Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Nolen.
Rebecca, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began writing more than forty years ago. When I was young I couldn’t really discover any information about how to publish my work. Then I went to various schools where I learned how to write better, and about illustration. In 1998 I joined a group called Fort Bend Writers, which became Houston Writers Guild. I was president there for two years but left when I was asked to be one of two directors for Houston Writers House. Now here is a place to help people learn more about the craft of writing, but also the business of publishing and marketing. I’m also a member of a children’s writing organization called SCBWI.
I have two published novels: Deadly Thyme by R.L. Nolen, and The Dry by Rebecca Nolen
Has it been a smooth road?
There have been many bumps along the way. What I’ve discovered is that when running an organization, which I’ve been doing now for four years, it’s hard to get my own personal writing done. So the challenge is finding the right balance. I have two novels published.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Houston Writers House story. Tell us more about the business.
Houston Writers House is pretty special. We are designed to be a social club with a civic heart. Not only do we provide ways for writers to learn more about their craft, the business of writing, and marketing, we also have a season of giving, which comprises the month September through December. In September we set aside a special day to entertain the children at Ronald McDonald House (and donate books), in October we give a percentage of all new and renewing members fees to the Susan Komen foundation, in November we have a Toys for Tots drive, and in December we have a food drive for the Houston Food Bank.
We also are quite different than other Houston writing organizations because we offer workshops put on by true experts. Along with this, we offer a genre conference. No one else does genre conferences in Houston. This year’s genre conference is going to be Historical Fiction. Robert Hicks will be the Keynote speaker. It is September 21 & 22. See our website for details and to sign up.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We see more interest in our “Experts” workshops. For instance, when we did our “Killer Weekend” we used forensic experts. Those who are interested in writing any sort of mystery/thriller love that sort of thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.houstonwritershouse.net
- Phone: 832-289-3795
- Email: rlnolen@hotmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houstonwritershouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonWritersHouse/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HouWritersHouse
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