#5: You can write outdoors year-round. Sure, it's hot in the
summer, but all you really need is a tank top and some shade. An iced beverage
helps, but is not essential.
#4: For various good reasons, Florida attracts vastly more than its
demographic share of criminals, degenerates, and trashy imbeciles. Thus you
need go no further than the radio, newspapers, and billboards to find terrific story fodder.
#3: Florida levies no state income tax, useful for when you
become a multi-millionaire from your writing.
#2: Beta-testing your writing aloud is easy in Florida. Drive in
any direction for five minutes and you will encounter an assisted-living
facility. Walk in, find the rec room, and start reading. You will have an
attentive audience. If you actually do get feedback, it'll be honest.
#1: The state has wonderful groups and organizations for
writers, especially the Florida Writers Association. The first time I went to
the annual FWA conference I was a presenter—and a stranger. Afterward, I had
new friends. Most of all, I was impressed by the
we-are-all-cheerleaders-for-one-another spirit I found there.
Tomorrow and Saturday I'll be presenting at FWA's
mini-conference in Bradenton, as will other experienced workshoppers from
around the state. Gobs of aspiring writers will be there! If you stop by, I bet
you'll make friends too.
Tell me what you think! To post your ideas / comments, all
of which I read and try to respond to, click below where it says, 'No
Comments,' or '2 Comments,' or whatever.
If you'd like to receive this blog automatically as an email,
look to the right, above my bio, and subscribe there. Thanks for looking in.
Right, I'm moving. Mainly for #3 and #4
ReplyDeleteLet me know when you get here; we'll have you over for a drink...
DeleteI moved here for #3 - still waiting for that to be important. And I love the beta-testing idea. My aunt lives in an assisted living home less than two miles from here. Never occurred to me they'd let me wander in and begin reading. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThe downside is they all then want free copies of your book.
DeleteSo many marvelous places to lives in Florida (I lived around the state five different times). For my money, Sarasota, Lido Beach, and Longboat and Siesta Keys are tops. (Unfortunately, I love winter sports.)
ReplyDeleteBut you nailed it with #1: FWA has guided and supported me beyond what I ever expected when I joined their ranks. The best!
I agree about the Sarasota area. It's also great to have SRQ right here.
Deletei know my husband would love to move our family down to florida, if he can't get us to move back to his home in Jamaica. every winter, he threatens to go back bc to him the winter season makes no sense. so if he was to read this post, he'll use it as an excuse to move down to FL to support me even more. on a side note, have you ever thought about writing a sequel to You've Got A Book In You. Like a detailed guide about what comes after writing your book, focusing on professional editing, getting the manuscript submission ready, etc?
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you do make it down here! Your idea about a sequel to YGABIY is a good one, and hopefully I'll get to that sooner or later. Right now, though, I'm focusing on writing new fiction....
Delete