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FacebookI was born in San Diego. I've lived in Chicago, Denver, Florida, Kentucky, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. Mother always said there was a touch of gypsy in the blood. I write science fiction and SFR in a variety of forms. Sometimes I dabble in comic fantasy. What else is there to say?
Rie asked me to drop by the blog today and talk about writing groups. For me, writing groups have always been a mixed experience. Like clothes, you will eventually out grow one writing group, but you'll still need that support system. I've outgrown a few writing groups in my time. I've outgrown betas, and I've had others outgrow me. It's often said that no two authors have the same career path, and nothing proves that better than a writing group. Just as you're catching your groove a friend's career will hit a hot spot. They'll speed ahead while you wonder what you did wrong. Or you'll hit the hot spot and wonder why all your friends are pouting. So here's a quick post on navigating the twists and turns of the writing group.
The first thing to do is find a writing group. A common mistake is to define The Best Writing Group by where they meet, or what kind of books everyone writes, or how many popular authors belong to the group. Don't do this! It doesn't matter if the writing group meets once a month at a friend's house or 24/7 online. The most important thing a writing group can offer is the support you need. Every group is different. Every group will change. What you need to look for is a few crucial ingredients.
The Cheerleader: The cheerleader is easy to recognize, they're the one who always has something nice to say about writing. They'll always find the good points in your work, they'll always encourage you to finish. You need this person to get through the bad days. If you're writing group doesn't have a cheerleader, your writing group will fail. You'll drown in negativity and die slowly for want of love.
The Research Expert: All authors do research. Whether you're looking for hot springs in Ireland (let me know if you find some!), or trying to figure out how many planets orbit a certain star, there are questions you need to address while writing your book. Every good writing group will have one person who can help you when Google fails. This person is often a font of random knowledge. They're good at Trivial Pursuit. And they know where the darn hot springs are! When you're doing a final pass and trying to figure out what a knight would eat for lunch in 14th century Germany you'll be grateful they are there.
The Therapist: No, not a therapist to work out your issues, a character therapist. Your writing group needs an empathetic person who can tell you when the characters emotions just aren't jiving with the scene. Maybe you're writing about how a hero who has broken into a house in search of something and finds a newly widowed woman crying with the picture of her recently killed husband in her hands. The therapist is the one who will raise their hand when you turn this scene into a Hot And Smexy Scene (TM). You need this person to make sure the characters are themselves and not just mirrors of your mood in any given scene.
The Grammarian: There is a proper way to use commas. Despite what you think, not everyone was born with the innate ability to figure out where a comma goes in a sentence. Some of us *cough*me*cough* still try to pluralize strange words with apostrophes on our first drafts (hint: that's not right). Your writing group needs someone who knows the mechanics of the language you're writing in and who can explain it simply. If they can't explain it, they won't be any good. The writing group is there to help you grow, not be a crutch. If you aren't learning something from your group it's time to move on.
The Musician: This job can also be held by a theater major, what you're looking for is someone who understands how words flow. Not how to construct a sentence by following all the rules, but a person who hears the rhythm of the written word and can help you make your manuscript sing. My first encounter with the Musician was when one pointed out I was using the same sentence structure in every paragraph. It was almost essay format (a hold over from college no doubt). For an essay it would have been fine. In a book... no. Not at all. It took someone with a talent for music and stage to notice this flaw.
The Pro: Every group needs their sacrificial lamb, the one who goes out and does things before the rest. The Pro fills this slot. They've queried. They've published. They're probably getting ready to move to another writing group, but for now they are yours. Pick their brains. Watch their mistakes. Learn everything you can from them because your turn is coming.
The Tech Person: No writing group is complete without at least one person who understands computers. Face it, we're in a digital age. We need to someone in our writing group who can help us with that stupid computer! This person will be able to explain everything from blogging to formatting for you. Don't abuse them, but do find out what their favorite cookie is so you can bribe them for help.
The Social Butterfly: So much has changed in publishing in the last decade. One thing that is both a boon and a curse is social media. The modern author doesn't write a book, mail the only copy to an editor, and wait for the cash to roll in. No, the modern author writes a books, establishes a brand, reaches out to fans, and promotes themself like a two dollar hooker trying to pay the rent. We write our books and we pole dance! The social butterfly will make this easier. They know what social media works, understand SEO, and they seem to know everybody in publishing. It doesn't matter if you're looking for a blog on writing fantasy creatures, or help for your query, this is the person who has the deets.
You: No writing group will work for you if you don't get involved. Introvert, extrovert, invertebrate... it doesn't matter! Climb out of your shell, introduce yourself, make friends, and assemble your dream team. Find the people who will have your back when it's time to launch your book. Even after you've hit the NYT Bestseller List you will need these people. They may become your IT person, agent, editor, beta reader, and best friend, but they will still fill these rolls, because a writing group isn't about size, it's about books.
What do you think a writing group needs?
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Barnes and NobleA super villain at the top of his game must choose between the world he wants and the woman he loves. If you believe the rumors you know that Doctor Charm, the wickedly sexy super villain, retired in shame seven years ago after his last fight with the super hero Zephyr Girl. The fact that the charming Evan Smith-father of four and husband of the too-beautiful-to-be-real Tabitha-bears a resemblance to the defeated Doctor is pure coincidence. And, please, ignore the minions. Everything is perfect in the Smith household, until Tabitha announces her return to work as a super hero. Evan was hoping to keep her distracted until after he rigged the 2012 presidential election, but-genius that he is-Evan has a backup plan. In his basement lab, Evan has a machine whose sole purpose is keeping Tabitha hungry for him. But children and labs don't mix. The machine is broken, and Tabitha storms out, claiming she no longer knows him. World domination takes a back seat to meeting his daughters' demands to get Mommy back right now. This time his genius isn't going to be enough-he's going to need both his evil alter-ego, and the blooming super abilities of his children to save his wife. But even his most charming self might not be enough to save their marriage.
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November 24th 2009, Pocket Books
but it knows the way into your very soul. It knows your deepest desires. Feeding your want of books also feeds the beast.
It takes a lot of time and perseverance to sort through all the recommendations for the truly good books. We’re all looking for a memorable one that will keep us thinking long after we finish. Sadly, it seems that every time I finish a great book, more have already been released during the week. It’s an unwinnable game of catch-up. My wallet is losing the game too. Books are my personal luxury. I can’t seem to stop myself from wanting all of the books. It’s why I could never go on a book-buying ban. For those you who have resisted buying books, I admire you greatly. 
