Last Years New Year’s Resolutions.

Did you put down your new years resolutions yet?  I had a good look at my new year’s resolutions from last year.  I had different dreams back then.  My intention was to work on my writing platform.  I was to do this in several ways. 
 I started a Blogstory line.  Then posted my short stories in a few places trying to get my name out there.  But I came to the realization that my strengths in writing wasn’t strong enough to continue. 

My blogstory line, while some people read, there wasn’t much feedback  if they liked it or not.  One of my friends loved it and wanted me to continue.  I had others tell me they read and liked it.  I was happy with this, but then ran into a snag.  My conclusion was it wasn’t good enough to spark interest and continue.  I put it on hold until I understand the writing process better.

I took off all the short stories I had in different places.  I did revisions on them and plan to improve them more.  So I put on hold for a while.

Where I improved. 
What I did do was reach my 2011 Book Challenge.  This challenge I didn’t have too much trouble with because I love to read.  My challenge was to read 50 books throughout the year.  My final count was 68. 
(See 2011 Book Challenge - as I progressed through the year.) 

I did continue to study the writing process and have greatly improved, not only in my writing but in my critiquing. This was good for my Diligent Writes Group that I founded. 

The diligent Writers Critiquing Group is strong.  We don’t have a lot of people but we have a few committed individuals.  We are all progressing one step at a time.  Each writer is talented and adds a lot to each critique.  It has been my pleasure to start and work with this group.  I intend to continue it with the hope that other committed writers will come.  

I have started a project of 'The Fiction Writers Workshop.'   This class is doing one chapter once a month.  We tackle a different aspect of writing each month, and then do the writing exercises.  We get together and discuss them and then cover the next month’s topic. 

New Year's Resolution for 2012. I’m going to continue the book challenge and keep track of what I read during the year.  But this year I’m also going to keep track of my writing, how many words and minutes I write.  My intention is to learn discipline.  I stopped watching most TV shows, and other diversions that keep me from writing.  So my goal will be discipline in this next year.  I have other resolutions of a personal nature but won’t bore you with them. 

What New Year’s resolutions did you pass from last year?  How have you grown from last January to this December? What will you do to continue that growth.  Much came be accomplished in one year, don’t waste it on trivial matters.  Choose wisely. 

Until Next time. 
Picture from pictures.com

The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group, September 2011 meetings.

I founded The Diligent Writes Critiquing Group because I couldn't find one.  After 7 months of groups and some success I'm having a problem. 

I’m trying to figure out a way to motive the writers of my critiquing group.  I have 32 members but only about 15 have shown up to a meeting at least once or more. 

There are a few who are consistent and committed, of which I am grateful. 

I thought of sending surveys to the group by email, but wonder what kinds of questions to ask.  I typed up two surveys but each time I chicken out and deleted it.  I kind of feel that if the person was motivated they would do what needs to be done.  Then again, I can remember a time when I had dreams and didn’t do anything about it.   

You may ask in what ways I have catered to the groups needs.  Well we have a main critiquing group that meets on Saturdays once a month.  I just added an evening time for the individuals who cannot make the weekend meeting. We have a smaller group for writers who have a finished draft and working on revisions, we meet twice a month.  Then we have a Fiction Writers Workshop.  We do a chapter each month during which we do 15 to 20 writing exercises to boost our writing techniques and knowledge.

In answer to this dilemma: I’m not going to try and motive the members who haven’t taken the time to come.  I’ve decided to promote the group to find other committed writers. 

Members will come and go, it’s the ones that stay that are the ones I’m interested in.   

I did a little bit of research and will start to pass out flyers and contact other writing group on line and off.  And I will ask the members who are active to spread the word.

This is just the beginning stages.  I’m stepping way out of my comfort zone but I’m willing to do it to help other writers and get the group off the ground.  

Update to come up soon.  Until next time. 

The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group.

I have to admit this particular meeting was a bit nerve wrecking for me. I was to give a critique on one of the member’s novel.  After one month of having it in my possession I was now going to give him both good news and bad news. 

