When I finished my first book in 2009, I felt elated. And clueless. The research began- query letters, synopsis, and compiling a list from The Writer’s and Artists Yearbook. Since I live in France, I thought it made sense to begin my search with U.K. agents. It was while watching a series of interviews with literary agent John Geller from Curtis Brown that I first heard the words ‘Writer’s Workshop’.What’s a ‘Writer’s Workshop’? I Googled it and came upon the site of the biggest editorial and critique services in the U.K. They also, it seems, do scouting for reputable literary agencies and publishers.
Well, being a mother of three who works part time- professional editing of my entire book (at that time it was 130k) was out of the question.
However, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. The Writer’s Workshop sponsored a social network called The Word Cloud. I signed up and fell straight smack in the midst of facebook for writers. Except they also have ‘Groups’- or forums for discussing a specific aspect of writing, critiquing rooms, agent and submissions information, etc…
It is awesome.
Without my writer’s social network I wouldn’t be where I am today. I got great advice from the fabulous moderators- namely Emma Darwin, and Harry Bingham who feel more like the ‘mom ‘n pops’ of the operation since these well known authors and editors are so generous with their time and knowledge.
The Word Cloud also helped me to meet and form a critique group with several other members. Most of you know Clara- writer of YA Fantasy. We also have a writer of historical family fiction, mainstream fiction, and another YA fantasy writer. Together, we’ve all made incredible progress and I don’t know what I’d do without them.
So I guess today’s post is an ‘Ode’ to my social network. If you haven’t joined one- I totally recommend it!
Don't forget to enter! Ends May 27th!
1st Prize winner will receive an over-the-phone publishing consultation from one of the accomplished authors/editors at The Writer’s Workshop!(Thank you SO much Harry Bingham)
2nd Prize winner will receive a 30 page critique from the members of the ‘3Critics Club’ (my critiquing group) on The Word Cloud
3rd Prize winner will receive a choice of champagne or gourmet chocolates shipped directly from yours truly (in France:)
22 comments:
Hail yeah sistah!
I hear ya! That's exactly why I started blogging. To meet writers! :)
I began blogging to learn how to write. I can see how I've gotten better with only 2 months in. I cringe when I read what I wrote the first day.
Yikes!
Hey, time for bed, no?
thanks honey! :) Conducting an Interview with Matthew Rush today. Hope you can drop by!!! :) Is schelduled to post in two hours.
That's awesome - I'll have to check out Word Cloud. I haven't heard of it!
Isn't the writing community amazing?? I, too, started blogging three months ago--total newbie and clueless. An 'ode' the those who've stuck by you is a good thing.
Nice.
I started blogging to meet writers and since then have slowly branched out to several other networking sites! Sometimes I lose control and put my writing on the back burner but for once I think I might have actually gotten this whole thing down!
Ooh, that does sound cool. I am usually intimidated by things like IWW and AW, but this sounds better.
Then again I've started a critique group with bloggers I've met but you never know ... this still could be helpful.
Thanks Katie!
I've never heard of Word Cloud! Social Networks have helped me improve as a writer tremendously.
I'm with you. That's why I started blogging and *gasp* got a facebook account. Now, I might even go into this thing called Twitter... you need to network to get noticed.
Oh yeah... How does getting published in English work when you live abroad? Actually the simplest might be to get the "auto-entrepreneur" status, that would solve the legal/tax issues nicely. I guess I'll look into it, I'm curious now.
I'm not sure exactly what define a social network... but it's pleasure making your virtual acquaintance. Cheers! :D
I've met other writers through blogging and writer's forums. It really helps to have a network of writers for both the feedback and moral support.
Forums and blogging is a great way to meet other writers - I'd highly recommend it to anyone who writes. The support is awesome!!
I love forums and blogging. That's how I met mt CP and got to know other great writers too. The support from the community is amazing.:)
I agree! My writing life has been enriched since blogging and connecting with other writers.
The writing community ROCKS:)
I love the blogging networks, but I haven't really ever gotten involved in the forums/sites especially for writers. I don't know, I always feel nervous! Like other writers are suddenly going to discover I'm a self-deluded fraud. Which, needless to say, would be very sad for me. :(
Maybe I'm just paranoid, who knows? :D
I love the writing community. I have learned so much and have gotten so much support. It rocks! Great post. =)
I'd never heard of The Word Cloud until your post. It sounds wonderful. I'll be heading over to check it out now!
Forums and blogging have been so important to me too. I'm glad you found your community when you needed it!
I've never heard of Word Cloud. Will have to check it out!
I love the online writing community! I'll have to check this site out, it sounds pretty great.
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