Writers understand that writing is a game of trial and error.

Writing requires skill, regular practice, instruction, effort, and teamwork with fellow "critiquers" or between writer and publisher.

The American Night Writers Association is similar to a softball team. Each member is responsible for her own game. But as an active member of ANWA, you can benefit from the support of team members and from excellent instruction available at the annual conference, summer retreat, local chapter meetings, and other special events.

The focus of ANWA stays true even as leaders change and members shift responsibilities. We hope that you are finding the support you need in your chapters and with the individual friendships you have formed in ANWA. If not, get involved and offer your talents!

If your game is at a stand still, how can you move it forward? Do you need to take a writing class? Can you alter your schedule to practice more writing? Take a chance and send out some of your work that is ready to go. Sending out work for publication can be unsettling, but it opens up many opportunities for growth and publication!

As you search to find your writing niche, it can be helpful to review possible writing positions.

• Advertising or Copy Writers—Ad agencies, corporations, non-profit organizations, radio, television companies
• Assistant Editor, Columnist, Copy Editor, Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Assistant, Journalist, Managing Editor—Newspapers, Magazines, other Print or Online Publications
• Author, Acquisitions Editor, Ghost Writer, Literary Agent, Agent's Assistant, Manuscript Evaluator, Manuscript Reader, Scriptwriter, Translator—Book Publishers, Publishing Companies, Literary Agencies, TV & Film Producers
• English Teacher, Writing/Reading Tutor, Writing Instructor, Writing Professor—Public Schools, Private Institutions, Colleges, Universities
• Lecturer, Monologist, Storyteller, Writing Consultant—Schools, Private Businesses
• Public Relations Writer, Publicity Writers—Public Relations Agencies, Colleges/Universities, Corporations, Private Businesses, Non-profit Organizations
• Press Agent, Speechwriter—Government Institutions, Public Officials, Celebrities
• Technical Editor, Technical Writer—Private Businesses, Corporations, Retail Companies

There are also numerous genres in which you can write:

Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Journaling, Journalism, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Plays, Poetry, Report, Science Fiction, Short Story, and Speeches.

Go for it sisters! Give it all you've got!