The Write Crowd

Lori A. May’s The Write Crowd reminds us that writing need not be such a lonely life, solitary as it is. The literary universe provides limitless opportunities to help other writers, meet other writers, and support one another. Type an e-mail, review a book, start a reading series, form your own small press: help keep literature alive and strengthen your own connections and understanding. An indispensable book for those new to writing careers and a valuable reminder for those who’ve faced the blank page for years and years. * Dinty W. Moore, Professor and Director of Creative Writing, Ohio University, USA, and author of The Mindful Writer *
A thoughtful, much-needed exploration of the relationship between the individual writing life and the larger community of writers and readers. Lori A. May draws from her own experience and that of many other writers and editors to offer a comprehensive view of the necessary phenomenon we only recently have come to call literary citizenship. The Write Crowd offers specific and authentic ways—some quick and simple, others a greater investment—through which writers can be strong literary citizens. * Anna Leahy, Associate Professor of English, Chapman University, USA, author of Constituents of Matter, editor of Power and Identity in the Creative Writing Classroom, and editor of TAB: The Journal of Poetry & Poetics *
Though the concept of literary citizenship has been around for a century or more, it's only lately gained recognition as a critical component in a writer's career and community. The Write Crowd, the first book of its kind, offers a wealth of practical information and specific resources on how to become a literary citizen. Both established and emerging writers will benefit from this book, and readers will come away inspired and empowered to create a supportive writing community. * Melissa Hart, Author of Wild Within: How Rescuing Owls Inspired a Family and Instructor at the School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon, USA *
The Write Crowd presents an effective antidote to the myth of the solitary writer. This extremely valuable textexplores the many ways writers (and readers) find and even create supportive communities from local writers’ groups to regional and national organizations. If you thought 'community of writers' was just another catch-phrase, The Write Crowd will broaden your view. * Wayne Ude, Director of the Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Program, Northwest Institute of Literary Arts, USA *
In The Write Crowd: Literary Citizenship and the Writing Life Lori A. May offers us a toolbox filled with information and resources to use on our way of becoming involved in our communities, writing, sharing, mentoring, offering critiques and writing reviews ... Becoming involved in our communities, sharing our craft with others, should be a natural progression, not a carefully guarded secret. Lori A. May gives me hope that altruism isn’t dead and that giving holds its own sweet reward. I absolutely loved this book -- Sabine Thomas
May writes convincingly of why it matters that writers reach out and get involved in a literary life more expansive than their own desks ... What makes this book so useful is that May follows up her ideas with both practical examples (her book includes appendices of book review samples as well as lists of writing-focused community organizations) and real-world advice from full-fledged literary citizens who are already out there making a difference. This is a book that is meant to serve as a guide. It’s incredibly hands-on. To that end, May interleaves quotes from insiders throughout her own assertions. Much of what she advises and prompts writers to do is backed up with helpful quotes from editors, reviewers, publisher, publicists, and working writers. As we read, we get to hear firsthand how the literary world works for many in the trenches. This direct access to insiders’ advice makes May’s how-to manual both vivid and relevant. * The Los Angeles Review *
The Write Crowd is filled with practical tips of how writers of all genres, skill and experience levels pool efforts to contribute to the sustainability of the literary community, and candid interviews with over fifty writers and editors. Readers, authors, and prospective writers are encouraged to join the literary community through engaging with literary journals, reading series and public workshops, advocacy and education programs, and more. It's possible to engage with peers and readers without sacrificing one's time and passion for the act of writing; The Write Crowd is an excellent guide to deepening invaluable connections, while maintaining the balance that enables one to focus on quality writing. Highly recommended! * Midwest Book Review *
This should definitely be required reading for writers ... Whether you're thinking of starting your own book review blog, or a reading series, or a literary journal, May offers different ways of going about each of these things. * After the Last Page *
This book should be considered integral reading for every writer, whether they are established or just starting out. It's a fantastic introduction to the industry, and an important reminder for those who have been successful for so long that they run the risk of taking the literary world for granted. * Lyon Editing *
May's upbeat book demonstrates the importance of writers developing a sense of unity, to assist each other and to work towards a vibrant literary future. * Media Culture *
The Write Crowd by Lori A. May is a great little book on literary citizenship … May’s advice throughout the book fits writers (and readers) of all types—big city or rural … those with a knack or willingness to work with organizations—established or built from the ground up—or introverts who’s day job drains them of energy, and mingling with more people is the last thing they can handle. -- Cheryl Russell * Why The Writing Works *
A great book for all avid readers and writers. -- Corrine Rodrigues * Write Tribe *
… for those of us not in school, Lori A. May has created an easy-to-use handbook. Highly recommended. * The Alchemist Kitchen *
Interviewed -- WMUK 102.1FM
Interviewed -- Voice and Eye
Interviewed -- Hippocampus Magazine
Interviewed -- Grab the Lapels
Interviewed -- Citizens Voice
Mentioned -- Mercer Island Reporter
Mentioned -- January Magazine
Mentioned -- The Book Analyst
Mentioned -- She Writes
The Write Crowd: Literary Citizenship and the Writing Life by Lori A. May is not your average writing guide. It does not explore point of view or plot structures. It does not advise on how to pitch to agents or approach publishers. But it just may keep you writing. It may make the difference between saying, “I write” and “I am a writer.” ... The Write Crowd advocates finding, creating and nurturing literary community through small “acts of literary kindness.” ... The Write Crowd is both practical and inspirational. It is about connecting with others, about recognizing and celebrating the fact that we need each other. * Understorey Magazine *