Why join a writer's group? From my perspective, the experience can be very beneficial. Advice can be heard from other writers in the group, but there is more than this. You have the opportunity to share the stories of others in the group, what they're saying and how they're saying it. The members of the groups are writers, too. You hope they're as serious about it as you are, and you can learn from each other. I've been a member of a few writer's groups, and this is my hope. Some may not be. The more quickly this becomes apparent, your decision to stay with the group may be made clear.
Don't be too hasty to leave, you may be missing an even greater opportunity. Perhaps you're who they're looking for, and this is reason enough to stick it out.
If you want something from any group you might join, you could do a little research. You may wish to attend a meeting, or two, to find out if it meets your needs. This is a good time to ask questions. What does everyone write? What can you expect from the group? What might they expect from you? Is there ample time for discussion? What about publishing? These are some of the things you may wish to know. Let them know you're interested. By asking questions of this type, you're letting the group know you're serious about joining then, and about the writing you do. A serious writer's group makes for a good writer's group. For everyone involved.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Listening To Advice
Should we, as writers, listen to the advice of others? Depending on who those others are, the benefits of doing so could be great. The advice found in writing groups can be helpful, even very helpful. I feel it is intended to be. The writer bringing his, or her, story before such a group should listen attentively. They are writers, seeking the same from you. Listen, but with a critical ear. It's okay to disagree. Your story is your own, and this is the perfect time to discuss it. But listen. Some in these groups may be more practiced and knowledgeable about writing than you are. They may be published, and what they say could prove invaluable. Some may just be "joiners," and are happy to direct their comments to you rather than your story. In the end, listen, but listen with care. When it's your chance to give advice, do so to help, not to hurt. We're all writers, who are all all seeking the same things.
If you're seeking editing advice, especially form a professional editor, that's when you should step up your listening. Editing can help you see things you may have missed, and can help you tighten your story and can open yourself to suggestions that will make it more readable. An editor will look at your story objectively, and this may just what you need. In addition to the above, listening to advice you may give yourself is, I think, greatly worthwhile. I subscribe strongly to the practice of self-editing. This should not be taken lightly, though. Editing yourself is not easy. You may not want to edit your own work, and think your story doesn't need any editing, especially from yourself. An outside editor may appreciate the work you do to turn your story into something good. What might be helpful to you may be making your story one you'd be interested in reading. The care you give your story might go a long way in showing your professionalism, and that cannot be a bad thing. Write, yes, but do take and listen to advice. It could be what you need.
You've listened well. Now what? Acting on what you've heard would be something you can do. Remember that deciding not to act is itself an action. If you are well aware of your capabilities, and are full of self-confidence, perhaps you might try this non-action is action route. You can take, or discard, the advice you've heard. Can you decide if the advice you hear is helpful or not? If asked, can you give good advice to others? Whatever you do, it's your decision. This is, I think, is as it should be.
Should we, as writers, listen to the advice of others? Depending on who those others are, the benefits of doing so could be great. The advice found in writing groups can be helpful, even very helpful. I feel it is intended to be. The writer bringing his, or her, story before such a group should listen attentively. They are writers, seeking the same from you. Listen, but with a critical ear. It's okay to disagree. Your story is your own, and this is the perfect time to discuss it. But listen. Some in these groups may be more practiced and knowledgeable about writing than you are. They may be published, and what they say could prove invaluable. Some may just be "joiners," and are happy to direct their comments to you rather than your story. In the end, listen, but listen with care. When it's your chance to give advice, do so to help, not to hurt. We're all writers, who are all all seeking the same things.
If you're seeking editing advice, especially form a professional editor, that's when you should step up your listening. Editing can help you see things you may have missed, and can help you tighten your story and can open yourself to suggestions that will make it more readable. An editor will look at your story objectively, and this may just what you need. In addition to the above, listening to advice you may give yourself is, I think, greatly worthwhile. I subscribe strongly to the practice of self-editing. This should not be taken lightly, though. Editing yourself is not easy. You may not want to edit your own work, and think your story doesn't need any editing, especially from yourself. An outside editor may appreciate the work you do to turn your story into something good. What might be helpful to you may be making your story one you'd be interested in reading. The care you give your story might go a long way in showing your professionalism, and that cannot be a bad thing. Write, yes, but do take and listen to advice. It could be what you need.
You've listened well. Now what? Acting on what you've heard would be something you can do. Remember that deciding not to act is itself an action. If you are well aware of your capabilities, and are full of self-confidence, perhaps you might try this non-action is action route. You can take, or discard, the advice you've heard. Can you decide if the advice you hear is helpful or not? If asked, can you give good advice to others? Whatever you do, it's your decision. This is, I think, is as it should be.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
A Little About This Blog
In stating my preference for the short story, I am not trying to make any judgement call, other than to say this is where my interest lies. I've experimented with writing other forms, but these experiments didn't last long. I found short stories were where where I should be, and where I should stay. Short stories and longer forms do share things things in common. Good writing, believable characters, telling an interesting story, are just some of these things.
I offer, in this blog, some things I've learned in my years of writing. I wish to share and to discuss. Because this is my intention, any comments or suggestions will be appreciated. So, I invite you to read what's here.
FJM
I offer, in this blog, some things I've learned in my years of writing. I wish to share and to discuss. Because this is my intention, any comments or suggestions will be appreciated. So, I invite you to read what's here.
FJM
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