General Chat

Am I too late to go on your List Mrs G? XX BC

Re feedback... I don't mind how that's done.

I had two paperbacks bought for me by my son at Christmas...Christmassy stories that I thought would be 'easy comfort reading' for a cold winters night lol.

Both I would very briefly classify as "Rubbish"...lol so I think a few pointers on what to say and how to say it in a 'constructive critique' might be good . I've not been to any writers groups so maybe some of the guidelines given to those of you who have would be good to know.

I could say re one of the books for example , that the characters were well developed, but the plot was rushed and simplistic, and the use of flashbacks very distracting .

Incidently it was a 'best seller' so someone enjoyed it :)

Bearing in mind the number of publishers who turned down Harry Potter , no one should get 'put off'!

xx

i'd better join too, or I will be told off by Hayley and BC.

Only just seen this as I haven't had internet since last night. Damn weather.

I'm not published at all so far, holding back while I'm unemployed. I am taking a Creative Writing course, and have written a couple of articles, a few short stories, and made inroads into a novel, though that is faltering at the moment. I'll read back and catch up on all the posts in a while.

Constructive is the operative word Rose!

Feedback (from page 1 of this thread - but I have this on a Word doc as well if it's easier:

Feedback:
A. Members to interpret. Is it comprehensible? Ambiguous? Obscure? Does the structure work?
B. Members should not ask questions but make statements or observations. (Try not to ask questions - an editor won’t do this.) Be honest and objective. Be as specific as possible. Be concise.
C. Be honest, but kind/tactful/careful in critiquing the work of other members.
D. Identify your biases. Balance your critique. Try to end on a positive note - be tactful.
E. Once author has received feedback author can then offer explanation, response etc. Author could evaluate critiques – which is useful for other members and will improve their critiquing skills.
F. In a finished piece about to be sent off the group should keep an eye out for spelling mistakes, typos, grammar etc. Check layout etc. Aim for perfection at this point!


It can be difficult sometimes to find positive things to say about a piece of writing ... I find this usually happens when I don't really like the subject matter, that's why I try really hard to separate the writing itself - style and ease of reading etc, from the subject matter.

Trick is to be kind, to be positive. Do not stress the negative. By all means mention the bits that don't make sense, or that jar, but do your level best to find the positive aspects as well. That way the author won't be too discouraged.

Receiving feedback can be hard as well - but other members are there to help you improve your writing ... So even if you are a really good writer they will help you get even better. If your writing is a bit weak or flabby round the edges they will help you tighten and strengthen it.

It will all make perfect sense after the first few attempts!!

Jill

ok then Jill

whatever you decide suits me

just let me know..

:o))

TW I was just going to send you a PM lol, but you have seen it anyway :))

xx

Just laughing to myself, it may take me more time in editing whatever I write than actually writing it . I have just had to go back and edit my post below lol ;)

xx

Sorry in my eagerness to join, I didn't put any details on thread:-) I am 73 and a half, live in London. I have done a writing course, maybe two, long long ago when I was in a writing mood. But havent written for years. I am looking forward to this. BC¬XX

Rita - you're on the circulation list so you will receive stuff. Feedback welcome.

Jill

First e-mail has gone off to all signed-up members.

First topic is either

free choice (something that maybe you are already working on)

or

Roots - as we are all doing our family history ...



Deadline: 2 weeks. One piece of prose (say 500 words) or 2 poems maybe.


Decisions to be made about feedback and how to circulate and (presumably) deadline on that ... Ideas here please.

Ideas for next topics here please ...

Any new members please send me a personal message and I will add you to the list. Please also leave brief details here about yourself - age, area, what sort of writing etc. Just to give everyone an idea.

Cheers and Good Luck

Jill

I have to admit to a feeling of excitement about this.. but.

I used to write, and joined a writing group about 15 years ago.
I loved it and took it perhaps TOO seriously.
I was forced through ill health to leave after I was diagnosed with an illness which prevented me from even reading.
I am 70 this year very young in my mind, but the body, and the mirror disagree with me.
I am housebound and cannot get out without the help for my son.
I do have hobbies which are difficult to fit into my days!
How did I manage all the things I did before my disability?
I love writing and enjoy it. Although I am my worst enemy when it comes to critisism... I am easily hurt when others critisise me.
Perhaps I'm not really fit for this project?

Deanna X

Deanna, I absolutely promise not to be a harsh critic! if you promise me back lol. xx

I am excited and anxious about this so here goes,
i am Bridget, the middle child of three and all girls. only brother died just 4 hours old.
I am 63, born in June 1946,
I have been married twice, sadly first marrige ended after 23 years. been married for the second time for 17 years in July this year.
I am a nurse by profession and specialised in Dementia Care, I have four children aged between 38 and 30, and two step sons aged 32 and 29.
6 grandchildren aged from 13 in March to 6 months old.

My OH retired early and we went to live in Spain where we still have our main home and two Cocker Spaniels.
Currently working again, keep stopping and then am enticed back.

Having a cook book published this year with recipes from GR Members and the money will go to SSAFA

I look forward to learning how to write so please remember I am a novice

Onewards and Upwards as they say

Bridget

Just thought I had better add my name here too
Rachx

ooh heck i am up to about 325 words already lol , and i haven't got far....

yespleasexx

I will add here, now I've read all the posts and got my email, I think a minimum two weeks is a reasonable deadline. Many of us work, and possibly have other commitments (writing). which will mean that some will have to spread ourselves a bit thin. I'm ok at the moment, apart from my coursework, and allocated time to my novel, I can devote the time needed to work on something for the group too. Though I might combine both the coursework and the group pieces, which will help me enormously.

Thank you for this Jill, it's a great idea, and I'll look forward to seeing other's work along with my own.

I didn't notice, perhaps I need to read again, where will we send our work, will this be done via email or 'published' on the boards? The answer to that will determine what I can send here, as some of the articles I'm putting together are hopefully going to be submitted. They won't be accepted if they are seen online anywhere...I had to pull a couple of short stories from a free website and place them in 'storage' after I found that out.

Hi TW , Jill has sent out emails to those who have sent her their addys. i believe the idea is that we each send out our work to those who have 'registered' an interest rather than put it on the board .

Don't think it has yet been decided how the feedback will be sent.

Don't know about anyone else but I have been typing away lol...am so looking forward to reading other peoples pieces :))

xx

I haven't yet, but my mind is churning away in the background. Slow start because I haven't written anything since just before Christmas.

That's procrastination, not writer's block lol

with having 2 weeks to go i haven't even decided what to write yet...lol