Writing is a notoriously solitary occupation, but bringing those polished words to the page or the screen is not.
Tapping furiously at your keyboard in your comfy clothes, crumbs dusting the keyboard and your favorite beverage at hand may eventually result in a first draft. Chances are if you didn’t need help and encouragement getting that far, you will if you want to push that draft over the goal line as a published product.
There are all sorts of writing communities out there. Some are as loosely associated as a shared hashtag. Others involve dues and duties. A plethora fall in between. You can find groups built around genres, locales, and various media.
For Catholic writers, a community built around faith can offer the support, encouragement, and development you’ve been seeking.
Almost ten years ago, with a couple of novels in various states of readiness for the world under my belt, I joined the Catholic Writers Guild. It is the single best thing I did to further my writing.
Through the Catholic Writers Guild, I found like-minded writers, critique partners, and a publisher. The natural learning curve for writing and publishing was shortened as I learned from the expertise of generous fellow members who talked me through pitching a book, editing, building a website, self-publishing, and a million different marketing tactics.
Here are two pro-tips for you:
- Volunteer. By volunteering you’ll develop relationships with other members and learn how the organization operates.
- Go to conferences. Network in person and online by putting faces with names and gaining valuable skills and experiences.
Have I convinced you yet? I encourage you to check out the Catholic Writers Guild. New members are always welcome! We’re growing and revitalizing, and, if you’re a Catholic writer, whether novice or experienced, whatever market or media (print, web, magazines, screenplays, etc.) we have a place for you.
Even if you’re not a member – yet! – you can take advantage of our upcoming conference. It’s only a week away, but you can still register! The schedule and all the details you’ll need for registration can be found online.
If you can’t make the live conference, save the date for our next online conference February 24-26, 2023.
I joined the Catholic Writers Guild. It is the single best thing I did to further my writing. @CatholicWriters #CatholicWriters
Click To Tweet
Finally, I want to share with you the Catholic Writers Guild’s prayer for writers. I hope you’ll make frequent use of it.
Holy Family, Guide our minds, our hearts, our hands as we write, speak, illustrate – help our words to live in union with the Word. Teach us discipline and skill to use the talents God gives us. Give us also insight and courage to convey God’s love through our craft, and humility to be open to His divine will, shaping our lives, in loving loyalty to His Church. In Christ’s name. Amen.
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! STAY A WHILE AND LOOK AROUND. LEAVE A COMMENT. SHARE WITH A FRIEND. IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR MY AUTHOR NEWSLETTER TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE ON NEW RELEASES, EXTRAS, AND HOT DEALS!
The post Looking for Writer Support? Try the Catholic Writers Guild appeared first on Carolyn Astfalk, Author.
