I've said it before, and I don't mind saying it again: writers are not meant to be isolated in their own worlds. Sure, a lot of a writer's job is done alone. The time writers spend pouring into their craft and working to improve so the words flow is often in a room or on a porch, but rarely are others sitting with them when they write. You may have family in the house, but they are likely engaged in other activities. However, before a book hits the shelves, it will have been in the hands of other readers: beta readers, proofreaders, editors, reviewers. The cover may have been produced by a graphic artist. The list of professionals who may assist with a project goes on and on, but the writing itself stays close to the author.
I've spent a lot of time over the years reading and learning from other writers who have graciously shared their experiences - both good and bad! Most of these interactions have been through online forums, groups or blogs. Until recently, I had not experienced a lot of interaction with other writers in-person.
I discovered a writers' group that was nearby and I immediately learned some of the benefits from participating in a round-table discussion with other writers. We represent different genres, backgrounds and stages of publication, but we are all there to learn from and encourage one another.
Last night, we had a mini critique session where we each took turns reading a five minute passage from one of our manuscripts. Although five minutes is not long, it was another chance to see and hear the words differently. The simple act of reading your own writing out loud can help find mistakes that are overlooked when reading quietly to oneself. Receiving questions and suggestions from fresh viewpoints also helps a writer examine the direction his or her manuscript is taking.
A discussion ensued about having a more complete critique process. Some of the writers in the group have participated in full length critiques in the past, where novels are traded among members and a time frame is given; much like a beta reader might do. I don't know whether or not our group will ever get to that level of critique for each other, but there are many people who can help with this process. Those who are agented will have editing and proofreading as a part of the publishing process. For those who are independent, I highly recommend having a second, third or more sets of qualified eyes on your project before it hits the shelves.
I've spent a lot of time over the years reading and learning from other writers who have graciously shared their experiences - both good and bad! Most of these interactions have been through online forums, groups or blogs. Until recently, I had not experienced a lot of interaction with other writers in-person.
I discovered a writers' group that was nearby and I immediately learned some of the benefits from participating in a round-table discussion with other writers. We represent different genres, backgrounds and stages of publication, but we are all there to learn from and encourage one another.
Last night, we had a mini critique session where we each took turns reading a five minute passage from one of our manuscripts. Although five minutes is not long, it was another chance to see and hear the words differently. The simple act of reading your own writing out loud can help find mistakes that are overlooked when reading quietly to oneself. Receiving questions and suggestions from fresh viewpoints also helps a writer examine the direction his or her manuscript is taking.
A discussion ensued about having a more complete critique process. Some of the writers in the group have participated in full length critiques in the past, where novels are traded among members and a time frame is given; much like a beta reader might do. I don't know whether or not our group will ever get to that level of critique for each other, but there are many people who can help with this process. Those who are agented will have editing and proofreading as a part of the publishing process. For those who are independent, I highly recommend having a second, third or more sets of qualified eyes on your project before it hits the shelves.