen Irene Paterka Release Date: October 13, 2015

Immersed in the regal world of weddings and romance, Lily Lavender grew up believing in brides, grooms, and happily-ever-afters. A direct descendent of the British royals, it seemed her destiny and royal birthright to someday assume a position as wedding coordinator in their family-owned wedding chapel business.

But when her mother Mimi’s third marriage eventually fails, Lily’s dreams of her own happily-ever-after quickly fade. She’s no longer interested in a life of assisting brides walk down the aisle into a life of disillusionment and possible divorce. Lily turns her back on The Royal Wedding Chapel and leaves Las Vegas to fashion a life of her own.

Years later, Lily—now a single mom—discovers her teenage daughter has run off to Las Vegas, lured by Mimi to help run the chapel. Determined to save her daughter from the broken dreams of Sin City and the nonsensical world of which family fairy tales are made, Lily returns to Las Vegas. But nothing prepares Lily for the royal drama which awaits her . . . or the sins and secrets she stumbles across that threaten to close the chapel and ruin her family forever.

Merry Mary

by Ashley Farley Release Date: October 15, 2015

Investigative journalist Scottie Darden is photographing the homeless for her Lost Souls series when she makes a discovery that could change her life forever. Under a makeshift tent in subzero temperatures in a downtown city park, she finds a woman’s dead body with her infant child. Without her cell phone to call for help, Scottie makes the split-second decision to take the baby home. Her initial instinct is to provide the baby with food and shelter until her family can be located. But as her fondness for the baby grows, she finds herself facing a life on the run or worse— prison time for abduction.

House Trained

by Jackie Bouchard Release Date: October 20, 2015

Alex Halstad, a childless-by-choice interior designer and dog mom, is a true perfectionist. But her orderly life turns chaotic when the teenage daughter her husband, Barry, never knew he had shows up on their doorstep . . . with a baby girl of her own in tow. While Alex’s dog enthusiastically welcomes the new arrivals, Alex struggles with the loss of her steady routine. She desperately needs peace and quiet to get her business back on track before Barry finds out she’s spent most of their savings.

Meanwhile, the arrival of the girls stirs up old insecurities, and Alex can’t help but worry that Barry’s ex will make an entrance too. With her tidy life a distant memory, will Alex be able to learn from her dog the true meaning of love and acceptance?

Fall 2015 • Write On!

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How to Grow an Addict

by J.A. Wright Release Date: November 3, 2015

Randall Grange has been tricked into admitting herself into a treatment center and she doesn’t know why. She’s not a party hound like the others in her therapy group—but then again, she knows she can’t live without pills or booze. Raised by an abusive father, a detached mother, and a loving aunt and uncle, Randall both loves and hates her life. She’s awkward and a misfit. Her parents introduced her to alcohol and tranquilizers at a young age, ensuring that her teenage years would be full of bad choices, and by the time she’s twenty-three years old, she’s a full-blown drug addict, well acquainted with the miraculous power chemicals have to cure just about any problem she could possibly have—and she’s in more trouble than she’s ever known was possible.

The Last Dreamer

by Barbara Solomon Josselsohn Release Date: December 15, 2015

Iliana Passing—wife, mother, and former acclaimed journalist—gave up her career to start a family. Almost fifteen years later, despite how much she loves her husband and kids, she can’t help wondering how she ended up with a life spent carpooling and running errands.

Ready to get back into the journalism game, Iliana searches for an exciting lead.

When she discovers that Jeff Downs, the heartthrob star of an old TV show and her girlhood crush, now owns a nearby textile company, she thinks she’s found her story: teen celebrity and its aftermath. But as Iliana gets to know Jeff, the two grow closer than she ever could’ve imagined. Now that her teenage dream has walked into her present-day reality, how far will she go to entertain an old fantasy?

