Two Writer’s Groups in One Day
Today I have two writer’s groups to attend.
One is here – I joined up with Alex Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writer’s Group Blog Hop. I really appreciate Alex and his support of all writers. He has been a big encouragement to me here in blogland. I’m not quite sure what to share for this bloghop, so I’m going to list my insecurities (in regards to writing).
- No one will like what I write (I think most writers wonder this)
- I don’t know enough
- I’m never going to finish this book!
My second group is the EFW (Eclectic Fiction Writers), we meet the first Wednesday of each month. We have been on hiatus since November, but are starting back today. After much discussion we are taking a new approach. Instead of critiquing each other’s work – we are going to do mini-workshops to help strengthen our writing instead. An interesting note – I went to hear Kim Edwards speak (author of The Memory Keeper’s Daughter) last week and she said she doesn’t let anyone read her work until she sends it to her agent. I’m not sure I’d go that far, but I do think there is a balance to keep with critique groups, especially for new writers. I found for myself that I tended to wait for feedback before I really went forward with my writing – because I wasn’t secure enough in my writing yet. This is one reason we are going to do mini-workshops for now, hopefully we will work on our craft together, but focus on writing on our own. Later when we have more to share, we will.
I do believe that support groups (whether in person or online) have great value – and I’m proud to be part of them. Writers – write today! Readers – read today! People – live today!
That's great your group is doing workshops. Sounds like fun.
As long as we don't use our insecurities as a blanket to hide under we will be ok 🙂
That's an awesome idea to do writer workshops at your writers' group. And I'm surprised that Kim Edwards sends her work to her agent first. True, I finish and edit a work most of the time before I send it to my critique partners, but I can't imagine not having them read it first before an agent/editor.
I totally agree. Other writers catch things that the author doesn't. It is difficult to remain objective about one's work when he/she is too close to it. Another set of eyes really helps.
I think the best part about being a writer is that the more we know, the more we can learn. Thanks for sharing! New follower 🙂
Great first post for the IWSP. I feel exactly the same way. Glado to have you on board.
We had a lot of fun today with a writing prompt. We were all amazed at how much we wrote in just 15 minutes.
Thanks for following!
Thanks, it's good to be here!
Our first workshop went well, everyone agreed they liked this format.
I have those fears, too! It's exciting about your writer's group. Have fun and good luck!
Between your post and kind comment I'm feeling really inspired. Thank you!
You're welcome – enjoy today!
You know as much as I do – write away!
You are too kind, but I love that about you!
That list so resonates! Critique groups are worthy for new or aspiring writers as opposed to established writers. Enjoy the workshops. Your group sounds like fun!
I think that all writers have felt these insecurities at some stage… btw I found your blog through the IWSG.
Happy writing & enjoy your group workshops…
I think your list is true: Not everyone will like my book. I don't know enough yet but by the end I'll know a lot more. It's taking way longer to finish than I expected.
The way I look at it is if I like what I write, someone else will too! And for the second point, that's what imagination is for 🙂
Allison (Geek Banter)
Those are such universal insecurities, Shiela. I hope it feels better to be open about it and get the wonderful support blogland offers.
Thanks so much for dropping by and commenting. You made it easy for me to do the same, and it's great to connect through the IWSG.
I'm right there with you on those insecurities. What separates you from most is that you don't let that stop you.
Welcome to the group! I try to connect with a few new members every month and now I'm you newest follower! I love this group!!
As for writing, I just write until I'm done, then I revise. Then, over, one by one with revisions in between, I send it out to a ton of critique partners. it gets better and better every time. I love my CPs!!
Thanks for this Sheila! I've been visiting Alex's blog. It's really encouraging and sometimes funny. I need to get back to my writing as well. But I have all the same insecurities. I may just try some of the blogs you mention.
I think the fear that no one will like what we write is a pretty constant one, even when our crits clearly like what we've written. 🙂