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Rough Drafts: The Voice of DWAA
The DWAA newsletter is a benefit of your membership. Published 10 times a year, the newsletter provides information on what’s happening in DWAA: the conferences, the contests, the banquets, roster updates, letters to the editor, and reviews of member’s books, which we hope increases sales for that member. Information is often included on how to be a better writer, how to approach editors, how to be a more effective freelancer writer.
It’s different every month – the president offers information ranging from tax tips to dog shows in
Australia. The secretary provides changing contact information and new members. Sometimes there are articles about the differences between electronic publishing and traditional publishing. Your dues reminder is in there every spring. We also like to let folks know what are the important things that are happening at the Cat Writers Association; many of our members belong to both organizations, but some do not, and it’s helpful to keep up with what the cat writers are talking about.
Details and information about the DWAA writing contest – where the coveted Maxwell Awards are given – are given on a timely basis. We honor nominees and winners alike. We even include dinner reservation forms for the banquet that is held in NY during the Westminster Kennel Club show.
But most of all, the newsletter lets you get to know your fellow members and network with them, learn from them, forge ahead with them. You’ll see names that you’ve seen on store bookshelves as well as names of up and comers and retirees. Editors and writers alike participate in DWAA. Our Newsletter is where you keep up with folks.
Once a year, you also get a member roster, complete with names, addresses, organizations, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Read a book you liked by one of our writers? Go ahead and e-mail them with comments or questions. Learn as you go.
Members are encouraged to do all the writing for me…I mean, members are encouraged to submit articles and letters to the editor to me, the Newsletter Editor. Technically, I changed my title to be Newsletter Goddess. I am not shy about reminding book authors that a little chocolate submitted with their book goes a long way towards a good review (just kidding – but I’m always surprised at how many people willingly send me tons of good chocolate).
Bottom line is that our newsletter is a great place to read about what’s happening in our organization. Remember, the more involved you become, the more you get out of belonging to DWAA. I often find that the more contact I have with other dog writers, the more serious and knowledgeable I become about my own career. So move ahead with us – and let us hear from you in or at the very least, have a good cup of coffee or tea while you peruse it.
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