Prioritizing Writing Plans Over Goals

Prioritizing Writing Plans Over Goals

"As I sent them off, I took a moment to bask  — I’ve dreamt of being represented by a literary agent for almost a decade, and here I was, closer than ever.

But let me pause, and try to sum up the steps it has taken to get this close to that goal: commit myself to writing a second novel; write a first draft in notebooks; type up that draft then edit it for clarity; join a novel writing group; submit and revise chapters with them over the course of two years; read full drafts myself and do edits based on the feedback of writer friends; get through four novel drafts then send it to a developmental editor; revise based on her feedback; do a final read-through; put together a query package; get feedback on the query package; put together a list of agents and start querying; have a revelation and change the last fourth of my book; get back notes for a revise-and-resubmit; spend three months doing those edits; tweak my query letter again; meticulously research agents; wait, wait, wait.”

Article for DIYMFA about making a writing plan, breaking big projects into small steps, and finding your path to a finished novel.

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When Do You Need an Author Website?

When Do You Need an Author Website?

"A few weeks ago, I was catching up with one of my writer friends. We became close when our novels were published by the same micro-press. Their marketing was non-existent (more on that later), and an interview I’d done with her after its release was one of its few pieces of publicity.

But she wasn’t bemoaning non-existent sales. In fact, she primarily works as a translator, and she’d recently been nominated as a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in Translation. “Congratulations,” I said. “Put that on your website.”

“I don’t have one,” she replied. “Sometimes I post stuff on Facebook. Do you think anyone reads it?”

My inner marketer flung up her hands in horror. Target audience. Ideal reader. Building your list. Establishing authority. My friend was spurning these tenets to a writing career? But my inner artist was impressed. Damn, you can get this far without a website?"

Article for Jane Friedman about choosing your writing location, committing to consistency, and letting your muse know where to find you. 

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How to Find a Writing Group

How to Find a Writing Group

"My New Age friends claim that they've started groups by just 'putting it out to the universe.' Now, I love this sort of talk; I always picture the universe hearing the call, and flipping breathlessly through its little Rolodex, because these friends have all ended up in flourishing writing groups. So who's to say?”

–– Anne Lamott in Bird by Bird: Some Instruction on Writing & Life

How it started…

Back in the fall of 2019, I was one draft into my second novel and in need of help. I’d ripped down and re-written my first book many times over, and was loathe to repeat that excruciating process. Ongoing feedback would save me from the sickening revelation that I’d spent months writing in the wrong direction.

I wanted a writing group to help break the project into smaller pieces, give accountability and deadlines along the way, offer me constructive feedback, and imbue the gargantuan task of writing a novel with ease and some fun…yet I had no idea how to find one.

But first, why do you need a writing group?

• You need deadlines.

• You need support — a good writing group will tell you what’s working, as well as what isn’t.

• Speaking of which, you need to know if you writing makes sense, is boring, or is trying too hard.

• Lastly, what few people realize – editing other people’s writing will make you a better writer. (More on that later.)

How to Find a Writing Group Online
An online writing group is an easy way to meet other writers, share your work digitally (often via Google Drive), and connect from miles away. Keep in mind that you can also form a smaller group from writers whose work resonates with you. Here are a few places to look:

• Eventbrite, search for “writing workshop.”

• Inked Voices has dozens of groups based on genre, experience, and style (drop-in vs scheduled).

• The Write Time (a donation based group run by me and Matt Jones).

• Ask your writer friends if they’ve heard of anything – never underestimate the power of your network.

How to Find an In-Person Writing Group
Yes, it’s old-school, but many libraries and bookstores are home to writing groups. Here’s how to figure out what they’re offering:

• Ask the librarian or check out their bulletin board for upcoming meetings.

• Check their website and see what’s listed under upcoming events.

• Audacious step: ask the librarian if you could start a drop-in writers group and see who shows up.

Start with a Writing Class
You’re guaranteed to find other writers who’re serious about their craft if they’ve signed up for writing classes. Just make sure to choose a topic that relates to your writing and what you’re planning on workshopping. Here are a few reputable writing organizations to check out:

• Hugo House, based in Seattle (online and in-person)

• Grubstreet, based in Boston (online and in-person)

• The Loft Literary Center, based in Minneapolis (online and in-person)

• Sackett Street Writers, based in New York City (online and in-person)

Bonus Writing Group FAQs
What do I do at my first meeting?
The best approach is to audit the group and not submit your own work. This way, you can listen to how they give/receive feedback and see how it would feel to hear similar comments about your writing. Remember, not all writing groups are created equal, and it’s important that you feel safe and supported by your peers.

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How Finding Your Why Helps You Keep Writing

How Finding Your Why Helps YOu keep Writing

"As many of us know, jigsawing words into flawless sentences isn’t a choice—it’s a necessity for our mental health. At the same time, it can be hard to articulate the reason why we write beyond Not Losing It. In fact, when I think back, all the questions about my work, I’ve never been asked why I write.

