Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Blood on the carpet says Mr Rankin

Apparently this is what happens whenever two or more romantic novelists gather together. Harpies and harridans, the lot of us.

Now, I'm a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Crime Writers' Association. Over my years of membership, I have met more close friends through the RNA than the CWA could shake a stick at. They are supportive, helpful, genuinely pleased at each other's successes and have a unique New Writers' Scheme. I have been a member of the CWA for three years. (Sorry - was there more to that sentence? No? Ah.)

So please, crime writers, leave it out. It isn't funny - it may have been when first uttered fifteen years ago - and it most certainly isn't true.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Well said!
lx

Anita Burgh said...

The attitude of Mr Rankin and other members of the CWA surprises me. Writing is a hard enough task and professional critics there are a plenty. So, how unproductive to criticise those of another genre and to forget that we are all fellow writers.

Kate Walker said...

Me too, my dear! I posted on the same topic - great minds think alike. I'd send hugs, but of course I'd have that dagger in my hand at the same time ;o)

Kate

Jane Gordon-Cumming said...

I suppose it's only natural that the crime writers should tend towards back-stabbing their rivals, whereas the romantic fiction writers show loving support for each other!

Lesley Cookman said...

Thanks, Jane and Kate. The trouble is, Jane, I'm a crime writer!

Lesley Cookman said...

Annie, how true. I should have said that.
x

Liz Fielding said...

It seems you have the best of both worlds, Lesley. Mr Rankin apparently likes to joke that we're all "back stabbing bitches" because we don't have the crime writers outlet on the page for all our evil thoughts.