Today I want to give a shout-out to fellow writers participating in Thursday's Children. Writing can be a lonely journey, as I'm sure many of you will agree.
I haven't been among the fortunate few that have friends, acquaintances, and fellow writers lining up to read my drafts. I've seen writer's acknowledgement pages thanking almost 100 people for their input (I counted)--and I think: how in heck did they get that many people to read a WIP? It can be a tough sell.
So what's the happy medium? We all need feedback and editing. Other eyes can help us see the inconsistencies, lack of tension, plot holes, and redundancy that books can suffer from. Not to mention the missing words or wrong word choice (thank you, spell check). I always spot those things AFTER I hit send, don't you?
I've been leery of local writers' groups, although I've been urged to join one or two. I'm sure some groups are great but it's a magical, rare thing, don't you agree--finding people who understand your work and provide constructive criticism. So until recently, I've had only a few trusted souls read my work.
Networking with writers through the internet has transformed my solitary landscape. I've been part of Verla Kay's blueboards for a couple of years and have found much support as well as industry opportunities. There I learned about contests (notably Brenda Drake's) and during Pitch Madness, I had the privilege of mentoring three writers. The next step was joining Twitter, since a lot of the contest action happens in that venue. Due to all these connections, I've made some wonderful writer friends who understand the journey. It's fabulous fun to learn about their work and root for their success. So now, when I finish my current WIP, I have three critique partners lined up. Yay! The pressure is off my dear husband, who edits for me.
My icing on the cake is joining the Thursday's Children blog hop, where I get to connect with a delightfully diverse group of writers. Their posts are funny, insightful, educational, thought-provoking and yes--inspiring.
Cheers to the Thursday's Children gang!
10 comments:
I'm glad you're enjoying Thursday's Children :) It took me a while to find out about online writers' groups, but once I found out, it's made a huge difference in my writing. I've learned so much from CPing and beta readers/reading. I haven't joined any local groups either, it's partly a schedule thing and partly the same concerns you voiced.
I agree--blog hops are wonderful ways to connect with other writers, and discover we share many of the same joys and angsty emotion.
I'm a big fan of critique partners and blog hops. It's great to connect with others.
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Thanks for the shoutout! =D xoxo I'm so glad to be a Thursdays Child, too. I've participated in three local writing groups, not to mention a program at my university when I was in school, and I personally find my online writing community more helpful than my local one. For many reasons.
I must admit I was doubtful I would make any real connections online, but a year in and I'm also enjoying a supportive community of likeminded writing friends.
Although I do participate in a couple of writing groups, finding people who write in your genre, and have the same goals is pretty hard.
Awesome! We're happy to have you here. You're write, it can be really hard to find great CP's who "get" your work and can give good, constructive criticism. Glad that you've found what you needed.
And remember... Thursday's Children will always be here!
Yay, for Thursday's Children. An awesome bunch. I agree--would one need or want soooo many beta readers? I have a lovely group of 24. But have only used 3-4 at a time per project. (btw. I'm on phone, in mountains and glitching like mad) I have a writing friend who says her writing group is brutal and cut throat. Eeww! No thanks. See you in twitterverse & TC. :)
I should clarify. My writing group is online. #mgbetareaders
And my friend's is in NYC --where they meet in person. Mine is awesome. Hers makes me sad. LOl.
So love comments! Thanks.
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