Ok, that probably means absolutely nothing to most of you, in English, the translation is…
I’m a Romantic Novelists Association New Writer Scheme Member!
The RNA opens it’s doors for membership once a year to people who have previously been unpublished, under the New Writers Scheme. There are 250 places and each year they are oversubscribed. Checking their website yesterday morning it seems that all 250 places were full and they only started taking applications at 12.02am on the 2nd!
So what exactly does this mean? Well, I get a critique of my MS which then goes into a kind of competition and I’m entitled to attend all RNA events! 
I guess I’ll be working on 2 novels this year then 
Are you a member of any “Associations”? Do you think there are benefits to belonging to “official” writers organisations?
Congrats dearie!
I think I want to join the International Thriller Writers and maybe Sisters in Crime. We’ll see.
Good luck!
Thanks Ava
Sisters in Crime? What a great name for a writers organisation! Lol
Do they have strict entry guidelines en that, like the RNA does?
Xx
No they don’t. I don’t have the stomach for strict guidelines. That’s why your acceptance is so grand, haha.
they sound interesting – will have a look
Congratulations and best of luck, Vikki!
I’m a member of Sister In Crime and have won a few of their awards
Thanks Dianne
Oh excellent! Do they have conferences and things?
Xx
They do, but I rarely get to go because their base is on the other side of the country from me. I do go for awards nights, though
That’s great, Vikki!!!! Fantastic news.
Thanks Jenny
Do they have like an official organisation for fantasy authors there?
Xx
YAY!!!! More support!
I’ve been a member of RWA – Romance Writers of America for about six years and it’s been great. Hoping to go to the national convention next year. Doing a happy dance for you.
Thanks Melanie
That’s what I’m hoping!
RWA….ahhhhh, yeah, I thought there would be a US equivalent
Have you found it useful?
Xx
Congratulations! I am a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. I have not entered any competitions yet, but have participated in book signings. It’s a great group of authors.
Thanks Richard
The PNWA sounds interesting. It sounds like its been beneficial to you being a member?
Xx
I’m a part of the Florida Writers Association and I think it’s beneficial. It gives you lots of resources and contacts that would not be so simple to get.
Thanks Kitt
The FWA sounds good as, I’m presuming, you have to be in Florida to be a member. You must get to meet all the writers that live local to you? That would be great if we had something like that here. But all our Associations seem to be National.
Xx
Oddly enough, we get a lot of snow birds…and our local chapter doesn’t require membership in order to come to the meetings twice monthly. It does give us quite a discount on the conferences that happen throughout the year and our literary magazine for free.
I keep telling myself I need to join RWA and I’ve yet to do it. It’s like needing to join a professional organization for my career. I know I need to, but have I done it yet? No.
Awwwww, CC, do it!
Is there an Association for Erotic Fiction?
Xx
I’m not sure. Must investigate.
I’m a member of the RWA. It’s a wonderful organization for romance writers. I don’t know where I’d be without them.
Well that’s a good advertisement in favour of membership Joan!
Xx
Congratulations!
Thanks Julie
Xx
HA! I thought you were excited because you became a Registered Nursing Assistant!
But congrats!
Ha ha ha, me? Nursing Robin? Oooooo, no way, all that blood! *shudders*
Thanks honey xx
And other bodily fluids. Ew.
The NWS is great – even though my reader said my submission for 2012 was not a romantic novel at all – and that I should turn it into a psychological thriller! (It remains in the drawer).
Is this your 2nd year then Gail? Can you just keep joining?
Ooooo, that’s interesting! You’re not tempted then?
Xx
oh you must get it out again – I love psychological thrillers
Congratulations – one of my dearest friends is a a reader/mentor on the scheme and I know how much work she and the others put into supporting emerging writers. Great start to the New year
Thanks Bridget
Oh bless her! They’re all volunteers aren’t they?
Xx
Well done! Sounds like relaxing’s going out the window. You’re gonna be busy. Good Luck!
Ha ha ha, I’m off again Mary! Another busy year!
Still, what do they say? What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?
Thanks honey xx
Congratulations. I also joined this year. My email went off at 12.02 exactly! I understand that by about 12.10 all the places were taken, so it was a nervous time waiting to hear! Best of luck with it.
