This is a list a friend and I came up with. I want to put it on the site and share on Facebook but before I do it, I want to get feedback from the site. Is there anything else that should be on here?
10. You have a book you stop and start about every other month.
9. You'd be ecstatic if someone actually read and enjoyed the draft you are writing. Feedback is a huge bonus.
8. You'd like to meet other people from around the world who share a similar passion.
7. You enjoy reading the drafts of other writers and helping them perfect their work.
6. You get a new story idea every other day but haven't been motivated enough to turn them into anything.
5. You'd like to know how to improve your writing, before you publish it.
4. You'd like to meet other writers but no one in your town reads, never mind writes.
3. You have a drawer or hard drive full of poems or stories that you are too nervous to let anyone read.
2. You're tired of using the Internet just to see where your friends have traveled or eaten and want to use it for something more mind-empowering.
1. Your spouse hides under the covers whenever you ask them to read your writing.
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Regular reviews are a general comments about the work read. Provide comments on plot, character development, description, etc.
In-line reviews allow you to provide in-context comments to what you have read. You can comment on grammar, word usage, plot, characters, etc.
Hi Sol,
Great list to consider whether to sign up for an online writing workshop. Reviewing the list starting with number 10, I nodded my head at 9, 8, 7, 5, and 4. With 40% I think an online writing workshop is just what I need. Where can I sign up? Many thanks for putting this out there! Randy
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Thanks Randy. I'm glad you can relate.
This list is exactly the reason why I signed up to take the workshop. Nothing like perfecting your writing and there is always something to learn. I agree with each and every one and I love the way you started with number 10 and worked your way back. I am working on Lesson One and recommend a formal class to everyone. There is always something to learn.
Hi Sol
I couldn't agree more with your list. For me, the convenience of an on-line community is the biggest plus - no need to schedule meetings, drive somewhere, bake little cakes for tea, having to organise your life around a weekly scheduled meeting, etc. Yes, interacting with other writers in person would sometimes be easier (it's hard to always bring intent across with the written word), but I feel no guilt if I can't get to a review today. Tomorrow is another day.
The other big advantage to an on-line community is the sheer numbers and variety of feedback i.e. it really limits the possibility of "group think" occurring. Of course, the opposite is also true in that you need to recognise when someone is making suggestions based on their genre and what they know best which may not necessarily be applicable to your genre, but again, this is a skill you learn when reviewing outside your preferred genre - how to recognise different writing styles/genre "rules" and letting it be.
Just my two cents. :) And this site is the best, no question.
Janet
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Thanks Janet!
Hello SoIN. .
Just my added two cents. . .
I like this web site because. . .
1. It's so organized and leads me around to the right places when I'm having a dumb day.
2. The 'need' to write can be fulfilled while still remaining more or less anonymous
3. There seems to be something for everyone, if you look for it.
4. No pressure-we're all still owning our own time.
5. I like your online classes. Very helpful and informing. Thanks.
Hi Sol,
I completely agree with the list that you and your friend created. I was nodding along in agreement for all of them. I just want to say that this website is so helpful to me and my writing, and this list just increased my liking of this website more.
Good job!
Jemma
Not much for me on this list. Reading other works and finding out where they went wrong, then panicking, wondering if I did the same thing would be my #1 on the list..
Getting feedback on your writing is really important. What is in your mind and what is in the reader's minds are vastly different things and you need to be able to translate your thoughts into theirs....a big challenge for any writer.
Absolutely love this! All 10 points are right on, but for me, number 10 hits closest to home. I've been working on my book for almost 30 years. Number 1 is also completely true-to-life. This year, however, I will finish it ... Well, at least that's the current plan ...
Great job!
Author
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Thank you! Good luck finishing the book. I hope we can help you get across the finish line.
Love number 4--and number one
Others' writings prompt me to make an effort to put my thoughts into words--on a page.
Strangers won't lie, unlike friends who think every word you write is a nugget of gold.
Being in a writers' group helps solve the problem of "What can I do to distract myself from work?
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Thanks For for your feedback!
Love number 4--and number one
Others' writings prompt me to make an effort to put my thoughts into words--on a page.
Strangers won't lie, unlike friends who think every word you write is a nugget of gold.
Being in a writers' group helps solve the problem of "What can I do to distract myself from work?
I like lists and this one is aimed straight at writers like me. All ten of the points on the list seem to apply to me! The only thing you didn't address might be related to #4 - there are plenty of other writers around here but none of them are interested in the same type of writing as I am. So even though I might find a critique group, I am faced with critiques from people who don't care for my genre. So perhaps you could reflect that in #4, or perhaps #8? Keep up the good work!
Randall Krzak