Writers' Groups Part 2

Last time, I wrote about local Virginia writers' groups. Now I'm going to share information about writing groups that are specialized according genre. Writing can be a lonely profession, surrounding yourself with other writers as you started can improve your craft, strengthen your writing, and provide you with valuable contacts for your career.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS, ILLUSTRATORS, YOUNG ADULT

Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI): https://www.scbwi.org/

For illustrators and authors of stories for children, middle grade, and young adults
Must be age 18 years or older
Annual Membership Fee ($95 first year and $80 every year after)
Regional Chapter is Mid-Atlantic (DC/VA)

SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY/PARANORMAL

Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America: http://www.sfwa.org/

For science fiction and fantasy writers.
$100 annual membership
Must have 3 or more paid sales of fiction, earning at least $3k to be eligible
Online Chapter

Paranormal Romance Guild: https://www.paranormalromanceguild.com

For paranormal romance writers and readers
$50 for premium membership (unsure if that’s per month or per year)
Online Chapter

ROMANCE (ALL SUBGENRES)

Romance Writers of America: https://www.rwa.org/

Must be at least 18 years old
Professional organization to promote romance genre and all of its subgenres
Annual Membership dues $110
Published and unpublished authors are welcome
Virginia Romance Writers (circulates meeting locations monthly. In KG on 5/12/18)

MYSTERIES/THRILLERS/SUSPENSE

Mystery Writers of America: https://mysterywriters.org/

Age requirement unclear
Annual membership dues $115
For all types of mystery writers
Online

International Thriller Writers: http://thrillerwriters.org/

No dues for published authors (and debut authors)
$95 membership dues for Associate Members (unpublished writers, industry professionals, editors, agents)
Promotes thriller, suspense, murder mystery, detective, true crime, supernatural, true crime, war, adventure, and similar subject writers
Online

Sisters in Crime (SInC): http://www.sistersincrime.org/

Published and unpublished (Guppies) are welcome
Annual Membership dues $80/$100
Promotes writers of the mystery genre in diverse forms.
Local Chapter Richmond: http://www.sistersincrimecentralvirginia.com/

HORROR

Horror Writers Association: http://horror.org/about/

Must be a member of HWA to join regional chapter
Dues are $75 if published or $55 if unpublished
Horror Writers Association of Virginia: https://hwavirginia.wordpress.com/
Promotes horror writing poetry, young adult novels, short stories, movies, games, books, and graphic novels.

Novelists Inc.: https://ninc.com/

Must be published with at least two works of 30k words each and earned at least $2k per book to join
Professional organization aimed at developing the career of the novelistsMust be at least 18 years old

Online Virginia Screenwriters Forum: http://www.virginiascreenwritersforum.com/