Humor Writers of America

[Norm Cowie]

Okay, okay, we're one member short of the fifty before I wanted to bring up this topic, but mebbe it's time, huh?

So here's the idea that I wanna float by y'all.

How's about ... a Humor Writers of America ! ( aka: HA! )

Think about it. Right now, I'm a member of the Mystery Writers of America, and the only mystery is what I'm doing in that organization. Well, easy, there isn't a Humor Writers organization.

The same thing held true for Thriller Writers until just recently, where they formed their own group.

I've been sounding out some big names out there, like Christopher Moore, Dave Barry ... and even our own Tim Bete, who is far too modest as to how important he and the Erma Bombek writer's organization are to the humor community.

So I'm throwing this out there for you guys to think about.

Comments?

Norm

[Eleanor Tylbor]

Joe's question is one that I echo: what's the over-all aim of HA!?

Assuming that one would be interested in the creation of yet another or similar organization/group, what would be the benefits? I can see the perks for published writers who are seeking a means in which to publicize their books but how do others i.e. "regular" writers benefit? Being listed as part of a group is nice but in the end, what'll it give us?

Eleanor

[Norm Cowie]

Okay,

I knew there would be some good responses. Awesome. But let me turn it around on you. What would be the purpose of a humor writers organization? The benefits?

I, for one, would like to be in one for these reasons and more:

1) If you are in a group of humor writers, it gives you opportunity to get blurbs for your books.
2) a group of committed writers attracts the interest of agents and publishers.
3) Share marketing tips and opportunities (yes, I know we can do it here).
4) possibly develop it into something that included conference opportunities, or even local groups. The Midwest Chapter of the Mystery Writers meets regularly in at least two places (Chicago and Indianapolis).
5) learn about booksigning opportunities and book fairs through local chapters (you should see the emails that fly around on a regular basis).
6) contests, both to host or advertise.

These are just a few purposes and benefits.

Anyone else?
Norm

[Karina Fabian]

I'm game--but what will we do? Right now, I'm too tired to think, but I've helped start the Catholic Writers' Guild, so I can at least kibutz once we get going. One thing I learned from CWG, however, is that we need to get a handle on member info right away--real names, contact info, publications, humor styles, talent, etc.

Norm listed some nice benefits, but I will add this--we'll only get out of it what we put into it. If we want something like HA to grow from giggle to belly laugh, we all need to put some work into it. Right now at CWG, we have 4 or 5 people doing 90 percent of the work, and naturally, things are going VERY SLOWLY. Benefits will only come later, after some organizing, planning and paperwork is done.

Blessings,
Karina

[Karina Fabian]

Another thought: If we're Humor Writers of America, will that will be HWOA and we need to wear cowboy hats or HWA! and we need ninja outfits?

[Eleanor Tylbor]

All your suggestions, Norm, are great IF you are a published writer seeking a means in which to promote your book. However...not all of us i.e. me for example, are book-writers and in my case, I'm a freelance writer. How would your suggestions benefit "our type?"

If I may suggest - a forum by its title and meaning - should be a means in which people communicate. Perhaps what is somewhat lacking at the moment is members actually communicating with each other. For example and a suggestion, initiate a/some discussion(s) for members focusing upon:

- are you a published humor writer and if so, how did you get your first writing gig?

- what suggestions do you have from personal experience to help newbies and others?

- how did you get into humor writing?

- who is your favorite humor writer?

Perhaps I didn't grasp the overall goal (again, what is the goal of this HA! forum?) of Ha! but if it's relegated to published as in books, humor writers, than I'm in the wrong place.

[Karina Fabian]

Good points all. If I may make some suggestions:

If we do this, we should have a dedicated website (not Ning!) for fourms--something a little easier to scan. The site could also be a platform for marketing our work and have a chat room for open chats as well as scheduled, moderated chats with established humorists.

Once we have a good communications network, you'd be surprised at wht can happen with networking. Folks will collaborate. Ideas that are impossible or hard for one person to accomplish can be acheived with a group. We can have seminars on the forum on topics from "writing effective zingers" to "how to syndicate your column." We can post submission opportunities and maybe even create some of our own. We can start blog rolls, crit groups, whatever.

I'm willing to help, but I have too much on my plate right now and can't commit to a long-term, long-hour project. However, short-term things, or something that's an hour or two a week, I could swing.

Blessings,
Karina

[Eleanor Tylbor]

My observation also, Joe. I too like your idea of a place where humor writers can put up their feet and discuss anything and everything pertaining to the creation of writing humor. I mean - the way I see it, that's the purpose of a forum. Right?

I have blogs in which I will add some (hopefully) humorous takes on life on occasion, one of which, "A. Playwright's Ramblings" output/updates is posted here. Although I believe (and know) marketing is an important aspect of writing, I'm more interested or my main focus is to communicate with other humorists. So far that isn't happening and my question to you all is: why not? Why are you not discussing your writing including problems related to humor with members here? Your successes and/or failures? Your goals?

BTW and out of curiousity, why did you all join a humor forum, anyway?

I really do believe that to make this forum work, the purpose of this forum has to be established. That is up to Norm to clue us in. As an aside only 5 people are partaking in this discussion. Where are the rest of the members and why don't you join in?

Eleanor

[A Brewster Smythe]

I like it!

[Judy Seaberry]

Hi Norm,
Do we have to give up our firstborn? No... ok I'll join.

[Norm Cowie]

Hi, everyone.

I think that everyone might get a different perspective on this if you were to read the history of the Thriller Writers organization.

Check it out when you get a chance:

(If this won't link you, either consider it a lame joke, which it's not -but I'm not above pulling your legs - or just go to www.thrillerwirters.org and click the tab saying "About ..." )

Norm

Anyhow, here ya go: http://www.thrillerwriters.org/index.php?option=com_content&tas...

[Norm Cowie]

Hi, everyone,

i like all of the discussion that this generated. Here are some of my thoughts about some of your questions:

A) it would be extremely time-consuming, and a few doing a lot, etc., which is why I never wanted to do it in the first place. I just see a need.
B) a practical reality, how to put together a forum that is open to all, easy to use, and less cumbersome than this? I don't know.
c) Whether to 'do it right' or something less. To create an association like the thriller writers or mystery writers, et. al. you need coordination and people who are better at organizing and at creating a website than me (see my modest site www.normcowie.com).
D) what to call it? I thought Humor Writers of America, nicknamed HA ! (so no cowboy hats needed). Does this preclude other nationalities? Not necessarily, if they want to set up chapters elsewhere (Humor Writers of Europe - He!) == I'm killing myself.
E) I was hoping that we could eventually team up with the Erma Bombek writers group, who already has a conference and a monthly newsletter.
F) What to offer unpublished writers? Well, perhaps associate memberships. That's what the other organizations do. But they are still members, and when sending out book submissions, it is a nice thing to add to your cover letter.
G) Cost? Probably very minimal, and I'd sure appreciate finding someone else to be treasurer ... and president ... and resident boot licker.

There ya' go... more stuff to think about.
Norm

[Kirk Otto]

I'll join as an associate member, I'd look forward to it.