The good news: for a first draft it was quite good. My immediate concern was, was this a first draft? If it wasn’t then I had bad news to convey. 

Upon asking him, this wasn’t the first draft and he did a considerable amount of revisions on it.

Drat, I said under my breath. 

The bad news: “The manuscript was not written with the reader in mind.” I said. 
Explaining what I mean to someone who doesn’t understand writing techniques was very difficult. 

I told him, “as I read, I couldn’t get close to the characters, to know what was going on, what they were seeing, feeling or thinking.  It didn’t make any sense to me.  I was hovering over the situation not in it, and it was so annoying.” I couldn’t even get through the Prologue, and it was the beginning. Of course I didn’t tell him that.  

I tried to explain a few more things about writing techniques and possible better ways to write it but he just looked at me. I could feel his confusion and disappointment. 

Oh gosh, the last thing I wanted to do was critiquing his novel under the table so much that he would stop writing all together.  Honestly his writing wasn’t bad.  It had great ideas and his tone was extremely well done.  However the execution of the writing was lacking.

How do I proceed here? I asked my friend if he had taken any writing classes.  He shook his head.  That explained a lot.  In order to understand how to make the most of your writing you/ the writer, need to understand how to write.  And believe me its not just putting pretty words on a page.  It involved technique.   

My first manuscript I didn’t have any clue how to write.  And it shows.  I read it to my girlfriend, who is a writer and a good one, and got some feedback that baffled me.  I tried to explain my thinking and she just told me it didn’t work.  I was so perplexed at the whole thing I just didn’t know what to do.

“Start reading books on writing.”  She said. Like that was the answer to all.  I was so overwhelmed I didn’t even know where to start. 

“I started with The Fiction Writers Workshop book.” She said.  We were talking over the phone.  The name of the book was familiar to me.  I looked on my bookshelf and guess what I saw.  The Fiction Writer Workshop book.  It was one of the first books I bought on writing.  In reality I thought I didn’t need it.  But being so overwhelmed I decided to go through the books and do the exercises. 

So back to my friend: I explained to him, when I started writing I had no clue either.  But the more I read books on writing techniques the better I understood what I was doing wrong.
So my advice to him was to start classes or reading books on how to write.

To be honest I’m not sure how he took my critique or my advice.  My only hope is that he doesn’t stop writing because of it.  He did tell me that he sent out seventeen query letters to agents and received nothing back, just rejection letter. 

If there was any kind of potential on the manuscript he would have received some kind of hand written message on the rejection letter.  He didn’t. 

I told him if he kept writing the way he was without knowing how to write it would take three times as long to get his writing where he wanted it to be.

If writing is your passion, please get some kind of education on it.  Either by taking classes or reading books on the art of writing.  There are many really good ones out there. Please remember that to achieve something takes time, passion, talent and practice.  Do you think a violist, or athletes or anyone achieves success without blood, sweat and tears.  It is the same with writing.   So write and do it because you love it. 

Until next time. 

The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group April Meeting.

This is the 2nd meeting for the group from Meetup and it went really well.  We had nine people including me.  Some were from the Greater Cleveland Writers Group and a few were new writers.

Each person had a chance to read a bit of their work and received feedback.  I am happy to say we have some really good writers.  They also gave some really constructive feedback.

After the group left there were some writers that stayed behind to talk with me.  We had a discussion of a smaller group that I want to have.  A group of six writers with on going projects that want continuous feedback until the project is finished.   A few of them stated that they want to be involved.  I am pleased.

I am sorry to say the restaurant where we met was loud and very disruptive.  It was hard for the writers to read their own work and to hear the others read.  I could tell everyone including myself was extremely annoyed. I was very embarrassed.  I should have found a better location.  When I first started it I had a few tell me to just hold it at a coffee house.  I was worried about the noise then but we prevailed. After this last meeting there was no discussion I was making a call.

Previously I had a location picked out but the owners weren’t ready for us having just started the business. 

Here’s the good new:
Just as I was leaving the restaurant, the person I was just going to call walked in.  “I need to talk to you.”  I told her, and we did.  We agreed upon the new location and terms, but now I have to charge a nominal fee to cover the cost.  I think the group will be okay with the small amount as long as we don’t have the disruption of the restaurant.

