McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft
On-line writers groups
dawnsister:
I know that Diana Gabaldon is involved in an online writing group, she is one of my fav authors.
http://www.its.caltech.edu/~gatti/gabaldon/fun/links.html
Also, I know someone, I've posted about her before but she used to be in publishing and has a website on the industry and self marketing and such. She's pretty witty and there's commenting back from readers. I like it because it's a good look at the all sides of writing and different issues involved.
http://www.thepublishingcontrarian.com/
Spicy:
I'm in the process of setting up a writer's forum. My intention is to make it available for small groups of writers in whatever genre to create and share techniques with each other. Still in formative stage, but if I get off the pot, it may be up by August 1st. If anyone is interested I'll provide the info when ready.
I had my own Workshop in my kitchen for ten years and the personal, face-to-face contact is difficult to give up. But I've discovered that people are not as willing to take personal time away from their routines as much today. So I participated in several writer's classes on-line, and found the feedback to be very helpful, both from the instructors and the students. I agree that the anonymity seems to empower people to speak their thoughts much more openly, so you have to have tough skin in some cases.
S
Kali:
I think the biggest advantage to online writer's groups IS time management. Trying to get five or six people together in one spot is not an easy task these days, especially if the people in question have kids. Schedules are just too tight. Online groups mean people can participate whenever they have a spare minute in their day.
That said, I'm not big on them. I read for fun and I write for fun. Reading for a purpose (to critique) generally means I don't really enjoy it; reading should never resemble a job for me. And almost by definition, the stories aren't that good. The authors are asking for help to polish them, acknowledging that the story needs help. I have so much to read that IS good, I find it painful to slog through bad stuff. If it were just a bad story in a magazine or a book, I'd be free to put it down and walk away. In a critique group, the whole point is to read and give helpful tips. I can't do it. I've tried.
Also, you can run into the people who submit because they want the ego boost. They want to be told their work is sunshine and roses, and the least little bit of criticism results in temper tantrums that would make a two-year-old blush. Or worse, criticism given in the most mild and helpful form sends the author into a pit of despair, and then I just end up feeling like I'm a puppy-kicker. "I really liked your pacing; you've got a great grasp of how to keep a story moving! One thing you might want to consider, though, is whether or not your main character should have such an easy time overcoming all their obstacles." "Thank you for letting me know. You're right. I've burned the story, and am withdrawing from the group. I suck." Oi.
weever:
I would be totally open to trying an online writing group. I'm currently participating in a writing group that meets in person every other week (if we can make it). It's been helpful so far, but I find that not all of us have the same self-motivation. It's almost like it's turned into more of a social gathering of sorts.
I have to admit, I wouldn't be great at coordinating such a group. However, if someone was willing to get one started, they could count me on board.
Dayna Barter:
I belong to the Online Writers Workshop for sci-fi/fantasy. I only signed up recently, but just the act of critiquing other authors' works is helpful in and of itself. I haven't posted any work of my own for critique yet, so I can't speak to that experience, but based on the reviews of others' work, it looks very helpful. Several of the critiques are very comprehensive.
--- Quote from: Mickey Finn on June 26, 2006, 03:19:25 PM ---*waiting for someone to suggest a writer's group being formed from these boards*
--- End quote ---
<g> Well hey, that wouldn't suck. ;D
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