Yesterday I was at the monthly Toronto RWA meeting and I was floored by the amount of valuable information and wisdom I was able to acquire during one single meeting. Well, technically two since I attended pre-meeting lunch with a smaller group of fantastic authors.

Yesterday proved to me the value of literary organizations like the RWA. The key about organizations like the RWA is to get involved, get your feet wet, attend the meetings, ask questions and, most importantly, LISTEN. The amazing wealth of craft, industry, and trend information available in the room was just fantastic. Digital publishing is becoming a force to be reckoned with and it will not stop. Build your brand, your style, your followers. Listen to the editors and publishers opinions—even though sometimes it might be risky, it can turn out in a win-win for all involved. Learn from each and every one’s experience as well as your own.

I collected advice from multi published authors, advice that can help me shape my (and Cecilia’s) career in today’s digital world. I heard of many heartwarming and positive stories that made me believe we are on the right path. Albeit not an easy one, it’s a path that will give us the pleasure I saw on those authors faces as they stood up to tell about their latest releases and new contracts.

All in all, the day at the TRWA monthly meeting was a wonderful (yet frightening due to the sheer number of authors in the room) experience. I intend to be a fixture at these meetings. And I intend to sponge up every little droplet of knowledge I can from each one of them.

Sláinte.