26 Write On! • Fall 2015

To Trend or NOT to Trend . . .

is NOT the Question

by BARBARA POELLE

W

hen I was in 6th grade, every girl had a pair of Guess jeans (and knew EXACTLY how to “peg the ankles,” obv). I asked my mom roughly 257 times to puh-LEASE get me a pair of Guess jeans because oh-my-gosh everyone else had them. My mother was deaf to my pleas, something having to do with “I am not spending that kind of money on jeans you will grow out of in six months and do you see how hard you are on your clothes none of your jeans have knees anymore…” or some other such GROUNDLESS rebuttal. I moped, I wept, I sulked. And then?

After the holidays? Oh my gosh EVERYONE had an Esprit front pocket tote, Mom, I haaaaaave to have one.

Rinse. Repeat.

I have to think that there is some anthropologically based reason why we look to the left and to the right to see what others are having/ doing/getting and want so desperately to have/ do/get the same. I have a feeling that in the earliest cave man days, Little Suzie Gruntgrog hooted at her mother that all her friends (who had survived to age 8) had Mammoth Bone nose rings and so why can’t she? And we haven’t changed since. The same can be said for trends in the publishing world. It is no big shocker that when a novel comes out that is considered a phe-

nomenon, what follows for the next few publishing cycles are similar works. We want what looks good elsewhere. Ask Suzie Gruntgrog, she’ll say the same.

Let’s take an easy example: with the publication and eventual reception of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, there was a veritable flood of people writing, requesting, and publishing fiction that used terms like “unreliable narrator” and “domestic thriller” and “unlikable but still relatable protagonist” as descriptive terms. Here we are three years later and titles like The Girl on the Train and The Luckiest Girl Alive are shades on the same color wheel. Now, understanding publication timelines, these books would have been shopped and acquired anywhere from 18 months to two years prior to publication. Riiiight when the heat from Gone Girl was blazing the highest.

Thus, ladies and gentlemen, we have “a trend.”

Now, having a trend in publishing is not a negative thing! After all, when we find something we like it is a safe bet that similar items will also be enjoyable and, therefore, sellable.

Especially since many people can only budget so much to “entertainment” and if one is watching pennies, placing them on the counter for something similar to something previously enjoyed is the safest bet for the bank account. Some of the trends you may have noticed getting the dollars Fall 2015 • Write On!

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So to clarify, to be “on point” with a current trend is only truly accomplished organically, as it involves a recipe of two parts right time and three parts right book and four parts talent and two parts vodka and hold up I was told I wouldn’t have to cook anything as I use my oven to hide my laundry when guests come over. But that’s not what people are really asking when they ask what’s trending. What they are asking is: How can I capitalize on an established trend to get my work published?

their way as of late would be: •

The real world historical figure w/ female narrator ala Madame Picasso

•

The group or pair of lady friends discovering their strengths and independent selves like The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane

•

Small town communities and the secrets and relationships within. See: The Art of Floating

Or, a combination of any or all of the above— like Scott Wilbanks and his debut novel The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster. Let’s explore some of the themes touched upon within this Women’s Fiction: fantasy, murder, friendship, whimsy, betrayal, family, romance, loss, and oh yes, TIME TRAVEL. I think my favorite blurb for his book was by Lit Stack when they said “To even try to truncate the action of The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster into a succinct, sound byte-ish few sentences would be incredibly foolish, were it even possible…” and they LOVED this book. But yet—and here’s the good news— the term Women’s Fiction easily captures all of those “trends” in subgenres in a succinct category. So when I see you on the A train reading The Uninvited by Cat Winters, I can lean over and say, “Hey, I bet you would like The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster.” And I would at least be in the right aisle of the vintage you like to sip, without meaning there is a “trend” to those titles.

