Re: International Thriller Writers Association

**"* F* <c*@mail.com>**

Dear All,
 I do love when a post gets this list going?you are a smart, opinionated, sometimes cranky and often funny bunch. (Or is it often cranky and sometimes funny?)  I am frequently educated and amused by the list, and thankful for everyone?s willingness to share their thoughts and experiences.  

I have the following thoughts about this thread:

1.	I got a Q&T award last year for writing on my website, and I think it is mean-spirited for anyone to suggest that I paid for that award.  

2.	Do I want more from GWA? Certainly.  But I want more from life in general. As they say, if all the world?s a stage, I want better lighting.

3.	That said, I do get a great deal from GWA as it is now. The meetings give me a tax-deductible way to visit gardens in other parts of the country?especially private gardens that I wouldn?t otherwise see.  I get photos from these trips that I use in presentations.  I learn about new plants and products at these meetings.  Yes, I could I learn about them in other ways, but I may not take the time to read trade magazines carefully, or do the research online. The meetings are a concentrated time to be exposed to many plants and many products, and this helps my speaking, writing and radio.  I meet many, many great people, and that is always a blessing. 

4.	Am I willing to put time into making GWA be more what I?d like to see in a professional organization? Absolutely?I?ll do what I can on an organizational level and tangentially. (See #6 below)

5.	I belong to several professional organizations, and none are perfect or give me all that I want. But I do gain from all of them, sometimes more than others. I got a great deal out of the Propagators Society sometime back, but not so much now. (Although if I went to the annual meetings more I might gain more than sitting at home...) Right now I get the most from NSA (National Speakers Association) because they do a lot for the members. I suspect that this is partly the result of numbers: NSA has more members and it costs a great deal more to join. One of the beneficial aspects of this group is that the members in NSA are really there to help other people as much as to gain themselves.  Like Amy was pointing out in her post about the Thrillers group, they are creatively networking for everyone?s benefit. So those of you who want more of this in GWA, why don?t we make it happen? (Again, see #6 )

6.	Recently I attended a meeting of my local chapter of NSA (and by the way, it costs extra in this organization to belong to the local chapter) that was a networking ?creative branding? event.  Basically, it was six or seven members who got together for a morning to talk about expanding their careers.  We all took turns telling what we did and what we would like to be doing more of, and the others gave ideas, suggestions, and examples of what?s worked for them.  It was VERY helpful for everyone. Which brings me to this proposal:  Anyone on this list up for doing this in OK?  We could all come a day early and devote an afternoon and evening to whatever we choose to focus on.  We could plan a ?garden party? at one of the big book events ala the Thrillers group, share other ideas for promoting books and other garden communications, or???  The agenda would be decided by those who attend, and what they most need help with.  If you are interested, contact me off list: clfornari@yahoo.com  

7.	The last thing that GWA gives me is an opportunity to share what I know with others?there are many people in the organization who are not as far along in this work as I am, and I can make a difference to them. I guess I do believe that what goes around comes around.

8.	I learned about this list at a GWA meeting. 

all the best,
C.L. Fornari
www.gardenlady.com
"Want guidence and inspiration?  It's all in your own backyard." 

=
Search for products and services at: 
http://search.mail.com
_______________________________________________
gardenwriters mailing list
gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org
http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/gardenwriters

GWL has searchable archives at:
http://www.hort.net/lists/gardenwriters

Send photos for GWL to gwlphotos@hort.net to be posted
at: http://www.hort.net/lists/gwlphotos

Post gardening questions/threads to
&quot;Gardenwriters on Gardening&quot; &lt;gwl-g@lists.ibiblio.org&gt;

For GWL website and Wiki, go to
http://www.ibiblio.org/gardenwriters