Writers Together Flourish!

Writing can be an exciting pastime but a daunting career. There is the constant struggle to mold characters, enhance plot, and deal with concerns like theme, pacing, and arcs. Does it all flow together? Have you read it so often it's just an incomprehensible mishmash?

You don't have to do it alone. Find a critique group--other writers who understand the process and are willing to read and analyze your work.

You can find groups online or in person. Many writing communities offer opportunities for authors to get together. For instance, Sisters in Crime, and Romance Writers of America 

have subgroups that offer critique opportunities. Or you can search the internet.

If you want to meet in person, Google "writing critique groups" in your area or go to Meetup.

I started with an online group who's members were patient, kind and nurturing. When that group disbanded, I thought I knew everything about writing and entered an online auction, paying for an agent’s critique. I fully expected to become her client. I’m forever grateful. She kindly disabused me of my fantasy. Her critiques included backstory, head-hopping, no plot catalyst, and no stakes! I looked for another group. 

Using Meetup I met four diverse writers who became good friends.  Together, we improved my writing, and I published a short story.

When I moved to Florida, I used the Net to find a phenomenal new group, whose in-depth critiques helped me refine my technique and get a better grasp of my work. 

Constructing a story is an art. Thanks to my peers, I've learned to weave the strands together using economy of words, active voice, and tension.

Even though writing is a solitary profession, we don't have to isolate ourselves. Sharing ideas with a trusted cadre will not only enhance your skills, but present you with important new friends.

If you don’t have a writing group now, I recommend you find one soon.

Remember, Keep Writing!

THE MOVE!

Whew! I have a moment to breathe. My husband and I are in the

middle of a move from MA to FL. It’s been crazy! Picture a little blue Prius with a black canvas rooftop carrier and two stressed individuals scanning the road for turnoffs. In the back, you can see the seat folded down to accommodate a large black animal carrier, dishes for food and water, and a box with kitty litter. Wait a minute. Where are the kitties? If you stretch your imagination just a bit, you can hear the sound of two terrified felines mewling underneath my seat.

The trip lasted eight days, five of which were spent trying to drag the cats back and forth from the car, a tricky exercise at best. At the very beginning, not 15 minutes into the 1400 mile event, we discovered we were missing one cat. On the last day, that same cat, Sammy, dug his claws in. almost taking out the rug under the bed. They were not happy campers, although they now seem content in the place we rented. Of course we haven’t told them that it’s only temporary. Hopefully, Sammy (color of midnight) and Jasper (our Maine Coon boy) will survive one more

trip.

We’re presently in limbo, living between two places. A break in unpacking at our new house gives me time to squeeze in some much-needed writing time. One of my first Florida purchases was a new desk, and here I sit. It feels good to relax and write for a bit. All alone. Not even the cats. Mmm.

My mind has been in turmoil with all we have to do for this relocation, but one day at a time we are getting things done. As I prepare to write this, just me and my laptop, I feel a little lost. My buds, my pals, my trusted friends—the people who make up my writing group are back in Massachusetts. No more cozy discussions on Friday night at Barnes and Noble. No more brainstorming plot, character arc, motivation. No more caring critiques. Okay, we can still email, but it won’t be the same. How am I ever going to find a new writing group? It hurts to think about it.

So, the move to Florida has been tough, but, did I mention the heat? No more snow! I love the swimming pool, and there’s plenty of room for me to ride my bike (no hills). We’re both retired now, so no deadlines. We’ve met quite a few really nice people, and we love our new home. That brings me back to being able to breathe.

Right now, I’m looking out the window in my soon-to-be office. The fan that’s whirring above my head feels heavenly, and the view fills me with comfort. I can feel my Muse grinning. 

Time to write.

A Writing Conference Tale

Morning Coffee

The fireplace flickers as I tuck myself into a comfortable chair. I open my laptop and get ready. The 2014 New England Chapter of Romance Writers of America conference has begun.

Excited flutters tickle my spine as I watch each conference patron arrive in the lobby. I turn to my friend Dianne, sitting beside me, with a giggle. She responds with a huge smile.

This is my third RWA conference, Dianne's second. This year, two others from our writing group will join us, Lisa and Rachel. As the noise level increases, I give up on typing and play the game of trying to recognize acquaintances from former years.

This conference is shorter than most but packs an awesome punch. The registration includes an eight-minute session with an agent or an editor who has read a blurb about your book and five pages of your work. I have high hopes.