I also have some good news.  The owner and I discussed the option of having a workshop at the location.  We have set a date, now I am working on putting it together.  I am so excited about the potential growth of the workshop.   If it goes well, we can have more and make the group a really good resource for writers.

I am so glad that I went to The Greater Cleveland Writers Group first.  From there I have met and networked with some wonderful people.  Then I started my own group and now we have the promise of a great future.  Until next time. 

The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group. March 2011 Meeting.

Catastrophe happened.  The email I was using at my work was disabled due to a problem I don’t really understand; however I had all the emails for the group stored there.  I should have transferred all the emails to another account just in case, I had it on my mind, but I was too late. 

So now how do I contact everyone to announce the meeting?  (Sigh) I went to Meetup where I have the original Greater Cleveland Writers Group of which I am a member and started my own Meetup group. 

I was scared and worried about this on so many levels.  Would I be able to contact everyone on my list?  Would any one new be interested?  Would I be able to afford it?  Can I handle being a leader?  Will I be a success or failure?  As I said so many levels. 

Once I was able to get the web presence on Meetup going, it has been exciting and interesting.  I have new writers looking for a place to get feedback, 16 at last count, and we had our first meeting on Saturday March 19^th.  Three new people arrived and one person who has been coming since the group started, plus me.  Next month will be bigger I’m sure. 

It was exciting to have new blood there and to discuss our work.  The only problem is when we were giving feedback it can be hard on the person giving and receiving said feedback.  There are lots of things involved. 

Since we are allowing any genre, the writing styles and the techniques are not the same. We had a few ego clashes.  Some of us are fairly new and need to work on our understanding of the writing process and the art of storytelling. 

I have been studying the art of storytelling and writing techniques on fiction writing for some time, however those techniques while good don’t apply to Memoirs, or literary journal papers, or cook books.  All we can do as a group is decide if it reads well and we understand it.  The actually learning will have to be done by the writers. 

I can try to explain what I learned in my books; however there is a fine line between being the writer who knows what is going on and the reader who is coming to the work cold.  Keep in mind of that when new readers, even if they are writers themselves, say they don’t understand what you mean.  Just a few rewrites will make it easy and in the long run better to understand.  We all have

I guess I may have to post the rules of the feedback process for the meeting and then enforce them as the meeting progresses.  This should be interesting.  Hay maybe I can use any conflict as ideas in my future writing.  (Light Bulb going off)  Of course I will twist what really happens and change the names.  But ideas can come from anything.  Until next time.  

To find The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group website click here:  www.meetup.com/The-Diligent-Writers-Critiquing-Group

February Diligent Writers Critiquing Group.

I founded a critiquing group called The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group, they are held once a month on the third Saturday.  I had the group and wrote this post on Saturday even though I am posting it today.  

Having email the group reminding all of the upcoming meeting, but not receiving any RSVP yet, I arrived at the coffee house early.  I always arrive early to eat and set up before hand.  I expected to be the only one today.  I was armed with my laptop prepared to work on a few things for some of my writing exercises.  I noticed everyone around me was looking at me like, Oh you’re one of those.  You know the people that come to coffee house and use their Laptops.  The showoffs.  (Yep, I thought.)

At the appointed hour one person showed up.  This was good news.  (And she popped out her Laptop.)  We started our meeting reading and talking about our work.  Then she told me she was at a book club a few nights ago and told them about our meeting.   A few of them said they might show up. I was surprised and glad.   

After a bit a man from that group did show up.  He was a poet, an editor and a published author.  (He popped out his Laptop.  Now all three of us have laptops, it was great.) 

We had a wonderful discussion of our work. I told him about one of my exercises and how it came about.  It was a re-occurring nightmare I had when I was young, and how I turned the bad dream into a really unique story with a good ending.  I was very proud of it. 

