It takes a certain amount of ego to make a successful author -- why else would we continue to throw our work out for rejection time and time again? And over the years I've been involved with several author's groups and organizations ... whole roomfulls of ego! I have had the privlidge of getting to know some phenomenally successful writers, authors who hit the NYT Bestseller list straight out of the gate with every release. One in particular never fails to amaze me because this author is absolutely ego free. In fact it could be argued this author is almost overly self-concious.
And I have met some authors who are nowhere near as successful, yet to hear them or observe them in action, you'd think they could claim the same merits.
Interestingly enough I've witnessed how ego can destroy this last week or so. One of the latter "class" of authors allowed a need for control and 'fame' if you will to negatively impact a strong collaboration of authors. Instead of setting aside personal goals to consider the benefit of all, said author allowed poor word choice to wound active keystone members into a departure.
The details aren't important but the result is that a group where new authors could find a lot of support has taken a heavy hit... all over ego. It saddens me that some authors are willing to risk the 'future' of our profession just for a chance at a "ME!" Moment. It will be interesting , and probably a great exercise in social science, to see where the house of cards falls.
Even better, it fuels the imagination for a great villian. The typical fantasy realm quest for ultimate power... You know the one that pushes our hero into a hero quest and eventually that greed becomes the villain's downfall.
Yes, indeed, imagination abounds...
But for the rest of you who are also part of writing organizations there are some excellent reasons to join. Fantastic reasons. Be aware a certain amount of politics is involved and if you can look beyond those go for it! The authors who are role models will stand out. Look for the people in the back of the room who put time into the organization, get to know them, not the pleasant individuals who are holding court front and center and too busy to aid... until one day they open their eyes and see their throne as threatened.
Good luck! Its certainly entertaining from the sidelines.
