Monday, August 16, 2010

Getting Ready to Write: A Special Person


Much of becoming a proficient writer is based upon experience (actually doing the writing) and on learning the craft of writing. However, it is difficult to see our own writing with the same clarity that an outsider can see it. So, there comes a time when we need to seek advice from others.
            Many writers turn to their spouse, lover or best friend. While this person may have our best interests at heart, he or she (unless also a writer) will rarely have the insight we need to make our writing better. So what is a writer to do?
·         Join a writer’s group. Check your local library, check the listings in the Arts and Humanities section of your newspaper, or check the Internet to see if a writer’s group exists in your area. A good writer’s group will consist of at least one or two people who are knowledgeable in the art of writing and who are interested in sharing that knowledge with others. The members of a good writer’s group will be constructive in all criticism, and never sarcastic, egotistical or jealous.
·         Create your own writer’s group. Join up with a couple of your writer friends and meet regularly to review one another’s work. Use the same precautions in creating this group as listed above.
·         Take a Creative Writing class at your local college.
·         Attend as many writer conferences and workshops as possible. Again, pay attention to notices at libraries, art centers and schools for information about upcoming events. Also watch for advertisements in writing magazines or scan the Internet.
·         Submit your writing for a professional edit and critique. Find these services in the classified section of writer magazines or by scanning the Internet for “manuscript critique.” These services most often charge, and the rates can vary greatly. Some things to look for: does the fee include both line-by-line editing and an overview critique? Are follow-up conferences provided? Are references available? What are the qualifications of the provider? Do you feel comfortable with the person?

            In the best of all worlds, every new writer would have a special mentor—someone who is knowledgeable in the art and the craft of writing, someone who has already gone through the growing stages, someone who has a special interest in the new writer, and someone who is willing to encourage, challenge and teach that new writer. Keep your eyes open, and don’t be embarrassed to ask.

On the left sidebar you’ll find numerous recommended writing groups and sites. You’ll also find high quality editors on this blog (namely Darlene and Edie who work hard to teach everyone here the craft).

Have any of you started a writing group, joined a writing group, or are looking for a writing group? Please share your experiences and suggestions with us!

6 comments:

  1. Thanks for posting this, Sandi. You do such a wonderful job of providing guidance and advice to writers. Thank you!

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  2. Thank you for providing this post, Sandy!

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  3. Great post! I didn't have a writers group nearby so a friend I met at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and I started our own. It's been going almost 10 years and has close to 100 members.

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  4. I learned how to write with a group that met every other Saturday for about 5 years, until the leader died and no one else wanted to continue.:( Since then, I'm part of an online group of other published writers that is fantastic. But I miss the face to face interaction.

    I agree, Sandy. After reading and writing, the best way to become a better writer is to join a critique group.

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  5. I love writing groups. I started going to one a few years back and I am so glad I did. I learned so much. They helped me learn how to write and listened to my MG, chapter by chapter, week after week. Their comments were always helpful. But unfortunately, most have lost interest and we haven't met in a long time.

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  6. I twitter Elizabeth S. Craig who recommended this site and I'm glad she did! I follow her site, Mystery Writing is Murder, faithfully as she is "someone who is knowledgeable in the art and the craft of writing, someone who has already gone through the growing stages, someone who has a special interest in the new writer, and someone who is willing to encourage, challenge and teach that new writer". I'm a new writer and I appreciate all the help y'all are willing to share! You now have another follow. Again thanks.

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