Online Writing Forums at TheNextBigWriter

lisa · 03-02-2006 08:51:59

Hey! don't forget me! I'm still interested in participating in this club if you'll have me as a member.

(then of course once you want me I probably won't want to be a member anymore a la Groucho Marx -- just kidding).

jennifer · 03-02-2006 09:01:29

Yay. Ok. Pick a book. Any book. Ivey, you've probably read the most. Any ideas?

IveyBanks · 03-02-2006 09:30:52

Hmmmmmm...

Well it seems we should focus on FINISHED novels because then the reviews can be complete. PLUS the ending is almost always the hardest part for the writer, and the part they often agonize over 'getting right' even more than the opening pages. So we could *REALLY* help people know how their endings worked for us. I know of only a few finished ones:

Nancy Boy
Little Girl Lost
Fallen
Broken Sparrows: The Keeper of the Sparrows
Feels Like Home
Broken Sparrows: The Eaglet

I think Roisin is close to finishing Willow Tree too.

They're all great books, I think. I've read them all, so can't participate in the chapter-by-chapter but would love the opportunity to talk about them.

I think we should start with Feels Like Home. This was your great idea. Plus you'll be patient with us while we struggle through our technique for this first one. Maybe then we could move on to Nancy Boy and then Little Girl Lost?

jennifer · 03-02-2006 09:38:46

I'm just vain enough- and needy enough- to agree with you. I'd really like to know how Feels Like Home works on an overall level. Strengths, weaknesses. If it's okay with everyone else, that is. And as long as y'all promise not to pull punches with me. Give it to me straight. I can handle it. I want, CRAVE honesty, people.

IveyBanks · 03-02-2006 10:34:14

It would be great fun to sit around talking about Feels Like Home!!!!

Maybe we could try talking about chapters in batches of like 10 at a time, 'til we get to the end and do the final wrap-up. Whatcha think?

jennifer · 03-02-2006 18:42:52

Works for me. Everyone else okay with it?

knighthawk · 03-04-2006 17:30:27

I'm in!

knighthawk · 03-04-2006 17:32:08

Little scared of what you mean by ten at a time though.

Also, Jennifer, please tell us what you are looking for in a review and what you aren't looking for so we can be as effective as possible.

Thanks!

Annie · 03-04-2006 17:45:36

Can I play?

IveyBanks · 03-04-2006 18:15:15

Annie, it wouldn't be the same without you.

LOL Knighthawk I was thinkin' maybe just to talk about chapters in batches. My thought was maybe 10 chapters every couple weeks, but if that's too much then we could do 5, 4, whatever.

Annie · 03-04-2006 18:20:19

sounds like fun- when do we start?

jennifer · 03-04-2006 18:55:45

Knighthawk, in answer to your question, I'm looking for ANY kind of feedback. Characters, storyline, plot points, grammar, dialogue... You name it, I'd like to hear it. Let me have it, guys. I'm ready.

Oh, and Yay!! Annie's in!

Selah Cooper-Holl · 03-04-2006 20:06:25

[scuffing toe in sand... ] can I be in?

jennifer · 03-04-2006 20:20:25

YAY!! Absolutely! Guys, we got Selah!

IveyBanks · 03-04-2006 20:25:57

Welllll it's Saturday now. Barely, any more. How bout we shoot for the first virtual get-together next weekend? Focus on the first few chapters?

Selah Cooper-Holl · 03-04-2006 20:35:42

This will be my first time - Should we read ahead and make notes? Jennifer says she is looking for any and all feedback. What sort of format? Time? Place? What should I wear???

jennifer · 03-04-2006 20:40:19

Cool. Be brutal, folks.

Selah Cooper-Holl · 03-04-2006 20:58:14

Brutal is not my style. My strengths are finding continuity problems and I am AR about verifying words in Merriam-Webster. I see symbolism and will note the 'floral red skirt' - it had better be there three times.

Elle would be the grammar guru so I would only offer my .02 worth. My Strunk and White sit by my side. I see repetitive word patterns. I see - visualize movement problems ala six foot long arms.

I think you are looking for an overview. You saw my 'outline' prototype. I can give you that sort of info overview. That said, I cannot promise I will comprehend the genre. I mean, you might have to smack me twice with the reality ruler - IN ROMANCE NO-ONE EVER HAS MORNING BREATH!!!

Annie · 03-04-2006 21:05:17

Oh, man I work weekends, every weekend, 12 hours both days- boo hoo.

IveyBanks · 03-04-2006 21:40:44

well we can do it another day!

what day works?

jennifer · 03-04-2006 21:50:17

Yeah, I'm good any days, except for Monday and Wednesday evenings, until about 9 or so. Other than that, I'm always home, and usually online.

Selah Cooper-Holl · 03-04-2006 21:52:17

I am not available this Thursday. Other than that. MY schedule belongs to you. Y'all with little kiddles take precedence.

Annie · 03-05-2006 02:34:42

During the week works for me, I'm permanent weekends. yeah that sucks as bad as it sounds.

lisa · 03-05-2006 08:21:41

In general, during the week works best for me too, but my schedule is different every day. Do we all have to be on-line at the same time for this? or are we going to post a question about the work and then have everyone post answers at their convenience? Any ideas on how to format our book club with many conflicting schedules, without a "chat room" or instant message-type feature?

Just curious.

jennifer · 03-10-2006 18:47:58

We still on?

#26 03-02-2006 08:51:59

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#27 03-02-2006 09:01:29

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