James D. McFarlin, President
President.PSWG@gmail.com
May 2012
Dear Guild Members,
The ‘good old days’ are over.
Perhaps the most enlightening idea that we came away with from the DIRECTIONS 2012 meeting in April – other than the many excellent suggestions -- was the confirmation of the ways in which our membership needs and interests, driven by both external and internal forces, are changing.
Externally, the publishing industry we all grew up with is being upended by a multitude of changes – new print on demand and e-publishing alternatives, innovative distribution methods, and distinctly new ways in which readers are finding, purchasing and reading books.
As writers, we are forced to become more tech-savvy since many of these changes are technology-based -- and we have to commit time, which otherwise might go toward writing, to learning about Create Space, Kindle uploads, Facebook, websites and blogs, and the like.
Internally, the Writers Guild faces the challenges presented by a surge in new members, many of whom are well into their writing, possess a good level of technology skills, and are acutely aware of where their additional technology needs lie.
The effects of both of these factors were represented in the interests exhibited in the DIRECTIONS 2012 meeting. The top three categories of interest were the following:
- Communications and networking between members
- Education across the range of writing, publishing, and marketing
- Increased knowledge of the technology skills required in today’s writing environment
Your board of directors will be reviewing each of the suggestions made in the meeting with an eye toward implementing some actions beginning with the 2012-2013 season. Thanks to all of you who participated in sharing your insight and interests.
And speaking of technology education, our New Media Marketing workshop on June 9 promises to provide valuable insight and actionable information you can put to use immediately.
In the meantime…keep writing!
Jim
James D. McFarlin
President
Palm Springs Writers Guild
by Tony O'Doherty
