Writers Organizations: Part 2

As promised yesterday, here’s a partial list of the organizations that support writers in the United States. I’m sure other countries have them too, and I know that many American societies welcome membership from abroad. Many of these associations have regional chapters with their own events, and although many of those are being held on Zoom right now, they’re still a great way to make new friends with the same goals.
One other suggestion, check Meetup.com. That’s where I list my writers’ groups, and there are literally hundreds of local groups for writers, poets, screenwriters, etc. These meetings are held online, as is everything else, but don’t let that stop you from meeting new writing friends.

SFWA (the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America) is self-explanatory. One useful service they provide to the public at large is a page called Writer Beware, which looks at problems with publishers, agents, scams, and the like. If you’re looking to publish, particularly with a small or indie press, this is a good place to do a background check.
The WNBA (Women’s National Book Association) welcomes men and women interested in writing and marketing books. They have several regional chapters you can join.
The SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) has many local chapters and members who are always willing to give new writers a hand. They too have monthly online meetings.
The NAMW (National Association Of Memoir Writers) is for anyone writing memoir, personal essays, and creative nonfiction.
The Nonfiction Authors Association supports nonfiction writers and runs an annual contest too.
The Academy of American Poets is a national, member-supported organization that promotes poets and the art of poetry. They also sponsor national poetry events and poetry publications in order to advocate poetry.
There are even associations for people who write about cats and dogs. According to their website, the CWA  (Cat Writers Association) is a global cat-centric professional organization dedicated to excellence in written, visual, and audio media. Meow! And the DWAA (Dog Writers Association of America) encompasses all aspects of the world of dogs and is for anyone writing or communicating about dogs – mystery and fiction writers, poets, historians, photographers, and more. 
There are groups for writers in various religious genres (Christian, Catholic, Islamic), among others; and groups for writers of erotica; journalists; and military writers.
Writers’ Relief, a company that provides support services to writers and a useful newsletter, has an excellent article with more suggestions. Read it here.
I hope you find your tribe here somewhere.
In the meantime, keep writing!

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