And this is the one question that would help us writers keep writing. Pause and reflect—why do you write? This question isn’t to scare you away. It’s to give you a reason to keep going. Here are a few different “whys” as well as exercises to help you find yours."

Article for DIYMFA about choosing your writing location, committing to consistency, and letting your muse know where to find you. 

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Always Read the Acknowledgments Page

Always Read the Acknowledgments Page

Post for Jane Friedman about the reading the acknowledgments page, finding literary connections, and expressing gratitude.

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Location, Location, Location

Location, Location, Location

"During my final year at Pomona College, whenever I had a serious deadline, I would put on my glasses and head to the philosophy library. My glasses were tortoise shell with round lenses and did nothing to help my vision. Seriously, they were filled with fake glass. And the philosophy library might as well have been filled with fake books, since I never took one off the shelf. I was an English major who constantly schemed to write more short stories and fewer research papers.

But still, I packed my bag, put on my glasses, and went to that wood-paneled library to write…"

Article for DIYMFA about choosing your writing location, committing to consistency, and letting your muse know where to find you. 

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The Power of Sitting With Your Critiques

Power of Sitting With Your Critiques

"Speaking of getting defensive, often critiques do cause an emotional reaction. Instead of blaming the person for their delivery or vowing to burn the next thing they write, take a moment to reflect. Is your reaction coming from a deeper insecurity? A past criticism? Sometimes the hardest critiques to swallow are the most relevant. And other times, they’re brusque and off-base. Be honest with yourself and stand by what’s important to you."

Article for Jane Friedman about receiving critiques, listening receptively, and standing by the soul of your project. 

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The Double-Edged Sword of Deadlines

The Double-Edged Sword of Deadlines

“I ‘finished’ my first novel when I was twenty-five. And by finished I mean, I had ten copies of the manuscript printed and bound at Staples. It would only take four more years for a vague semblance of this story to be published as Purple Gold.

At the time, my goal was simple—to gift this nascent novel to my closest friends and family as a birthday present to myself. I hit my deadline and then went on a birthday bender (not necessarily part of the recommended advice)…”

Article for DIYMFA about self-imposed deadlines, knowing the way you work, and letting go of perfectionism.

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How to Have a Healthy Relationship...

How to Have a Healthy Relationship With Your Writing Group

“Over a decade ago, in one of my first college writing workshops, I commented that a story’s eclectic vocabulary jarred me out of its narrative. The author’s suave, privately-schooled best friend was in our class, and he volleyed my critique back: “It would’ve taken seconds to look up aquiline on your iPhone.” I had a meager public school education, primitive flip-phone, and no desire to admit this. Though our professor swept us on to more productive feedback, I remember the skirmish vividly. Any space where artists are giving and seeking feedback is fraught with misdirected criticism, volatile alliances, and layers of shame. But this winter, as my Paris-based novel writing group celebrated our one-year anniversary, I told my four fellow writers they’re my healthiest relationship. This is not necessarily because I’m destined for literary polygamy, but because my cohort and I have co-created a supportive, productive dynamic. If you’re seeking or participating in a writing group, here are five ways to make it a healthy writing group relationship…”

Article about embracing diverse thoughts, giving freely, and embracing the creative process.

Read more at DIY MFA.

Creativity is Not Martyrdom: Part II

Creativity is Not Martyrdom: Part II

Writing Workshops

“We artists know, creating is as solitary as you make it. I may need hours alone getting the words onto the page, but once they’re there, they can only be edited to a certain point. I’ve found it’s impossible to take myself far enough out of a piece to see what doesn’t make sense, catch any dropped details, and stumble over clumsy sentences. The way someone else reads my work is entirely different than the way it sounds in my head. As writers, we’re so close to what we’re trying to say—it always makes sense to us. We need readers to give us their interpretations, and help us see from the other side of the page…”

Essay for Paris Lit Up about writer’s workshops, communal editing, and the benefits of collaboration.

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Creativity is Not Martyrdom: Part I

Creativity is Not Martyrdom: Part I

“When I first moved to Paris, I found a library near my apartment and vowed to write there every day. I’d quit my job and my new one was to finish my novel, get it published, and be a real writer. At gorgeous historical libraries, bags, food and even water are forbidden, and I’d bury my distracting cellphone and computer in their mandatory lockers before submerging myself in a silent reading room.

I’d write by hand in notebooks for hours, break for lunch, take out my laptop, WiFi pre-turned off, and type up my morning’s work. Most days, I’d leave feeling exhausted and vaguely hopeless, though I told myself the more down-trodden I felt, the more I accomplished…”

Essay for Paris Lit Up about creativity, community, and the joy of collaboration.

Read full text here.