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:)
