I’m a bit of a loner. I think, as a writer, most of us are by default – we don’t necessarily think we fit in, we’d rather be writing, we’d rather be reading, we have a healthy dose of insecurity and anxiety.
In general I tend not to do the group thing. For me, it’s just a lot of work; I tend to get easily frustrated. I do much better one-on-one, or in *really* large groups. So when Deb Kristy invited me to join The Debutante Ball, I was, oh, a tad apprehensive.
But the amazing group of debut authors she had put together, along with her own bubbly and fantastically enthusiastic personality, pretty much sold me before I finished reading her email. I don’t remember where I was when we first walked on the moon, but I remember where I was when Deb Kristy invited me to join the grog. In Chico, at my in-laws, in the small home office by father-in-law willingly shared with me whenever I needed to write. It was the summer of 2006, and it was hot.
Having the grog as my virtual support group this past year has been a wonderful experience. I honestly think that one reason everyone has had such great success with their books is due in part to the energy we’ve had as a group. With over 200,000 books published a year, publishing is a tough game to get into.
But I’m reminded of a game, Red Rover Red Rover (send the publication naysayers over!). With the six of us on one side (arms linked, looking tough and haggard), we went into our debut year as a force to be reckoned with. We found strength in numbers, but also friendship. And since writing is a lonely business, I think that’s pretty damn good.
And think- now you are stuck with us. You can’t get rid of us now. It’s been a heck of a year.
And I’m so pleased I’ve been able to watch your dancing from the sidelines, welcoming you to this wonderful world of being a published author! What I wouldn’t have given for my own group of 2006 Debs.
You took the words out of my mouth, Mia! How did you DO that? I’m not a groupie either but Kristy… well, she had me at hello and now I’m going to be a Deb, too! Thanks all of you Debs for paving the way for us! Gail
No one can resist Deb Kristy. She cannot be denied.
I’m not a joiner either, Mia. But I remember that September morning — reading on Ask Allison — about a grog featuring SIX debut authors. I clicked that link and fell into a post where Tish was complaining about how her hair frizzed out on the family vacation. A bit confusing, yet I looked around at all your pictures, profiles and books and then meekly wrote a comment. Kristy replied in return by welcoming me and noting that “pearls were optional.” Suddenly my feet began moving to the music and, as you all know, I’ve been dancing here ever since.
It’s been an incredible year, I’m so proud of all of you and will never forget the best dance of my life!
Just found out about your site from a winding river of leads. I agree totally that I like critiques either one-on-one or a very large group. Since leaving my mfa I’ve been on my own, but finding another group seems needed but daunting. Perhaps I shall look for one! Thanks, CT