Then we discussed his work and he read some of his poetry.  It was really good. His poetry was understandable and really good.  It showed dept, thought and feeling.  It was amazing to hear and read.  And I think he enjoyed sharing them. We also discussed a lot of really deep issues, issues that a writer can write about and delve into.  

The time came and went too quickly though, we all had other things to do.  But the time we spent together was fun, valuable and extraordinary.   

Each month the group gathers is a great opportunity to learn, grow and bond with others of like mind.  To get together is a wonderful experience and enriches your life.  If you have a hobby that you love, I recommend joining a group.  If you cannot fine one, start it, that’s what I did. 

At first I was scared but now I look forward to planning and holding them, however the group doesn’t need much planning.  The people enrich it enough to make the experience one to remember.   Until next time.  

The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group.

This is a reoccurring blog post.   I started the critiquing group because I needed feedback on my work.  Now the group is taking off.  Here is the latest post. 

The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group was Saturday and I arrived early so I could get something to eat and do a little writing on my laptop before the meeting.  But my girlfriend showed up early because she was hungry and wanted to eat, we got a chance to catch up. 

When the hour arrived to start the meeting no other writers arrived yet so since I have already read and critiqued the piece that she brought, we decided to read mine, the beginning of my second manuscript.  (This is only the second draft and I wanted some feedback.) 

Just as I started reading, wouldn’t you know that’s when another writer arrived.  After I read, both liked my piece but said that they would have liked to know a little more about my heroine before the trauma came.  I really like their ideas and will give it some thought.

We went onto the new girls work.  Her manuscript is a work in progress.  She gave us background on most of her characters.  The ideas are really good.  We gave her some ideas on the next process of her manuscript.

After an hour all of us has read and given feedback, we were just discussion a few thing when another person arrived. He’s a ghost writer and editor.  Somehow he got the time mixed up. 

Since we already read we gave him a chance to read.  He passed around his work in progress and we discussed it.  Then we all re-did our reading and we discussed what he thought would help.   Our editor/ghost writer gave us some really good ideas and was very helpful.  It’s always a joy to have him at my meeting or at the Greater Cleveland Writers Group. 

All in all the meeting went well and I learned a lot.  I still have problems with tenses, so the editor tells me, which I will work on. To write science fiction is to write in the past tense.  But while the characters are doing their things in the scenes the writing is in the present, that where the problem lies.  I’m told that a lot of new writers have this problem and also in point of view.   Only time and practice will solve these.

I love the group and am extremely glad I started it.  With each meeting, I learn about the wonderful world of writing.  I meet new friends and get great ideas on how to better my craft.  What a wonderful way to learn and grow and be among people who love what you do.   If you have a hobby and want support find a group or start one.   Until next time. 

The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group.

Those of you who follow my blog regularly know that I founded a critiquing group called The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group.  Last Saturday we had our third meeting. Only 3 people showed up out of the seven that RSVP.

A good friend, who originally was going to do the group with me stopped by, she got side tracked by taking college classes.  It had been years since she attended classes and was overwhelmed with the work involved so she opted out of the group for now.  It was good to see her and have her come.  I started the group without her because I needed feedback for my work.   I’m glad I did and she is always welcome to be apart of it. 

A new writer came to the meeting, it was nice having him and he had much to contribute in critiquing.  However he became entranced with my girlfriend and manipulated her time and did most of the talking.  I was getting quite annoyed. 

As the host it is my job to keep us on track.  I had to put a stop to it and allow everyone a chance to speak.  I tried not to let it bother me that he was taking my girlfriends time because I don’t get to see her that much.  She is a very good writer and extremely knowledgeable, not to mention a great person.  

I will have to have lunch with her another time just the two of us.  I decided.  

With only the four of us, the group was cozy and gave us a chance to really discuss our works in progress.  The restaurant also had a good atmosphere and food.  Everyone had a chance to read and get feedback.  We even had time to do a writing prompt, which was great fun. 

Surveys went to the group for the group feedback.  Hopefully the changes will make the difference in whether the group stays great or become a group of Famous Writers, and every one of them published.   (Here’s to wishing.)

