Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Marja McGraw

Authors Supporting Authors


When I started writing there was no doubt in my mind about what I would write. There was nothing I enjoyed reading more than mysteries, so why would I go in any other direction? What I didn’t know or expect was how many friends I’d make in the process. Mystery writers are a unique group of women and men.

I have two friends that I share a unique… Well, I have more than two friends, but for purposes of this comment, I’ll stick with two. When something good happens to any of the three of us, we have a very simple conversation. It goes like this: “I just received a contract for my new book,” and the others say, “EEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!” Now how’s that for support? (Can you tell this conversation takes place via emails?)

I’ve met a few of the Big Girls, and by Big Girls I mean the ones who sell a lot of books. I’ve met many less well-known authors, too, but I can’t stand a name-dropper so I’ll leave it at that. They were all memorable. Now that’s funny because most of these women wouldn’t remember me, but the point is, I remember them because they were pleasant and friendly, and took the time to be sociable.

I may never be one of the Big Girls, although one can always hope, but I do have a relatively nice fan base. When I wonder if I should be doing something other than writing, my mysterious friends remind me about that fan base, or a fan letter I received, or a good review. If I do something right, they’re right there to tell me, “Ya did good, kid.” Okay, so they don’t call me kid, but I’m sticking with that tag. I’ve seen these writers constantly support each other with writing, marketing and promotion ideas, and with comments on what a good job each of them is doing. They’ve even offered their homes to authors when they were visiting from another area. It doesn’t get much more personal than that.



It’s a two-way street though. If a mystery writer needs something from me, I’ll do it if I can, no questions asked. If I can’t help, I’ll try to offer an alternative suggestion. I’ve joined several groups made up of mystery writers, and I’ve never regretted one moment of time spent with them. The happiest moments are when I have the opportunity to meet these friends in person.

I’ve never met a group of people with so much in common who are always there for each other. Mystery writers rock! (Do people still say things rock?)



I’m just a simple person with simple needs, and every so often I want to say Thank You to a great group of “co-workers”, because in many ways that’s what we are. If it takes a village to do anything, then I hope that village is inhabited by mystery writers.

Thank you for inviting me to visit today, Chris.

20 comments:

marta chausée said...

That was like getting a full-spirit massage. Thank you for an uplifting guest blog, Marja. And thank you, Christ, for having Marja as a guest.

I'm just starting out in this mystery biz and, so far, I can also say my cohorts are supportive and warm. It's a pleasure to be accepted in their midst.

Marilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredith said...

I agree with everything you said, Marja. And a coincidence, Chris is visiting my blog today and tomorrow. http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/

Melodie Campbell said...

Marja, what wonderful concept: mystery writers being 'co-workers!' And what we do online is sort of like meeting at the water cooler.
See you there, my friend!

Jake said...

As a fan good to know you have great support from other authors. You are classy giving credit & support to others.

Marja said...

Oh, Marta, thank you! I can't tell you how many wonderful people I've met since I started writing. You're going to love it here.

M.M. Gornell said...

Yes, mystery writers rock! And to me, Marja, you ARE one of the "Big Girls" You are a very supportive, kind, and encouraging author. Much continued success!

Madeline

Marja said...

Thank you, Marilyn. I'll have to run over and read what Chris has to say. You're one of the many "angels" I've met since I started writing and I consider you a good friend.

Marja said...

I'll be there by the water cooler, Melodie, just waiting to share the day's events. :)

Marja said...

Thank you, Jake. They do the same for me. Even fans like you show a lot of support. Thanks for that, too.

Palmaltas said...

Oh, this is very true! Support and encouragement from fellow authors are what keep many of us going.

Marja said...

Madeline, I'm blushing. :) I would sooo like to be one of the Big Girls. I could say the same about you. Thank you for the good wishes.

Marja said...

Tricia, What would we do without each other? I guess we'd be fine, but it sure would be boring to go it alone.

Stephen L. Brayton said...

EEEKKK! That's pretty good. I hope to be one of the Big Boys some day.

Marja said...

Stephen, There's no doubt in my mind that you'll be one of the big boys. EEEEEEKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!! Good to see you here. :)

Marilyn Levinson said...

Dear Marja,
I THOUGHT I'd left a comment, but it disappeared. I agree with all you've said. I value my fellow mystery writers, for your support and friendship.

Marja said...

Maybe someday we'll all get together and start that village. Thank you for stopping in, Marilyn!

William Doonan said...

What a great post! Thanks for raising my spirits!

Marja said...

Glad to help, Bill. Mystery writers are a great community.

Lesley Diehl said...

I want to second your comments. I find the mystery writers' community very supportive especially the group of writers with OTP.

Marja said...

Lesley, I couldn't agree more. And I'm glad you mentioned OTP, because it's a wonderful place to be. Thank you for stopping in.