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The short answer? Ya can’t. Thank you and goodnight, please don’t look in my oven. Let’s rephrase this. Having a trend is not a bad thing— trying to write to a trend, is a bad thing. See, trends are sometimes cyclical, sometimes they come in like a hammer and exit like a noodle, and sometimes they fizzle like a wet charge on a stick of dynamite before they ever even take off. You can’t map the life of a trend, therefore writing to one is like trying to catch jello thrown from a second story window—seems solid, but in the end you’re just covered in jello. HOWEVER, taking note of what’s out there is part of your job. You should be reading 2000 words for every 2000 words you write; therefore you will be identifying trends consciously and subconsciously that may affect your work. Nothing wrong with that. But to sit down with a spreadsheet and try to log everything that is “working” in a genre and then attempting to paint by numbers the plot and construct of a novel to fit that structure is a terrible idea. That’s how you get what I refer to as a “sharktobear”—a Frankenstein’d manuscript featuring all the apex predator tropes but with all the stitches showing. You can have all these elements in your manuscript, but don’t bend the character construct and the action within the novel to “fit” these elements if they aren’t organically occurring. Inversely, sitting down and creating a book that is purposely and forcefully NOT what is out there right now in order to establish just how much you DON’T follow trends is just a poor idea—again, there isn’t a serum, so there isn’t an anti-serum either.

The good news is that there are so many themes to be explored that can rest under the wide brimmed umbrella of Women’s Fiction that you don’t need to suss out what is “trending.”

Just write the book and see where it takes you.

And let’s be perfectly clear on the category of Women’s Fiction: Women’s Fiction is a nebulous term that can encompass subgenre elements like fantasy, magical realism, crime, and romance.

The main distinction of Women’s Fiction is that the themes and issues within the novel are associated with/directed at and therefore marketed to, women.

Let’s all take a minute and rooolllll our eeeeeeyes at the notion that all women clearly have the same life experiences and therefore resonate with common themes. And as there is no corresponding category for men’s fiction (those are just called NOVELS, sigh), popular fiction, commercial fiction, mainstream fiction, and general fiction also can define and understand the audience and intent behind most Women’s Fiction. Themes like empowerment, survival, and loss are explored in Women’s Fiction and can be executed in a more commercial voice or a more upmarket or literary narrative—like any other mainstream novel. The reason we use classifying terms like Women’s Fiction is to help to establish the main marketing pool, but that doesn’t mean that is the only waters your novel can swim within.

All this is to say that all of the concern and the hullaballoo about defining Women’s Fiction and trends in Women’s Fiction is secondary to what the real conversation always needs to be: the quality of the writing and the relatability of the characters making decisions that inform the plot—even if the characters are “unreliable” and the plot is told backwards, Memento–style.

Write what your muse demands/threatens/cajoles you to write. And for goodness sake, I can’t say this enough, you better be READING all the time as well. Read stuff. Write good. Have fun.

That’s the trend everyone can and should be following. •

Barbara Poelle began her publishing career as a freelance copywriter and editor before joining the Goodman Agency in 2007, but feels as if she truly prepared for the industry during her brief stint as a stand-up comic in Los Angeles. She has found success placing thrillers, literary suspense, Young Adult, and upmarket fiction and is actively seeking her next great client in those genres, but is passionate about anything with a unique voice. Barbara also writes the column “Funny You Should Ask” in Writer’s Digest.

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An Occupational Hazard:

A WFWA Retreat-Inspired Treatise on Characters, Both Real and Imagined

by ZAN MARIE STEADHAM

I

t’s an occupational hazard. I know you don’t believe me, but writers absorb everything around them. So be careful—you’re on Candid Character. And you’re destined to star in an essay, a short story, or better yet, A Novel.

Our shuttle driver from the hotel to the airport was one such character. After four days of glorious writing camaraderie in a Southwestern city that will remain unnamed, we met a fascinating specimen of male. He was seventythree with a long white goatee and a full head of gorgeous white hair. His eyes were a twinkling navy. Courtly manner surrounded this spry older gentleman. Until you got a full dose of his blarney. Claiming to be an Irishman by birth, he quizzed our group to determine if we were on his list, taking care to ask us about our homes. Being writers, we weren’t at a loss for words. Then he regaled us with his story.

“I’m a well-mannered and highly educated man, but make no mistake—I’m a bad man. I was born in Ireland and will testify to the Twain quote—‘England and America are two countries separated by a common language.’ My parochial school had to teach me to be an American. The first day in class, I leaned over to the young lady beside me for help with correcting a mistake and asked her ‘Could I borrow your rubber?’ I got 30 Write On! • Fall 2015

hit. Making a date for the next day with another young lady, I said, ‘I’ll knock you up at seven.’

