When you read your story, does it sound off, maybe you can’t quite put your finger on it, but you know you’ve done something wrong? Sometimes–maybe even lots of times–there are simple fixes. These writer’s tips will come at you once a week, giving you plenty of time to go through your story and make the adjustments.
Today’s tip: Join a writer’s community.
In this internet age, it’s not as hard as it used to be to find a writer’s critique group. Try:
- a bookstore
- the local library
- Goodreads under that category
- the local community college
- Online
I found mine through the local bookstore.
Here’s what’s important: Find one with writers whose work you like and who are supportive of each other. Lurk and learn by reading their comments and critiques until you are ready to write. Many agents want to know your work has been edited before they look at it. A writer’s group will get you started without spending the hundreds it will cost to have a mss professionally edited. They’ll get you close before the pros take over.
–Click to have Writer’s Tips delivered to your email box
Jacqui Murray is the author of Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, Cisco guest blog, Technology in Education featured blogger, IMS tech expert, and a bi-weekly contributor to Write Anything. In her free time, she is editor of a K-6 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, creator of two technology training books for middle school and six ebooks on technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com and TeachHUB, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, Cisco guest blog,Technology in Education featured blogger, IMS tech expert, and a bi-monthly contributor to Today’s Author. In her free time, she is the editor of a K-8 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum, and creator of technology training books for how to integrate technology in education. Currently, she’s editing a thriller that should be out to publishers next summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
A good writing group is Gold. I had one a few years ago, and still miss it — trying to recreate that magic with my present one.
By: Damyanti on November 12, 2012
at 1:55 am
So true. Many of the members of my group are there just to critique, not necessarily submit. Makes for interesting dynamics.
By: Jacqui Murray on November 12, 2012
at 7:55 am
Jacque, you’re so right about the importance of a good writing group. I used to belong to an excellent group, but then I moved out of the area. I’d love to find another one, but there isn’t one here. Yet. Maybe I’ll start my own. I do know that I don’t write nearly as much without the encouragement and enery of a group. Thanks.
By: Nanette on November 12, 2012
at 8:39 am
Hehe… They were (are) wonderful, t’is true. I think you could start a group out there. You and Phil–that’s the seed.
Love your last post. It made me sad but happy for Charlene
By: Jacqui Murray on November 13, 2012
at 7:25 am
I used to belong to a lovely writer’s group and then I moved 12 years ago and haven’t been able to find a good one since. Luckily I’m moving back to the same area again and now I’m really looking forward to getting back into the groove with them!
By: diannegray on November 13, 2012
at 12:10 am
I’m so happy for you. My current group–I’ve been with them for almost ten years–and I still feel like the New Girl. There are times when we beg for submittals because no one is writing and other times when we’re buried.
So fun.
By: Jacqui Murray on November 13, 2012
at 7:27 am
You know Jacqui, I discovered your blog by sheer luck and will I ever look back! Never. And in such a short time I’ve received a couple of best-ever writing advices from you that have/will have changed my writing habits. So, thank you. Additionally, what a fantastic review/critique I had [not the quality of my story but the quality of the editing] from another great novelist I met on your blog last week [see my comments on your last posting].I never had such a detailed critique even from my University professor [he's really busy with his own writing]. This story is now really looking much better and proud of it – thanks to Anna.
I will have the second part of the follow-up story ready in a week’s time. Would any of you be able to critique/edit the story for further refinement for me please? No offence for asking and no offence for saying no. Arun
By: arundebnath on November 13, 2012
at 9:50 am
That’s the community, Arun. The challenge is replicating that experience in the real world when we’re all over the planet!
By: Jacqui Murray on November 14, 2012
at 5:53 pm
I joined quite a few groups over the years, but then people moved on or lost interest. I’m thinking of joining one in my neighborhood again… They are a terrific resource.
By: eof737 on November 17, 2012
at 7:49 pm
They are a wonderful resource. Just being around like-minded souls is wonderful, even when I have nothing to submit.
By: Jacqui Murray on November 24, 2012
at 4:59 pm