TECH: Get That Novel Started (12)

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Originally Posted 20 Jan 2013

The book is Get That Novel Started! (And Keep It Going 'til You Finish) by Donna Levin. This is basically the last chapter, although there is a short conclusion that we'll include here.

Chapter 12 starts out with the admonition to keep writing. Writing is the best way to learn about writing. However, you also should join the community of writers. It's good to have some other people to talk to! You might do a class -- lots of places have them, and they are one way to meet other writers. You might also try one of the various writing conferences. Do be careful -- there are some ripoffs out there. Things that you should look for:

1. A knowledgeable staff
2. Longevity
3. Testimonials -- try to talk to real live people that you know and trust.
4. Location
5. Feedback -- find out how your work will be critiqued.
6. Contacts.

Along with this, there is the tried-and-true method of a writing group. Don't expect the first group will necessarily be the best. You may have to spend some time trying out various groups to get one that works for you. You're going to have to develop the right attitude, and the right approach. Again, some things to consider:

1. How does the group operate? Are the rules in writing?
2. How many people are there? 6 to 10 works pretty well.
3. What is the focus of the group? If you're writing novels in a poetry group...
4. How often do they meet? Weekly is best, every two weeks is possible.
5. How do they share materials? Copies, reading, what.
6. How are critiques done? Don't defend, you're there to learn.
7. Who's the leader?
8. How are new members admitted?
9. Where do they meet?

Or as Donna says, "To get that novel started: find people with whom you can start. Find people who will keep you going."

The conclusion has the title, "How to Be Your Own Grandmother." Donna says her grandmother was a noodge. Nagging, pestering, pushing someone for their own good. And I points out that everyone of us needs to learn to do this for ourselves. We need to learn how to keep ourselves going, how to set those challenges and push ourselves to meet them.

"So the challenges remain, and the struggle goes on. What happens, though, is that doing the work becomes the goal. When the work is finished, published or not (yes, published is better), it's on its own, and you're writing something else."

"So in the writing of your novels, I wish you luck, but more than that I wish you stamina, persistence and faith."

Start writing.