Because I think I need a little more motivation and accountability to accomplish my "write pieces with the intent to publish" goal, and because, too, I think it would be a lot of fun, and also because, let's face it, I've always wanted to belong to one, I've decided to start an online writing group. The idea has been tickling me for some time now and, in conjunction with my "just do it" goal, decided that I should go ahead and put the feelers out here to see if any of you had any interest in joining me in this endeavor.
This is what I'm envisioning:
It would be operated in blog format, which would be private so as to encourage heightened bravery about posting your work. Members would post their work, participate in themed writings (as suggested by group members on a rotating basis), and check in frequently to give constructive feedback, by way of the comments section, to other's work. The group would give its members the opportunity to not only expand their preferred writing style portfolio, but would also allow them to attempt new writing styles and genres. It would be a place for people who were sincerely interested in honing in their writing skills and who would be willing to help others hone theirs. (All of the details of my writing group vision are not yet completely focused and clear, so I'm open to suggestions on the organization and management of such a group.)
Any takers out there?
Before you give me a yes, no, or maybe, let me tell you a few of my expectations for this writing group.
I would want this to be a place for people who are serious about writing. (Notice that I didn't necessarily say brilliant at writing...this would be a group for writers at all levels, so long as they enjoyed writing enough to take membership in the group seriously.) I would expect members to be brave enough and committed enough to post their work actively and consistently, whether it be a part of a themed writing or just something wanting feedback. I would also expect members to check in frequently to read and give kind-but-constructive comments on work that has been posted. Active participation would be key because without it we'd have no group.
So again I ask: anyone interested?
22 comments:
ooo, ooo, me, me, me!!!
I'm standing up, with my hands, raised, jumping up and down.
So, yes, I am very interested! I think it sounds like a marvelous idea and would love to participate, or even help out if you need it.
I would like to consider it. Would you mind elaborating on how often we would need to be posting writings? How long would they be? I admit I would like to write more, but I also admit I am very reluctant to actually sit down and do it. Could there be a sometimes member...? Only if you had lots and lots of other really good participating members?
You can post as often as you like. I would like members to at the very least post on the themed writings (which I imagine would happen once a month). If you have anything extra, then great -- we'd love to see it, read it, and comment on it. Any piece you post can be as long - or as short - as you'd like it to be (unless, say, a themed writing gave a specific word count or whatever). Does that answer your questions?
I'd love you to join, Melissa! I also love to write, and want to do it more, but quite often severely lack in the Motivation to Start Department. Part of me is hoping that a writing group will make me more accountable and get me to just start writing.
Ok, I guess I can try.
Sounds like a fun idea. Unfortunately I have too many demands on my time right now. I actually blog more than I should. But best of luck. I know you'll be 'published' someday. I say 'published' because I'm sure you'll do more than just internet stuff.
I'd definitely be interested. I've a goal to improve my writing, and I guess this would for sure force me to accomplish it. Count me in!
sign me up!
you know I'm in.
Scared spitless, but in. :)
This sounds great! But what do you mean about "themed writings"? Writing on a certain theme like "freedom" or "unrequited love" or whatever? Or do you mean writing using a prompt? Please 'splain.
Yeah...maybe "themed writings" isn't the best term...it was all I could think to call them, though. The specifics of a themed writing would be up to the group member whose turn it is to decide what we should all write about it. Essentially they would be writing prompts that we'd all write something on. They can be anything from "write a story in exactly 100 words on the topic of your choice" to "imagine you just walked in on a heated argument. Take us there." The more creative and/or specific, the better, I say. Does that help?
This is genius. Count me in. (I miss all 3 of you!)
Omygosh. This.
I would so love to do this.
I'm a little concerned about my schoolwork creeping in and stealing my time away, but I've felt the need for external writing motivation for some time now.
May I? Oh, please, may I participate?
I'm SOOOO in!!!
I think I'd like to take a shot at something like this too, if I may?
Good to see ya!
I'd love to participate! I've wanted to start writing seriously for quite some time, but had no motivation. Count me in.
I'll give you a definite maybe :) I've been trying to get started on writing an autobiographical book for a good 6 months, but i'm probably still in the first chapter... but then again, i don't know if i can take criticism at this stage :p
For reasons similar to your own, I think I might be...IN, that is!
It's Mee-uh! :) And I don't hate you. Even family members who know her sometimes call her My-uh. Hehe.
And I want to join your group and I've been thinking about it since I read your post ... but, honestly, I'm afraid! :/ But I guess I will join and see what happens. :)
Laura - if you decide in favor of IN, just email me. If it helps persuade you one way or another, you don't have to submit anything other than the monthly writing prompt assignments until you feel braver when, at that point, you can submit extra stuff to your heart's content. :)
I would love to join you as I have only recently come across your blog. Right now I have a blog where I just share pictures of my quilts and family, but I would like to improve my writing skills. I would like to begin a blog to write stories in. May I join your group?
Vivian Love, California
Because every group needs a weakest link ;) --I will join your group!
Excited, but nervous!
Lindsay I came across your blog via Rachels blog, and would be interested in attempting to participate in such an experiment. My writing isn't amazing, and my editing is worse, but I would like to improve it. Can I join?
-Esther
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