In October 2004, I wanted to undertake a specific writing goal: I hoped to write a first draft of a novel in one calendar month. As I prepared for this endeavor, I thought it might be nice to gather other romance writers who also wanted to accomplish a specific writing goal. So began the WritingGIAM communities, Writing Goal In A Month.
A dozen writers accepted my challenge and to improve our communication, I created a Yahoo loop. We announced our monthly goals, and at the end of each week, we recapped our progress. When October ended, we were having so much fun as a group that we decided to extend it indefinitely. Since then, we’ve added three more goals loops and serve nearly 200 writers.
GIAM has come to stand for the cornerstones of our groups: Goals, Inspiration, Amity and Motivation. With 50 or so members on each goals loop, we get to know each other's projects, goals, challenges, and we provide emotional support for those down days as readily as we celebrate everyone's successes. The GIAMx loops (x1-x4) are reserved for "PRO-equivalent and up" writers." This keeps these loops tightly focused with writers at a similar level.
New for 2010: GIAM-GoPRO for writers who have a goal of completing their first full-length manuscript. We're happy to announce the launch of this newest loop in mid-December 2009. We'll start tracking progress in January. Please note that GoPROs will not have access to our Critique Partner matching program, monthly BIAW challenges, nor our GIAM Class loop. They will enjoy the other benefits listed below.
With multiple GIAM loops, we've added some extra benefits for our members:
- Critique Partner matching program (GIAMx members only)
- Monthly Book-in-a-Week challenges (GIAMx members only)
- GIAM Class loop offering free online writing classes (GIAMx members only)
- 100x100 challenge--write 100 words per day for 100 days in a row to build daily writing habit
- Tour de Force challenge--periodic challenges to write 50,000 words in a calendar month
- WritingGIAM Facebook group page for added networking
- 24-hour access to GIAM Chatzy Lounge
- Annual GIAM Meet & Greet at RWA's National Conference
Interested in Joining?
For more information, drop me an email at WritingGIAM@amyatwell.com .
Please include your full name, where you're from, and a brief history of your writing experience and your targeted subgenres in romance or women's fiction. Please identify whether you've completed a manuscript and begun the submission process or are working toward finishing your first work-in-progress.
Please note that our x1-x4 goals groups are available to "PRO-equivalent and up" writers only. Published authors are also welcome! Space is limited. Depending on the number of openings in our current groups, I may be able to get you subscribed to an existing group immediately. If our loops are full, I'll contact you about a waiting list.
Our GoPRO group has no membership cap. We welcome all writers serious about finishing their manuscript in 2010. Thanks for your interest.
