Growth through Community: Women’s Fiction Writers Association

We’ve all discovered that learning how to write is critical but community, that’s something that most of us don’t realize until later. Then, we wonder how we ever survived without it. When we find an organization that offers craft development and community, we find the roadmap to our true potential. 

That search isn’t always a direct line. Many of us tap into multiple groups before we find the best fit. Writers of women’s fiction often find themselves searching for groups with an understanding of the unique layers within the genre. Writers who are more familiar with the sub-genres it touches may not always have critique skills for women’s fiction. 

WFWA (the Women’s Fiction Writers Association) was founded in 2013 by writers of women’s fiction as a space for growing as writers and connecting with other writers. The group celebrates and advocates for the genre of women’s fiction but is, at heart, an inclusive tribe of all writers–no matter where they come from, the path they’re on, or where they are on their journey. 

And, it’s a community with benefits!

Connections are fostered through WFWA’s interactive opportunities within the Online Community forum, social media groups, daily online Writing Dates for dedicated interactive writing time, multiple supportive special-interest Zoom affinity groups, and annual in-person and virtual events. 

Education & Growth opportunities abound. Online workshops focus on craft and publishing, structured as stand-alone sessions or as mutli-week series. Monthly interactive webinar sessions are led by industry professionals. For those who want hands-on feedback specific to the women’s fiction genre, WFWA hosts a critique, mentorship, beta-swaps, and pitch programs. A resource library contains helpful materials for on-your-own study, and there are multiple publications to share news and craft advice. 

WFWA also Advocates and Celebrates the genre and impact of women’s fiction. Women’s Fiction Day (annually on June 8) activities are hosted online and, in conjunction with bookstores, readers, and fans, to highlight the voices and stories that define the genre. Annual contests are open to both published (STAR Award) and pre-published (RISING STAR Award) writers of women’s fiction. The Hear Us Roar Podcast spotlights debut women’s fiction authors, and the WFWA website features a cover carousel and an upcoming Author Watch area to share news and achievements of members published in the genre. The leadership of WFWA also works closely with industry partners to advance women’s fiction. 

Most of the programming offered by WFWA is included in membership. A few programs involve fees, many of which are discounted for members. Scholarships, funded by an annual auction, are available to assist those with financial need. Additional scholarships are available to underrepresented populations and to help members with their publication journeys. 

At the earliest stages of our writing, we tend to dive deeply into every how-to resource we can (as we should). But it is other writers who help us interpret those resources and apply them to our works in progress. It’s community that buoys us and tells us we are progressing, that we are good even in the face of our first rejections. Other writers boost our confidence after we’ve published and help alleviate our fears about the marketing tasks and self-doubt about our next book. 

It’s far too easy to get stuck in our solitary spaces. Writers who show up ready to grow and share their stories thrive. The supportive and inspiring community within WFWA allows writers to do just that, finding motivation and momentum in the company of like-minded peers. 

Learn more about WFWA HERE 

Curious what WFWA has coming up? Join our Move Your Story Forward Conference for fiction writers on June 13–14 from 10am–6pm ET. Learn from industry experts across ten sessions, pitch to women’s fiction agents, and connect through meaningful networking and conversation. Check out the conference HERE

 

Category: On Writing