Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Benefits of being in a Writer's Group...


Well today I had a lil bit of sunshine in my cloudy days. For those of you who don't know I'm actually currently in a Writer's Group in a local library to help me write my stories. I always wrote small lil stories or wrote in a diary but when the opportunity to join a Writer's Group came up, I ran for it. Basically we write 5-6 pages of our stories, submit it to the group email where the members can read it before the meeting, & then in the meeting we discuss the pieces. It's been more rewarding then I can describe.

One of my problems with writing, which I sometimes fear in this blog, is that somehow I don't get my point across properly. I mean I know what I want to say in my head but making sure I say it clear enough that people can follow & understand it is what I need help on in the group. My major piece is a Zombie Novel. I'm hoping that a panel of people who don't know me personally can pick up on what I'm trying to write. So far...it's been an absolute success.


Now...Information for You Readers that might Help you out!

This week's Writer's Group meeting was a special workshop entitled: "Writing for Local Publications Workshop" staring author Tom Reily & publisher Phil Bunton. Yes, the workshop was mainly about writing articles for magazines & newspapers but I learned so much more tonight.

1.) Article writing is a good way to write a short piece that might have some financial benefits & there is tons of jobs for article writers on career builder or craigs list.

2.)www.publishamerica.com is a website where you can self-publish your novel. They will bind it for you, make copies, let you pick cover art & have deals on selling you copies of it. It's an easy way to make your novel official.

3.)Find something you know a lil about, research it, then write about it. This way you already have an interest so it might motivate you to keep at it.

4.)Keep writing...Even if its a laundry list. Write as much as you can so you are always writing.

5.)Be prepared for negative criticism & rejection. He couldn't stress more how important it is to keep on going...

Keep on writing...Keep on going each day. That's what I'm doing. I'm going to keep writing & keep going. One day at a time. I recommend finding a Writer's Group if you can in your local library if you have the interest. It has helped me & I can't wait for next's months meeting. =)

I'm trying to keep myself busy & this week is just what the doctor ordered. Thank you everyone for your comments. I need the support & I thank all of you.

20 comments:

Simon said...

Sorry. I blacked out after 'zombie'. If you do not finish this zombie novel, and do not immediately make it available in some medium, shit's gonna get real, okay?

Zombies...

Jennifer Fabulous said...

Thanks for the awesome writing tips! I'm so happy things are going well for you in the writing group. :)

Claire Kiefer said...

You are absolutely right! I did an MFA in Creative Writing, during which I wrote constantly of course, it was hard to keep motivated after I finished grad school . . . but now I have a small writers' group (poets) that meets on Wednesday nights for dinner, wine, and poetry, and it is really the highlight of my week. :)

noone said...

writing is such a cure for me! And thanks for your writing tips <3

Karena said...

Melanie, great tips, and I think it is like painting at Open Studio with others;there really is a synergy about it!

Karena
Art by Karena

Same Sweet Girl: Memoir of a Southern Belle said...

Thanks for the tips!!! A writers group sounds like so much fun!! :)

Nitin said...

you know mel. you are soo great at this. what is it that makes you want a zombie novel sooo much. it always bothered me ? why?

Sugar said...

Thanks for the great tips, I just joined an online group myself, so not sure what to expect, but I'm excited! thanks dear :)

Anonymous said...

Melanie, thanks for the kind words of encouragement!! bless you! -Tracie

Sadako said...

Glad it's going well for you--and I hope also read your zombie novel one day.

Children of the 90s said...

These are great tips! The "write every day, no matter what" mantra is what got me started. I was not so prepared for the negative criticism, but I got used to it. I don't like everything I read either, and I understand some people were born without a sense of humor. I'm pretty sure it's genetic.

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

I'm more a visual person, but the tip may apply as well! Thanks Melanie!!
xo

tess said...

good tips, I really need to remind myself that ANY bit of writing I do is important

Heather Taylor said...

I thoroughly enjoyed this post and hearing about publishamerica! I've done workshops before and they've always been very helpful with great feedback. Keep on writing and hopefully soon, we'll get to read some of excerpts from this zombie novel!

Little Ms Blogger said...

Came across this and thought you'd appreciate: http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/05/writing-wisdom-from-dave-cullen.html

Donna McDine said...

Hi Melanie...wonderful blog! I'm in awe of your amount of followers and commentors. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to seeing you at our next writer's meeting.

Warm regards,
Donna

Write What Inspires You Blog

Couture Carrie said...

Awesome post and advice, darling!

Love #4 especially!

xoxox,
CC

Melissa Blake said...

ahhh, such great tips! Thanks!

Tuesdai Noelle said...

Hey Mel :)

Thanks for the writing tips, they're helpful :) I'm one to STAY prepared for criticism and rejection...I think that's really what makes a writer stronger and wiser. And still rooting & prayin' for you.......only great things you should except, only GREAT THINGS!

Have a lovely day :) btw, do watch "All About Eve" it's a GREAT classic, you won't be disappointed!

Amanda said...

Awesome tips! I really need to find a writing group in my area....

Good luck on your novel! I want to read it when it's done :)

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