And I got hurt again. I wised up and learned what not to say in a hurry.”

Now, mind you, our group wasn’t shy. When fate presents you with a character, you sit up and take notes. We elicited more and more of his story until we were told that he was scrupulous in his manners, a rabid conservative, and a combat veteran. But his biggest revelation was what he looked for in a woman—good looking, intelligent, and a bit of a bitch. As we stood about him with mouths agape, he proceeded to explain the latter requirement. “My lady has to be a bit of a bitch because I’m a combat veteran. If she’s a pushover, I’ll run right over her. I need a bit of fight in my woman.”

Now, I’ll admit to being almost as much of a ham as the character the universe presented me with that day. I didn’t stint on my own brand of “Southern-fried” blarney. Not to mention that I have a common affliction—verbal diarrhea. It comes in handy when I’m committing words to paper, but in person, I can run on at bit. I can see my family and friends, now, as they read this. With rolling eyes, they say, “A bit? You think?” Well, I’ll cop to the charge—it might be a lot, maybe even a deluge.

Our driver looked me in the eye and said,

“You talk a lot.”

I gave him my best Southern peach smile and admitted as much. “Are you telling me to shut up?”

Introducing the Shining Star Contest

To which he replied, “I’m telling you to sit in the back.”

And that’s why I found myself climbing over the seats and under the shoulder belts to sit in the very back.

Serves me right.

But I have to wonder—who had the occupational hazard that day?

And by the way, you old Irishman, I’m sure you must realize your mistake; it was George Bernard Shaw, not Mark Twain, who said “England and America are two countries separated by a common language.” Though I’ll allow that Mark Twain did say, “Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.” •

WFWA’s Annual Write-A-Thin (WAT).

WFWA’s Annual Write-A-Thin (WAT).

This contest is designed exclusively for the published women’s fiction author. First round judging is by readers of Women’s Fiction, the final round by librarians.

The Shining Star Contest has only two categories.

It’s open to all women’s fiction novels*, from contemporary to historical, commercial to literary, with romance or without, as long as the story’s focus is on the woman’s emotional journey.

The second category is ‘Outstanding Debut’. To be eligible, the women’s fiction entry must be the author’s debut novel (in any genre). A debut novel may be entered in the general category as well (entry fee paid twice).

IMPORTANT DATES  Contest Opens for WFWA members: January 4, 2016  Contest Opens for non-WFWA members (providing the limit of 50 entries has not been reached): January 15, 2016  Contest closes to entries: January 31, 2016

Zan Marie Steadham is a co-program coordinator for Women’s Fiction Writers Association’s Annual Write-A-Thin and a 2009 Georgia Author of the Year nominee for An Easter Walk. She’s still shaking her head at the Universe for presenting her with characters when she least expects them—especially when all she wants is a smooth ride to the airport, so she can go home to her husband, John, and Max and Casey, their toy poodles.

 All entries must be received by the coordinator: February 15, 2016  Finalists Announced: May 16, 2016  Finalists books must be received by the coordinator for final judging: May 31, 2016  Winners Announced: during the 2016 WFWA Retreat (end of September or early October, date TBA)

You can find out more about the Shining Star on the WFWA website.

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Guiding Scribe

Career Longevity

for the Mid-list

by BARBARA CLAYPOLE WHITE

T

he moment I realized I was going to be leading a discussion on career longevity at the WFWA Retreat with Darynda Jones in the room, I freaked out. What the hell did I know with three books published— plus two more contracted—in comparison to Darynda, a New York Times bestselling author with twelve fabulous novels to her name? But as I started telling my story, I realized I had plenty to say. The truth is that while I’m not an A list author, I’m doing pretty well where most of us end up: in the choppy waters of the mid-list.

As Bob Mayer said in his keynote speech at the South Carolina Writers’ Workshop in October 2014, “The mid-list is getting creamed right now.” I memorized that because I’d been bobbing along, trying to stay afloat. But novel three, The Perfect Son, was about to become my lifeboat, and I think a number of factors helped me survive.

