In the Kansas City region there's The Writers Place group and The Kansas Authors Club, both of which I belong to. The mutual support and comradeship has been invaluable. And the publishing opportunities have been greatly enhanced. Community is vital to the creativity soul.
Without active efforts to support and sustain community for creatives, we’ll all flail by the light of our private lamps. Effective writing communities need to provide support for their members, encourage members try to improve, and provoke evolved creativity by exposing members to the influence of great work by others outside the community’s borders. I no longer run such communities but they did all the above for a long time. My good friend Lenny Dellarocca continues to do this and brings out the best in all who come by.
One problem is that journals, print and online, cumulatively cost too much for many aspiring writers who could afford these one by one but often can’t pay for too many. Free online versions that make money through modest submission fees and productive, affordable workshops will survive and thrive as we careen into the heart of the 21st Century. Writers need to support journals and such, but these outlets need to stay in reach of those who want to support them. Otherwise, we’ll just talk to ourselves.
These are great points, Richard. There is certainly a challenge facing literary publications -- how to foster a thriving community or supporters and also avoid becoming insular and closed off.
I suspect what’s needed is a new and readily affordable business model. I’m not sure what that looks like but it would promote participation and not stretch the finances of writers who, if they’re dedicated, are already paying a reading fee, contest entries, etc. The journals, blogs, and other media forms also need compensation. Almost everyone involved in this arena needs this extended system to work well. What will the next phase of new literature look like?
In the Kansas City region there's The Writers Place group and The Kansas Authors Club, both of which I belong to. The mutual support and comradeship has been invaluable. And the publishing opportunities have been greatly enhanced. Community is vital to the creativity soul.
Thanks for sharing this, Victor. Great to hear you've had such positive experiences in your writing groups!
Wild Roof Journal is where I published my first ever peice and I feel very lucky to be apart of such a supportive community!
That's awesome Lena!
Thanks so much Lena :)
Without active efforts to support and sustain community for creatives, we’ll all flail by the light of our private lamps. Effective writing communities need to provide support for their members, encourage members try to improve, and provoke evolved creativity by exposing members to the influence of great work by others outside the community’s borders. I no longer run such communities but they did all the above for a long time. My good friend Lenny Dellarocca continues to do this and brings out the best in all who come by.
One problem is that journals, print and online, cumulatively cost too much for many aspiring writers who could afford these one by one but often can’t pay for too many. Free online versions that make money through modest submission fees and productive, affordable workshops will survive and thrive as we careen into the heart of the 21st Century. Writers need to support journals and such, but these outlets need to stay in reach of those who want to support them. Otherwise, we’ll just talk to ourselves.
This is a brilliant succinct analysis, Richard. Truly appreciate it.
These are great points, Richard. There is certainly a challenge facing literary publications -- how to foster a thriving community or supporters and also avoid becoming insular and closed off.
I suspect what’s needed is a new and readily affordable business model. I’m not sure what that looks like but it would promote participation and not stretch the finances of writers who, if they’re dedicated, are already paying a reading fee, contest entries, etc. The journals, blogs, and other media forms also need compensation. Almost everyone involved in this arena needs this extended system to work well. What will the next phase of new literature look like?