Once again the group was great.  I learned a lot and received good critiquing on a short story I did.  Thanks to all who came and look forward to the next session.  Until next time. 

The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group.

The Diligent Writes Critiquing Group is a group that I started because I couldn’t find anyone one to help me with critiquing.  I needed and wanted feedback on my work. 

On November 20^th, I held my second meeting.  The first time we only had two people. That meeting went really well.  One person due to personal reasons dropped out for a while, but this meeting we had three people.  All three got a chance to read their work and we had some wonderful discussion on writing, characters, good ideas, the benefit of having good critiquing and various other subjects.  The two hours went quickly and it was really enjoyable. 

I didn’t read because I was working on my first draft manuscript. If I did read it would have been full of embarrassing mistakes.  If someone reads, it’s better to have edited it several times before presenting it to the group.  

***The next meeting is on December 18^th. ***

I’m making up reminder flyers to send to everyone.

Being the host of a group has it own rewards. While I am the leader of the group, the group is there to benefit everyone.  My job is to make sure that it runs smoothly and stays on track.  Sometime the group can get on a subject and then the real reason they came is not accomplished.   I also look for good parting information as words of wisdom to give them.  To keep the members on their journey and to give them more than what they came for.    

In making the decision to start The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group because I couldn’t fine one I feel shows great character.  It shows diligence in not only the writing process but in the journey to greatness.  If you have a journey that you are proud of tell your story and let other see you shine.  Until next time. 

The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group.

That’s the name of the group that I started.   I couldn’t find a critiquing group, so I decided to start one up.  It took courage because I’ve never done anything like it before.  I did an announcement with my other writing group.  I did get some response of interest.  The few that contacted me stayed in contact until we could find a location and then I came up with a date. 

We did have some trouble at first but we persevered. 

We had our first meeting on Saturday at a local restaurant.  I’m happy to say it went really good.  The group was a total of three.  We each had a few minutes to introduce ourselves and talk about our work in progress.   We exchanged ideas and websites, and then we each got a chance to read our work and get critiqued on it. 

I don’t know about the others but I appreciated their opinions and suggestions.     

We spent two hours of what I call fun.  It felt really good to be around fellow writers and the writing process.  How we get ideas, name our characters, and all kinds of other great stuff.  I met two new writers and like them already. 

I feel really glad that I started the group and hope that more writers come join us.   I think this is one of the best things I will have ever done.  Yeah me. 

If you have a critiquing group or another group that you started and wish to share, tell us about it.   Was it scary to start it and what did it take to get it started.  Your experience can help another to do something similar or the same.  Join in the discussion and share.  Grow, laugh and bond with others.  Take care. 

The Diligent Writers Critiquing Group.

DO YOU DREAM OF BEING A FULL TIME WRITER?
TURN THAT DREAM INTO REALITY.

We are a group of ‘Diligent Writers’ that meet to critique each others’ work in an effort to move it forward.   A group of like-minded individuals that get together to discuss our favorite subject----Writing.


The (main) Writers Critiquing Group meets ever 2nd Saturday of the month from 10:00am –12:00noon.  Our meeting takes place at the Lakewood Learning Center at 13002 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107.  Corner of Madison and Cohassette.
Cost: $5.00.  If things are tight, come anyway. 

We also have a smaller Writers Group which meets (same time/same location) on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.  This group is for writers with a finished manuscript; working on revisions/editing.
Cost: $10.00. Includes writing techniques, and support documents.

On the 4th Saturday of the month our ‘Fiction Writers Workshop” meets (same time/same location).  Referencing; Josip Novakovich’s Fiction Writers Workshop Workbook.  We practice writing exercises designed to enhance our knowledge and skill as writers.  Includes over 100 writing exercises.
Cost: $10.00 per class.  Includes supporting documents.

For more information about any of the Writing Groups Please Contact:

Rhonda Marsh; Founder/Facilitator—Diligent Writers Critiquing Group.  Our website is http://www.meetup/The-Diligent-Writers-Critiquing-Group/ or
Email me for more information.  rhondamarsh1 @ gmail.com
Please put ‘Writers Group’ in the subject line.