WHIPPANY, NJ - "I could write a book." It may just be an expression, but the seven women who led an afternoon panel discussion for authors sponsored by Women Who Write, Inc., at the Morris County Library on Saturday, February 27, have done more than express the phrase. They’ve lived it.
Joanne Flynn Black, Marcia Ivans, Michelle Cameron, Alice Mendelsohn, Elaine Denholtz, Corey Rosen Schwartz, and Ann M. DeVenezia are members of the organization, Women Who Write, Inc. who gradually rose to author status, an increasingly challenging accomplishment in today’s competitive marketplace. They served on the panel to share their own experiences with the community and to help others reach their goals of becoming an author.
Marie Castronuovo Ascolese, Vice President in charge of programs for Women Who Write, organized the event, which was open to the public. She explained, "We felt it might be helpful to put a panel together to inspire and share with each other that if you work hard at it you can find success. We considered the idea of hiring an agent and editors [to be on the panel] but we thought it would be more effective to show members that we can help each other."
During the Q & A presentation, authors addressed such topics as: Finding an agent/editor/publisher, preparing your manuscript for submission, and marketing your published work. Representing a variety of genres, including historical fiction, poetry, and children’s books, the panelists offered participants a myriad of resources and helpful tips.
Panelist Alice Mendelsohn, a published poet from Denville, offered some practical advice on how to get started. "I was afraid to get my work out there…I got good practice submitting to different clubs like the Y, and my church, and they will become my credits. You have to start small."
Chatham author Michelle Cameron, who wrote the historical novel, The Fruit of Her Hands, stressed that marketing is a key component to selling a book. "It’s critical to use every means in your reach….you have to not just rely on the publisher. You have to get out there." She urged authors to take advantage of every available medium, such as television, radio, book talks, book trailers, newsletters, facebook and twitter.
The panelists served as inspiring models of success for audience members, comprised of women of many different professions, including attorneys, teachers, and writers who all shared the same dream to one day write and publish a book.
Attendee Bobbie Humphreys of Parsippany said that her goal is to write a memoir. "I’m spinal chord injured and I drove across the country for eight weeks in 1980 and wrote about the trip….I learned a lot from listening today, about The Writer’s Market, and self publishing."
Lisa Falcone of Mendham, who attended the event with a friend, said, "I’ve toyed with the idea of writing a book and wanted to find out how much work is involved."
If there’s one thing that panelists undoubtedly agreed upon that afternoon, it was that book success depends not only on talent, but also hard work and determination. As author Marcia Ivans put it, "It takes persistence…"
Women Who Write is a regional, women writers’ organization and nonprofit corporation with writing groups that meet throughout northern New Jersey.
For more information about Women Who Write, contact www.womenwhowrite.org
For membership information, contact Membership Chair, Marcia Ivans: Marciaivans@aol.com