If you who follow the Write Romantics will know that we are a diverse and international bunch (international because Helen R lives in Australia). What you may not know is that when we formed the blog the only two of us who had met were Julie and I (and that was only briefly at a RNA lunch in York organised by Lin Treadgold). However, in the past month I’ve been lucky enough to meet Jo for the first time and meet Julie again.
Jo lives in Kent and in May I spent a few days in Broadstairs with my family. Jo and I arranged to meet in a charmingly retro ice cream parlour in the town. It was raining cats and dogs and I felt a little worried that Jo wouldn’t recognise this rather drowned looking me. In the photo on the blog I look decidedly less soggy. But it was fine. As soon as Jo walked in, similarly drenched (although she was definitely handling it better) I felt like I was meeting an old friend. We talked for two hours and the time just flew by.
Two weeks ago I met Julie again and Sharon Booth, another NWS member and fellow blogger. This time it was Bridlington and the sun was almost shining. Again we instantly found masses to talk about. In two hours we covered book length, editing, point of view, agents, self-publishing blogging and (after a minor diversion to discuss who might be the new Doctor Who) how much tragedy you can have in a romantic comedy.
For me these meetings are very special. Over the three years I’ve spent trying to write my book, I’ve had varying amounts of support. Some members of my family treat my writing as a slightly disreputable hobby that simply isn’t talked about. And, while my friends and others in my family have been very supportive, none of them write. When I talk about writing they do tend to glaze over. I don’t blame them. It’s my passion but (as I’m sure we all know!) other people’s passions can be a massive bore.
So for me, meeting Jo, Julie and Sharon has been a joy. It’s great to talk to other people who understand the highs and lows of trying to be a writer. And afterwards I feel positive, inspired and more determined to succeed.
In two weeks’ time I’m going to the RNA conference. I’m very much looking forward to meeting some more of the Write Romantics, Lorraine, Rachael and (hopefully) Helen P and catching up with Jo again. While I’m rather terrified at the thought of my two pitch meetings with publishers I’m excited to be meeting up with my new writing friends.
I joined the NWS for the review of my book. I didn’t expect to meet such a lot of lovely people through it. That has been an unexpected bonus and a real pleasure.
Alex xxx
Check out Sharon’s blog, The Moongazing Hare at www.sharonbooth23.wordpress.com