I remember when I first started out writing, I’d stumble, slam into a wall, some days I would realize I was clueless, other days it was pointed out. Again and again I heard “Just keep writing.”
I agree with it.
Up to a point.
I will never be a better writer if all I do is write. It means I repeat my weak areas over and over again. Yes, I write, but I have found I need four other things also.
I need to read. Not just my genre, but read craft books. Instead of fumbling around, I read a book on whatever it is I am struggling with. I visit webpages and blogs on writing. If I really want to grow as a writer, I need to educate myself. Honing my writing is a life long lesson.
Classes, events and conferences. These get budgeted in my calendar, and hopefully into my finances. There is incredible information to be had at these. RMFW gives some of the best, usually for free with their monthly events hosting big name authors and agents. I am amazed at the things I have learned, the contacts and friends I have made by going to these. I ask questions, get answers. I surprise myself sometimes that I didn’t need to ask anything, I have conquered that specific weakness. I went to my first conference in Crested Butte, Colorado where I ran into an old friend who pointed me to RMFW. I wouldn’t be writing this blog otherwise.
I joined writing groups. I need to talk shop with someone. I did more than just sign up though, I participate, attend meetings, and volunteer. I need others who understands the lingo of plot, character arc, and deus ex machine. Writing groups come in all shapes and sizes. Online and in person, some offer support, some critique, others get together and set writing goals. I found a combination that works for me. I was astounded when after years of looking for a writing group, the local library started one and writers came out of the woodwork. I thought there were only a handful of writers in my area. Now, there are a few formal and informal groups I go to every month. I found my first critique group by going to an event at RMFW. Never underestimate the benefits of joining a group.
I don’t know it all. I will never know it all. No one knows it all. I need a mentor, a “Been there, done that” person. I have found several people who fit this to varying degrees on numerous levels. I love my mentors. And yes, I have more than one. Mentors can come and go, others are for life. I change, they change, goals change. People want to help other people, share knowledge, advice, encouragement, cheer on success. I am a firm believer in mentors, whether they be one on one, through their writing, or their teachings. I am thankful for my mentors and for the other writers who look to me as one of their mentors.
It does not matter where you are in your writing life, do the following:
Join a group, you are not an island.
Read, read, read. Read. Read. Read. Read some more.
Take a class, don’t be stagnant.
Be inspired. Find someone you admire. Pass it on.
And keep writing.
Samantha Ross is a ghostwriter, freelance writer and editor. She lives on the Western Slope in Montrose, Colorado. For years she taught adults, organized lesson plans, developed curriculum, and encouraged everyone to be a success. One day she stumbled into her high school librarian who pointed her toward the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. Now Samantha’s days are spent writing fiction and non fiction that covers a wide range of topics. If she’s not standing in front of her desk working, she’s spending time with her family and friends.
https://authorsamanthaross.wordpress.com/
Excellent post, Samantha! The importance of self-education and being part of a writing community are two of the best things a beginning writer can learn. Without my writerly organizations, I’d be a hermit and I’d probably still be writing first drafts that go nowhere.
Same here. Writing is lonely business and it is so easy to get stuck or never see where the problem is. And of course it is great to have people celebrate your success.
Great post, Samantha. Had to Google “deus ex machina,” and was pleased to discover there’s a name for what I often experience with my storytelling.
Yeah, I find it nice to know that I was not alone. That others had done the same thing so many times it had be named was a huge relief.
Great post, Samantha. Only when I surrounded myself with people who are already where I want to be with my writing did I begin to learn and understand the craft.
Sharing is great. I believe it goes both ways also. I always learn more when I try to explain something to a fellow writer. i love their questions and insights.