“The OED defines a guild as ‘an organization formed for the mutual aid and protection of its members, or for the furtherance of some common purpose… a company, a fellowship.’
“About right – though this definition would also fit the Mafia (at least until ‘common purpose’ is defined!)
“It’s often said that writing is a lonely business, and it is no lonelier than for a solitary author seeking to protect – and earn from – his or her work, in the face of people and organisations which want the ‘product’ but aren’t always prepared to play fair, or pay fairly, to get it.
“That’s why I am a WGGB member. I’m fortunate that I’ve never yet had to call on their support, but I know it’s there should I ever need it.
“And perhaps more importantly, others know it too. It might not have the cachet of a Soprano or a Corleone, but the WGGB name means something.”
