Which brings me to my theme: the author collective, and why it's good to create a group. I've spoken to various Indelible members over the years, and it's given me a growing urge to be a part of a group, in a similar way to my longstanding, trusty writers' workshop. Why?
For fellowship, marketing, advice, swapping early drafts, editing and for group publicity efforts such as blogfests and giveaways. But-GAH!- I didn't want to RUN the thing myself, and I wasn't sure where I wanted my work to fit in. I was a bit more sci-fi oriented than some of the Indelibles, and less paranormal than another early collective I liked, Darkside. I wanted a variety of speculative and hybrid authors; meaning that I thought it would be cool to have some authors who published traditionally, at least part of the time, and others who indie-pubbed. Mix it up. That was always my preference as an artist too (my first serious career)-blending abstract and realistic imagery. Spicy that way.
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What have you devised to make your indie journey easier? More lucrative, fun? Do you like the idea of a collective, or prefer to do your own thing?
And you're an excellent addition to the Untethered Realms group, Catherine! I like the same things about it that you do: the broader spectrum of genres and general mix of people and ideas. Collectively, we rock!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shoutout, River.
ReplyDeleteI think an author collective is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteGlad to have you with Untethered Realms, and your reasons for wanting to be a part of an author collective were similar to mine. Groups like Untethered Realms and the Indelibles make us stronger. :)
ReplyDeleteIt really is great to have two or more minds working together :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the variety of genres and yet, somehow it fits together so well.
ReplyDeleteThe group is like having a writer office to go to everyday. It's fantabulous. I'm glad you joined. You add a lot to the group. It's great to have colleagues to talk to about the myriad aspects of writing/publishing. I found it harder going it alone.
ReplyDeleteUntethered Realms seems perfect for you. So glad you found it and are happy! :-)
ReplyDeleteI've been kicking around the idea of forming/joining a writing/marketing group for a while now--it definitely makes marketing sound lots more fun!
ReplyDeleteI like both! That's why I started the IWSG and now the website, although its focus is different. But the Facebook group is growing by leaps and bounds.
ReplyDeleteM, yes, an office in the ether!Lexa, thanks for the nice words. Meradeth, totally! Alex, you are definitely king of the creative groupings. IWSG is kinda genius.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! So glad you found a group organically. Any support is awesome! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI imagine a collective stands in for the team-feel of an agent, editor and publisher--only nicer, maybe? :)
ReplyDeleteEverything is much better when you've a group to lean on for support :) great post.
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Such a timely post for me, Catherine. I've tried two collectives, but one became too romance-oriented and the other too narrowly focused. But even though I was with them only briefly, the benefits were tremendous in terms of camaraderie, marketing ideas, and sales boosts. So keeping my eyes and ears open for one that's juuust right.
ReplyDeleteCollective is great because you have a built-in support system. Authors need to stick together.
ReplyDeleteYay! I can't wait for the Faire! It's going to be a blast, and some of the coolest kids on the blogosphere will be there.
ReplyDeleteI tell you what, I'd be lost without my facebook writing groups.
Oooh... games...
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting and supportive. Congrats. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI tried organizing something very early on as well--before I knew about the Indelibles. So many writers were at different stages of their journey and it never worked out--plus I hadnt pubbed anything yet. But I still love the idea of it and I think marketing-wise it can really be beneficial!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on yours! Sounds like fun!
Hi Catherine,
ReplyDeleteYou're sooo right! I'm an expat and start writers groups everywhere I go (I can't help myself). Another thing that I've been doing is developing relationships with other indie authors whose work I enjoy reading and then becoming critique partners. It's a great way to get constructive criticism on a WIP and then reciprocate and help shape the direction of another's work. My most recent critique partner proposed a chapter swap on She Writes. I took her up on her offer and we've been having a blast!
Happy Writing,
Anne
Anne, that's the sprit! PK, I did too. I learned that timing is important, and it also has to be a natural fit.
ReplyDeleteNever thought of it as an author collective before. Hmmm, I gotta get me one of those. :))
ReplyDelete