When setting career goals, you might want to consider the following:

1) BE ADAPTABLE Two weeks after MIRA Books cancelled my contract for The Perfect Son, my amazing agent landed me an offer from Lake Union. I nearly turned it down. Why? Because Lake Union is part of Amazon Publishing—traditional publish32 Write On! • Fall 2015

ing, not self-publishing—and my original career goal had been to land on the Indie Next List.

Moving to Amazon meant giving up that dream, but accepting the Lake Union offer was the best thing I’ve done for my career. Yes, it was a leap into the unknown, and several authors told me I was committing career suicide. They were wrong. My numbers have soared, and I get lovely emails from strangers who tell me my stories have made them feel less alone. With the power of Amazon behind me, I’m also less focused on generating book sales and being a promo slut, and more focused on doing what I love to do: write.

2) SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSELLERS Yeah, I know this sounds like a contradiction coming from an Amazon author, but as a local bookseller said to me last week, “Honey, we’ve all got to learn to play nice in the sandbox.” I love my Kindle Voyage, but I buy most of my books in hard copy from my local indies (I’m blessed to have fabulous indies in my area). I go to loads of local author readings, I tweet and share those events, and I always buy the book.

And the stores I’ve supported for years were super supportive of me when I did my leap to the Dark Side. Booksellers notice the authors who rally behind them, and this is a tight-knit industry. Repeat after me: Booksellers are my friends.

Omm.

3) FIND YOUR TRIBE Well duh, you guys were smart enough to join WFWA, and we rock! But go the extra mile to form a subgroup of other writers who’ve reached the same point in the journey as you.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to join a group called Book Pregnant after I landed my first pub deal. We were a closed Facebook group of thirty debut authors, and although we’ve lost a few members—such as Wiley Cash, who made the A list—we’re still BFFs. In the last four years, we’ve all followed different paths, but man, do we have each other’s backs. I go to Book Pregnant at least once a day to commiserate, to vent, and to celebrate. They are my brothers- and sisters-in-arms.

but what happens to you in life is not as important as how you handle it. No one likes authors behaving badly, no matter how justified their cause.

5) MAKE YOUR STAND—ANY WAY YOU LIKE! Darynda told us that she got her break by writing to the market. I did the opposite by creating my own little niche. And no, that was not easy. A famous agent told me my debut would never get published because my OCD hero was too dark to be a romantic hero. Her rejection inspired me to stake a claim, to make my last stand. I figured I had nothing to lose, right?

Since then I have always written my passion, which is to chip away at the stigma of mental illness. Ninety percent of my characters battle some form of invisible disability, and when people ask what I write, I tell them, “Hopeful family drama with a healthy dose of mental illness.”

4) BE PROFESSIONAL AND POLITE, AND TAKE NOTHING PERSONALLY This is a business. Publishers are not your friends and you cannot huff and puff in public when they treat your work like a product. Which they will do. I left MIRA Books struggling to not label myself a failure, but I pasted on a smile and reminded myself how lucky I’d been to work with two incredible MIRA editors. I will never forget the debt I owe them. It sounds cheesy,

6) DON’T COMPARE YOUR JOURNEY TO THAT OF OTHER AUTHORS I’m not Darynda Jones. I’m BCW, and I write about mental illness; it’s my thing. And I had Fall 2015 • Write On!

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another career goal when I started: to be able to write full-time and make enough money to hire a cleaner. If you follow me on Facebook, you’ll know I met that goal at the end of the summer.

7) IF YOU’RE GOING THROUGH HELL …

KEEP GOING I always quote Sir Winston Churchill, but that dude knew something about not giving up.

Never lose faith in your work. What we do matters. Fiction can and does make a difference, even if you’re a mid-list author. Remember this: no one else can tell your story with your voice.

