Re: International Thriller Writers Association

**K*@aol.com**

This is certainly an interesting conversation.  As against the ITWA we  do 
not require members to have books published by recognized houses, partly  
because many of us write for other media which thriller  writers generally do not. 
So we come from very different backgrounds   and that gives us a broader base 
than most writing organizations.

Rich pointed out that you get out of an organization what you put into  it.  
Networking is an art that some relish, others abhor and can only  happen when 
you go to meetings of some sort.  As a relatively new writer I  have found 
that networking at GWA has given me both friends and helpful  contacts.  The 
national meetings also bring things back into perspective -  one can be a big fish 
in a small local pond, and get to the meeting and find  that you are only a 
small fish in a very large pond!  There is always  something to learn!

One other thing that I think is important is involvement.  I know  everyone 
is busy doing whatever, but if you really want to change an  organization - 
then step up and volunteer to help run it! On the board of  the Herb Society, I 
was constantly reminded of what I wasn't doing, what the  society wasn't doing 
and what I was not qualified to do, but when it came to  find the next board 
member - not one of them were willing to do anything.   Organizations rely on 
volunteers and they are in short supply everywhere, so you  get what you can. 
Sometimes they are not as well rounded in the areas you would  like, but at 
least they tried to help and for that I truly think we need to  appreciate them 
all.

Kate  Copsey
Freelance Writer
Gardens and  Parenting
www.Katecopsey.com

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