Wiscon: SFWA

Panelists: Ann Leckie, Gra Linnea, David Levine, Vylar Kaftan, Gary Kloster

Question: Are you a member of SFWA and why?

David: Since 2002. Good to have an organization. Identity as writer.
Gary: First I was an associate member. Then I was active. I support unions. It helps me be aware of markets. Also, Writer Beware is a valuable service.
Vylar: SFWA member and volunteer.
Ann: Logical to join a group. Also a union person.

Question: Five favorite things about SFWA?

Gary: Grieve con. Emergency medical fund.
David: Northwest writers series. Possibly Merrie Haskell is starting a Midwest Writers series.
Gra: Arbitration of disputes. Legal fund. Directory of names. Writers Beware. Pressure in situations like Nightshade. Informative magazine. Sample contracts.
Vylar: Learning who people are.

Question: The recent unpleasantness?

David: Noise. Old white guys shouting at clouds. Yelling about organization becoming too progressive. Small loud minority. We need to point out that imbalance.
Gra: Queer liberal anarchist white male. What I want is an organization that represents a vast diversity of people. Does your need limit the needs of others?
Gary: Outreach blows up.
Ann: I was the secretary, so I can say much. I resigned, not because of this, but to take care of myself.

General comment: It looks like 10 percent of the organization voted for an appalling candidate. No. 10 percent of the people who voted. This vocal minority does not remotely represent SFWA.

Vylar: Buy a membership. Vote. That's okay.

Question: Should a new writer join SFWA?
Yes, join. Increase voice, increase diversity.

Comparisons with RWA. RWA supports and nurtures all along.
Gotta be this tall to ride this SFWA.
What do you have to do to stay in SFWA?
RWA accepts publishing by self as a pro thing.
RWA has more resources.

California incorporation of SFWA means some things can change.

Internet time versus real time.
Board members not used to working on that time.

SFWA is its members. Be the diversity you want to see in SFWA.
Some younger, hipper people on board now.
Friction between old and new members.
Need more outreach.
Also need to not eat your volunteers.
Also need more PR.

Some discussions on volunteers, membership requirements, self publishing, code of conduct.

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.

Summer Surprises of the Not So Great Kind

We slog on with our writing, but life seems to be keen on throwing us a few curve balls. Here they are.

Strike 1: An old friend's wife died of meningitis. In five short days, he was a widower. We were stunned by this, and even though we hadn't seen him for some years, we took the time to drive out last week to Omaha and back on Thursday. We wanted to show support. Turns out there was some sort of cosmic purpose. He hid in our car on the way back from the cemetery to talk to us about his loss. We were glad to be of some small assistance, and hope that he will call on us for help when he needs it. He is now getting one last step-daughter through her last year of high school.

Strike 2: Global warming struck ugly and hard last night. We had a VERY scary storm with torrential rains and winds. We were lucky. There weren't too many branches down in our yard, and we only got about 8 inches of water in our basement. Yes, we do have a sump pump, but the power went out for about six hours, so that kind of kept it from working. Today has been a full day of sawing, hauling, and watching water drain. Right now my house is open so that musty smell? Downstairs. Gotta let it air out, however. Dampness under your home is never a good idea.

I'm really hoping for no strike 3. I would like to think that my allergy to buffalo gnats (you missed that. We had buffalo gnats early June, and I am sensitive to them. You know me, the sensitive artist.) were strike one, and just like Dr. Who, this is the strikes I have listed above are off number because Steven Moffat revised this while I wasn't looking.

Okay, so it's been a long day with all the chores. I think we're off the hook tonight for most things but drooling.

If someone could come up with a way to control the weather, I'd be okay with that.

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.