So strap on your life vest and jump in. The water may be rough at times, but it’s often lovely and warm. •

English born and educated, Barbara Claypole White lives in the North Carolina forest with her brilliant professor husband and, when he’s home from college, their equally brilliant poet/musician son. An avid woodland gardener inspired by her son’s courageous battles against an anxiety disorder (OCD), Barbara writes stories that find light through the trees and hope in the darkness of invisible disabilities. Her debut novel, The Unfinished Garden, won the 2013 Golden Quill Contest for Best First Book; The In-Between Hour was chosen by SIBA (Southern Indie Booksellers) as a Winter 2014 Okra Pick. Her third novel, The Perfect Son, was published in July 2015. Connect with Barbara at barbaraclaypolewhite.com.

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Tech Tips

Building a

Social Media Presence

by TASHA SEEGMILLER

I

n the midst of writing articles about craft, queries, quality agents/editors/publishers, and the like, there is an undercurrent regarding the necessity to be on social media. Dutifully, we set out, creating accounts everywhere, uploading profile pictures and cover photos, and wait. Often, it isn’t really clear what we are waiting for—numbers to grow? A fan club to form? A long distance connection that will set our writerly heart alight?

Publishers usually want the social media presence because word of mouth is often the best way to sell books. Agents will sometimes look to see, but mostly to get a feel for who we are as authors, and if what is out there maintains a level of professionalism. Sure, these things are important, but most of us aren’t agents or publishers, and while selling books obviously is the goal of this whole endeavor, I’d argue it isn’t THE goal.

wasn’t only in Albuquerque, and it didn’t expire after a weekend.

The reason to interact on the WFWA forum pages and to create a social media presence is to find a group of people to cheer, support, motivate, and, most importantly, believe in us and our work.

So, how does one go about getting this network?

By being the network.

Stephen King said, “Writing is a lonely job.

Having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference. They don’t have to make speeches.

Just believing is usually enough.”

Based on the number of members currently in WFWA, and the pictures I painstakingly studied of the retreat, most of us were unable to attend the recent retreat. While many of us probably resolved to attend the next one, the beauty of this organization is that the support Fall 2015 • Write On!

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Did you just finish a great book? After you have posted a review wherever you bought the book (I usually copy and paste in Goodreads too), give them public praise.

Hear of someone signing with an agent or publisher? Congratulate them via social media.

Stumble across a brilliant blog post that showcases great ideas about craft, motivation, organization, plotting, character development, finding work/life/dream balance, etc.? Leave a comment on their blog, thank them for taking the time to share insights, and then share it again on social media.

your awesomeness again.

Social media is simply being a friend and colleague with virtual handshakes and hugs. The same techniques that we use to build camaraderie in business settings and social circles are applicable on social media. It’s not a race, the numbers aren’t important, but the connections and the relationships will most likely become some of the most precious. •

Sure, if you want to go out and claim your name on all the social media everythings, go ahead. Then, pick two. I suggest starting with Facebook and Twitter because data shows they are still the powerhouses (and don’t forget we have an incredible WFWA community page!).

Get comfortable with the way they work, with how to tag people, how to follow. Set a goal for how often EACH WEEK you are going to engage with people on these platforms and remember to have the same profile picture across platforms to enable recognition. Once these engagements feel natural and are no longer intimidating, you can start to branch out to others (blogs, websites, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google+, Tumblr, Instagram, etc.).

One last rule, and it’s a biggy. The number one sin in social media is spamming (filling people’s lives with unnecessary and irrelevant stuff ) and the worst kind of spamming is excessive self-promotion. Yes, your followers want to know when you have something awesome happen. Yes, your followers are most likely going to be the kinds of people who buy your book.

But don’t be a door-to-door salesperson on the internet.

The best way to avoid this is the 8:1 rule: for every self-promotion post you want to share or plea for people to help you out, you then have to contribute to EIGHT different kinds of communication. This can be promoting friends, talking about what you’d discuss in real life, upcoming events you are excited about, and engaging in authentic discussion before you get to talk about 36 Write On! • Fall 2015

Tasha Seegmiller is a mom to three kids and high school English teacher in Southern Utah. She writes contemporary women’s fiction with a dash of magic. Her loves include Diet Coke, owls, chocolate, and cinnamon bears. She is a founder of and contributor to Thinking Through Our Fingers, and can be found at tashaseegmiller.com.

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