Thanks Carol
Blooming hell, really? Yes, mine went at 12.02 too lol
Is this your first year too then honey?
You too! Exciting!!!! Xx
Huge congrats, Vikki! I’m a member of the RNA and I look forward to seeing you at one of the events this year! Hope you enjoy and let us know how your critique goes. Oh, and have you found the Romaniacs blog? They’re all RNA NWS members too and a fabulous bunch of writers and friends. Worth checking out and meeting them all!!
Thanks Nicky! It will be great to meet you (I saw you partying hard at the last event! Lol).
Yes! I’ve been following The Romaniacs blog for a while now, didn’t realise they were all NWS members though. They certainly know how to party too! Lol
Xx
That’s exciting news!
I’m not a member of any official writing association. Maybe it’s something I should consider.
Thanks Patsy!
Which one would you go for?
Xx
How exciting! Congrats and good luck Vikki! 2013 is off to a good start for you
Thanks EM
It is!
Xx
Congratulations. That sounds like a great opportunity. Happy 2013!
Thanks Ciara
Happy 2013 to you too!
Xx
I got in to – sent email at 12:02 – Looking forward to finishing something – I need the extra pressure. Must check out that Sisters in crime one though. Thanks for keeping us informed Vikki
This is it now Jayne!
We’ve really got to pull our fingers out
Xx
Well done, Vikki, that’s great news. You’ll find a lot of support on there. I’m a member of Alli – Alliance of Independent Authors – and that’s about it at the moment. I would (as you know) love to join the RNA, but at the moment their rules bar me from joining as an indie author. But apparantly I can still attend the parties, so let me know if you’re going to one and I’ll pitch up too
x
Thanks Jo
I know, that’s such a shame
Ooooo, will definitely let you know what events I’m attending!
Xx
Congrats Vikki. How exciting?
Thanks Sydney…it is! *grins*
Xx
That’s great, well done.
Yes, I’m sure organisations are very helpful, if there’s a good fit. This is certainly something I’ll look at in future.
Thanks Pauline
I’m hoping this one will definitely be a good fit!
Xx
Excellent news! I’ve heard good things about the RNA NWS. I’m a member of NAWE (National Assoc. of Writers in Education) and I find their resources and newsletters very useful. http://www.nawe.co.uk/
Thanks Jane
Yes, so have I, which is why I decided months ago I was going to give it a go!
Ahhhhhh….are they helpful?
Xx
I find NAWE very helpful and supportive – and membership includes Public Liability Insurance which is useful!
Congratulations Vikki! I got in this year too! It was bit nervewracking trying to make sure I hit the send button at exactly 12.02am .. i was terrified of applying a few seconds early and missing out so I waited until about 20 seconds after 12.02!!! We can encourage each other! xxx
Brilliant Edith!
Oh, I know!!!! I waited till 10 seconds past before hitting the send button lol
Definitely, and I’ll see you at one of the events! EXCITING!!!!
Xx
Well done, you. Let us know what they say in the critique.
Thanks Debbie
Oh, I will, don’t worry about that!
Xx
Congratulations Vikki. That’s great.
I’ve had confirmation that I am on the RNA NWS for 2013 – yay! This is my fourth year on it and I’ve found it absolutely invaluable for my writing; having had some really good readers’ reports and having been a finalist in a short story award (Elizabeth Goudge Trophy) run for the Conference every year. The RNA are the most welcoming bunch of people you’ll ever come across, and I see that others here have already signposted you to the Romaniacs, who I count as some of my writerly friends. I’d like to think I’ve been a good advocate for the RNA and I’m certainly very open in my blog about being a member. The parties are great and you must try and come to the conference – it’s a great opportunity to pitch to editors face to face, and learn more about the craft of writing and the industry (yes, there is always laughter and drinking involved too).
Hope to meet you at an event soon.
All the best, Nikki x
Thank you so much Nikki
Oooooo, I’m even more excited now!!!!
Xx
Congrats, Vikki! Knock ‘em dead.
Thanks Kate
Ooooo, I dunno about that
Xx
That is fantastic Vikki, congratulations!!!
Thanks Rebecca
Xx