Lisa and Rachel arrive and my excitement ramps up a notch. Knowing the workshops will begin shortly, we sit down and hash over which ones we want to take. Buoyed by excited anticipation, I start the conference journey.

Lisa, Me, Dianne, Rachel

At the end of each class I meet with my cronies and we discuss the valuable information we've received. One of the things I love about these events, is the easy camaraderie with other writers. 

During dinner, I introduce myself to others at the table and exchange business cards. I listen to the speaker, Bella Andrade, who's left a book on each of our seats. A wildly successful author, she gives us inspiration and motivation.

It's the end of the first day. I head off with my friends to a quiet corner to discuss our experiences. We share valuable nuggets gleaned from the workshops, and pass along funny people stories.  I love how our group bands together to help each single person. 

Later, my roommate and I discuss our pitch strategies in our p.j.s. As we talk our stories out, my fear lessens. I can't believe it when I see 11:30 on the clock. I'll never get up at 6:00 a.m. 

Surprise! Nervous energy wakes me up before the alarm. My editor session isn't until 10:40 this morning, but I'm already breathing too fast. Breakfast seems noisier than the previous dinner. Anxiety hovers over each table. We all want to sell our work.

I volunteer to help out at the Editor and Agent appointments, an effort that quiets my nerves. I'm too busy to worry. A little wave of sheer terror does envelop me, though, as I sit in front of the editor, and, by the time I finish giving her the gist of my story, my throat needs water.

I hold my breath, waiting. She smiles and asks me for a synopsis and three chapters. YIPPEE!

My friend Dianne walks out looking shell-shocked. She has a request for a synopsis, her WHOLE book, and an overview of her series. WOW!

The news is so enervating that I'm ready to use it as an introduction to the story I'd like to write, "How I Sold My First Book". What the heck. I'm in a positive mood.

Is there a moral to this story? I've got two. "Never Give Up" and "Writing Conferences Work!"

Ready to Query?

I've been asking myself that question for months. Am I ready to query? Well, if I want to be published, I figure I’m probably going to have to do something other than pray.

The answer to the query question isn't easy. Although my book is great (you’ll love it), I’m still doing some in-depth editing. But, what difference does that make?  I could still send out query letters. Right?

I could. But, what if by some miracle, I get a reply asking me for the whole thing? What do I do? Do I send my baby out before it’s ready? Do I take a chance that the editor or agent will gloss over any mistakes or inconsistencies because my writing is so incredible?

Wait a minute. If someone wanted my work, I could always throw myself into an insane editing marathon and hope that everything would somehow end up being perfect. Right?

Yeah, right. My life would be a mess, not to mention what a manuscript, edited by a bleary-eyed lunatic, would look like. No, no editing marathon.  Much better to work on my masterpiece until it’s ready for the firing squad. Also, this way, I’d have less chance of cultivating an ulcer.

Although my work isn't quite ready for querying, it is close. And, I know that writing a query letter is extremely difficult. The process has been known to demoralize even the most confident writer. Therefore, I wouldn't attempt it alone. Especially since my confidence can be iffy. I tend to moan while waiting in line to pitch my book.

There are many sites where you can find excellent instruction about how to query. Here are three I like:

AgentQueryPage

HuffingtonPost

WritersDigestQueryLetters

Since I've read a lot of these articles, I've learned how to query. Right?

I'm sure you guessed the answer. No. I’m still in novice land. What I need, what a lot of writers need, is feedback, someone to read my pitiful query attempts and point out the problems. Where do you find someone like that?

One venue is a writing group. A good writing group will have members who’ll give you an honest critique. If they've had any experience writing query letters, their help can be invaluable. Often, however, group members’ experience with query letters is spotty. And, what if you don’t have a writing group? If you're not part of a writing group, my advice is to search for one. I have an online critique group through the Sisters in Crime Guppies subgroup and a physical writing group near my home.

Another really good option to solve your query concerns is to find an online workshop where you can get feedback on your letter. You’ll find them advertised through writing forums from time to time. I’m considering taking one next week from Savvy Authors. Savvy'sQueryWorkshop

It’s inexpensive, looks to be thorough, and, best of all, it provides feedback on your efforts. 

Once I have my query letter tucked in my back pocket, I can get back to editing. By the time I’m ready to rock some agent or editor’s world, my query letter will be ready. 

Bestseller lists, here I come!