Writing & Critique Groups
I've had another question concerning writing and critique groups. Should you join one? Should you go it alone?
It's all personal preference. For some writers, sitting at a desk can get awfully lonely; they thrive on interaction and feedback. For other writers, sitting alone at a desk is bliss; and while they may enjoy socializing with other writers, when they write they write alone.
I'm the later kind of writer. When I'm really digging into a project, my office door is closed, my headphones are on, my favorite writing music is playing. You can't get much more alone than that. I guess I work like that because way back when I started writing, I didn't know any other writers, and no writers equals no writers' groups. So I started working solo, and have worked that way ever since.
It's also rare for me to discuss plot details of a project I'm working on with anyone. And my husband and my agent are the only people who will see parts of a work in progress. My agent (Kristin Nelson) gives awesome feedback that is always right on target. She has never been wrong. Kristin is also my first reader once a project is complete. Unless I have a problem I just can't get past, the first time anyone reads a book I'm writing is when it's finished and as polished as I can make it. Then it's off to Kristin for review/feedback. After Kristin, it's off to my editor Anne Sowards at Ace Books. Nothing gets past Anne. ; ) She can spot a hairline crack in a plot from a mile away.
Once I have Anne's stamp of approval, I'll print a couple copies of the manuscript for select friends and family who've been waiting for a new Raine/Mychael/Tam story.
It's all personal preference. For some writers, sitting at a desk can get awfully lonely; they thrive on interaction and feedback. For other writers, sitting alone at a desk is bliss; and while they may enjoy socializing with other writers, when they write they write alone.
I'm the later kind of writer. When I'm really digging into a project, my office door is closed, my headphones are on, my favorite writing music is playing. You can't get much more alone than that. I guess I work like that because way back when I started writing, I didn't know any other writers, and no writers equals no writers' groups. So I started working solo, and have worked that way ever since.
It's also rare for me to discuss plot details of a project I'm working on with anyone. And my husband and my agent are the only people who will see parts of a work in progress. My agent (Kristin Nelson) gives awesome feedback that is always right on target. She has never been wrong. Kristin is also my first reader once a project is complete. Unless I have a problem I just can't get past, the first time anyone reads a book I'm writing is when it's finished and as polished as I can make it. Then it's off to Kristin for review/feedback. After Kristin, it's off to my editor Anne Sowards at Ace Books. Nothing gets past Anne. ; ) She can spot a hairline crack in a plot from a mile away.
Once I have Anne's stamp of approval, I'll print a couple copies of the manuscript for select friends and family who've been waiting for a new Raine/Mychael/Tam story.
posted by Lisa Shearin at
8:46 AM
2 Comments:
I also think it depends on the group. The local branch of the SFWA is pretty cool here, but when you get too many writers in one place, it's hard to stay focused. It's like someone opened the hutch and now plot bunnies are leaping off in all directions. Or maybe Chinese food, you hear all these great ideas, but half an hour later you can't remember any of them.
I have a few friends I bounce ideas off of, but it is mostly by email, so I can reference back to their suggestions.
BTW, forgot to give you my website, (Mythtime.com) not that there will be anything brilliant on it for a bit. I've been working on a multi-piece commision of jewelry that was a rush order. *sigh* I will hopefully have something put up in Mythmash by the end of this week.
Also good news, we've had to restock MLTF at the Waldenbooks since I put it up as my employee pick. I asked Susan to order extra copies, we'll see what Home Office sends us.
I've recently joined the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, which is the local branch of Romance Writers of America. What a fun and fabulous bunch of gals! I know I'm gonna have a blast.
I will definitely have to check out your site.
Oooo, selling out of MLTF and having to restock is excellent! Thank you SO MUCH for spreading the word!
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