How do organizations help their members?

Every year when the dues statements get sent around for various writing organizations, people are faced with the question: What am I getting for that $50, $65, $95? How am I benefitting from the organization? (No altruistic echoes of “Ask not what X can do for you” here. Writers don’t always have the luxury of asking that question.)

I’ve been a member of the International Thriller Writers for a couple of years, and I’ve been impressed by how the organization has grown and blossomed, but also by how it has turned into an awesome force that, when mobilized, can move mountains.

Here is a case in point. ITW member Patry Francis is a three-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize whose work has appeared in the Tampa Review, Colorado Review, Ontario Review, and the American Poetry Review. Her first novel is debuting today in trade paperback; however, she was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Her prognosis is good, but since she’s home recuperating, she won’t be able to do anything with regard to promotion. A terrible slap in the face to anyone, but just imagine what it would feel like, on what should be a very happy day in any fledgling novelist’s life, to be forced to sit on the sidelines.

Along comes the ITW, enlisting the support of its full membership. Today, all across the internet, well over 300 bloggers, including writers Jennifer Weiner and Neil Gaiman, will be getting the word out about Patry Francis and her novel, The Liar’s Diary. There’s an article about the group effort here.

Here’s the book description from the publisher:

When new music teacher Ali Mather enters Jeanne Cross’s quiet suburban life, she brings a jolt of energy that Jeanne never expected. Ali has a magnetic personality and looks to match, drawing attention from all quarters. Nonetheless, Jeanne and Ali develop a friendship based on their mutual vulnerabilities The Liar’s Diary is the story of Ali and Jeanne’s friendship, and the secrets they both keep.

Jeanne’s secrets are kept to herself; like her son’s poor report card and husband’s lack of interest in their marriage. Ali’s secrets are kept in her diary, which holds the key to something dark: her fear that someone has been entering her house when she is not at home. While their secrets bring Jeanne and Ali together, it is this secret that will drive them apart. Jeanne finds herself torn between her family and her dear friend in order to protect the people she loves.

A chilling tour of troubled minds, The Liar’s Diary questions just how far you’ll go for your family and what dark truths you’d be willing to admit—even to yourself.

And here’s the book trailer.

So, if you find yourself in a bookstore this week and you’re wondering what to buy, consider picking up a copy of The Liar’s Diary. Why? Why not?

And if you’re in front of the computer with your mouse in hand and wondering what web site to visit, why not check out Patry’s blog.

This is the sort of thing that organizations do to help their members.