Writing is, by its nature, a solitary endeavor. There’s no office to go to, populated with other writers. Hanging around the water cooler talking shop isn’t an activity you’ll engage in, unless you consider mumbling to yourself in front of an open refrigerator the same thing. We hole away in our little caves, hammering out prose, narrative and poetry, none the wiser until we emerge from the dank, bearing our gifts for the world. For some, this is a little slice of heaven. Not that they’re anti-social, but spending all day in their own heads is how they prefer to operate. For others, like myself, the social element is just as important as the time alone.
That’s where things get a little difficult for me. Going out and socializing with other individuals is easy enough to do, but finding like minded writer types is a bitch and a half. There are plenty of folks who are aspiring authors, fighting the good fight along with us all. The issue I encounter is separating the wheat from the chaff. Like I’ve said before, I’m not a published author (yet), but I want to be able to discuss subjects such as theme, motivation, tone and pacing, not hear a rambling diatribe on how wonderful someone’s “Mary Sue” character is in their latest fanfic. The concept is similar to playing billiards. When you play with people that are at your level or better, that brings your game up. When you play with people below your skill set, it drags you down.
Forums, blogs and other such venues are useful in their own right, but there will come a time when you want to interact with others on a professional level. After 
researching on the ‘Net I was able to find one such organization, the Horror Writers Association. Formed back in the 80’s, its goal was to provide support for fellow authors and encourage public interest in the then fledgling genre. They also present the Bram Stoker Awards to recognize superior achievements in Horror and Dark Fantasy. Here’s a great post about the HWA from one of it’s previous Presidents (http://www.genreality.net/writing-organizations-the-horror-writers-association).
I don’t currently meet the criteria to become an Affiliate member (one published story at qualifying rates), but they still have helpful resources for those interested in the genre. Becoming of member of this group is now one of my professional goals. In the meantime, I’ll garner any information I can from them. Speaking of which, I will be attending their 2009 Stoker Awards Weekend, giving me the opportunity to mingle with authors, editors, producers and agents in the field of horror. It’s being held in beautiful downtown Burbank (Gary Owens anyone?) which is a stone’s throw from where I live.
Two features of this convention I’m looking forward to are it’s workshops (fiction, screen writing or marketing) and Kaffeeklatsches (with professionals in the field). I’ll be attending Mort Castle’s Fiction Writing Workshop (four hours of nonstop fiction fun) and drinking coffee with Stephen Jones. To say I’m excited about this is an understatement. Giddy as a catholic school girl is probably more appropriate.
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Wow. We are totally thinking the same thing. Thanks again for the comment on AW. I can’t wait to hear about your time at the convention. I’m hoping to get to one, one of these days.
Terrie
(madderblue on AW)