Wow, tonight's Twitter party was a bit of a whirlwind.
Cheryl, Katie, and I are always thrilled to see familiar faces alongside many new ones.
We talked about the Red Writing Hood prompt and many of you are excited about tackling it, while others are intimidated by bringing the funny. Though many of us have a difficult time with humor, the general consensus seemed to be that we'd give it a go and see where it takes us.
We clarified the way our prompts work now.
The Red Writing Hood prompt is posted on Tuesdays and links up on Friday.
The Remembe(red) prompt is posted on Fridays and links up on Tuesdays.
Repeat after me... ;)
We talked about how difficult it is to visit the other posts that are linked up, but it feels great to get comments. So, we encourage you to visit and comment on as many as you possibly can when you link up. It is that give and take that makes a community like ours strong. It's also a great idea to start at the end and work your way up so that we can distribute those comments. We know that it takes time, but we exist here for one another.
We talked about avoiding wordiness, since we lose our readers when we bury them in excessive words. We also discussed the importance of not burying the lede and using shorter paragraphs.
We spoke, again, about turning off word verification. Many readers will not comment if they have to jump through hoops to do so. If you use word verification and don't know how to turn it off, ask around, you'd be surprised by how many people can help. It was suggested that word verification kills puppies. And unicorns.
The idea of shaking things up and not writing in chronological order came up. Moving things around often makes for a much more interesting piece.
We asked if any of you would be interested in having a writing partner, someone to help you with anything from proofreading for typos to heavier content editing and we got an incredibly positive response. If you didn't attend the twitter party and would like a partner, leave a comment and I'll add you to the list.
And all of that is probably about fifty percent of what we talked about.
So, here's where you come in. Cheryl, Katie, and I need your help with a couple of things:
1. If you attended, please share in the comments what your biggest take away was. What resonated with you and left you thinking?
2. Whether you attended or not, tell us what you'd like to discuss in coming weeks. What, specifically, would you find helpful?
Thanks to everyone who attended, even if only for a few minutes. We always have so much fun.
(If you are not on Twitter and are curious about it, just ask one of us and we'll happily walk you through it.)
Showing posts with label twitter recap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label twitter recap. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Twitter Party Recap
We had quite a lively chat Wednesday night. Thank you to everyone who joined. For those of you who couldn't make it, here's what you missed:
1) We talked A LOT about memoir. Some worry about not having a compelling enough story to tell. Others say it's difficult to be emotionally vulnerable - and to find the right words to capture the moment. Making the experience be as important to the reader as it was to the writer is another challenge. Others say getting it out, all those memories, no matter how painful they might be, is a relief. Also, it's tough for some of us to remember details about our past. Two suggested books to help with memoir were Natalie Goldberg's "Old Friend from Far Away" and "Writing Life Stories" by Bill Roorbach.
2) There was much discussion on boundaries when writing personal or memoir posts on our blogs. Respect for the feelings of family members seemed to be the No. 1 reason for setting limits on what is written. Also, there's concern on how much to reveal, to "go there." It's tough for many of us to tell the whole truth in that venue.
3) Not all of us have had what we would consider "memoir-worthy" lives. Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary is a huge challenge. Anne Lamott is a master at it. Also, her book Bird by Bird is a must-read on writing.
4) The posts that stuck with readers from this week's memoir linkup were the ones that made us feel. The ones that took us to the moment with them.
5) It was asked whether it's tougher to be funny or poignant. We were split, though it was opined the poignant posts seem to elicit more reaction from readers. Some think it's easier to be funny, to hide behind it, then to reveal our inner selves. Poignant can be scary. Funny is tough because not all humor translates well into print, and there's the fear that it's not actually THAT funny.
6) Is it easier to put emotion into a fictional character than when writing non-fiction? Some of us say yes, because it is easier than telling the truth about oneself. There is the also fear readers will think the writer is projecting.
7) A lot of us were inspired by this week's fiction/non-fiction prompt. This should be a great linkup Friday. We're excited to see what you come up with!
1) We talked A LOT about memoir. Some worry about not having a compelling enough story to tell. Others say it's difficult to be emotionally vulnerable - and to find the right words to capture the moment. Making the experience be as important to the reader as it was to the writer is another challenge. Others say getting it out, all those memories, no matter how painful they might be, is a relief. Also, it's tough for some of us to remember details about our past. Two suggested books to help with memoir were Natalie Goldberg's "Old Friend from Far Away" and "Writing Life Stories" by Bill Roorbach.
2) There was much discussion on boundaries when writing personal or memoir posts on our blogs. Respect for the feelings of family members seemed to be the No. 1 reason for setting limits on what is written. Also, there's concern on how much to reveal, to "go there." It's tough for many of us to tell the whole truth in that venue.
3) Not all of us have had what we would consider "memoir-worthy" lives. Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary is a huge challenge. Anne Lamott is a master at it. Also, her book Bird by Bird is a must-read on writing.
4) The posts that stuck with readers from this week's memoir linkup were the ones that made us feel. The ones that took us to the moment with them.
5) It was asked whether it's tougher to be funny or poignant. We were split, though it was opined the poignant posts seem to elicit more reaction from readers. Some think it's easier to be funny, to hide behind it, then to reveal our inner selves. Poignant can be scary. Funny is tough because not all humor translates well into print, and there's the fear that it's not actually THAT funny.
6) Is it easier to put emotion into a fictional character than when writing non-fiction? Some of us say yes, because it is easier than telling the truth about oneself. There is the also fear readers will think the writer is projecting.
7) A lot of us were inspired by this week's fiction/non-fiction prompt. This should be a great linkup Friday. We're excited to see what you come up with!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Twitter Party Recap
If you joined us for our Wednesday night twitter party, you know it got a bit rowdy. A little off-topic at times.
But that's how it is when you're at a place where you feel comfortable, right? Like a book club where you spend five minutes talking about the book and the rest of the time talking about Important Stuff and drinking wine.
We did talk about some interesting stuff.
1)The prompt has a set beginning and a set ending - and a word limit. For some, this feels confining. For others it's freeing: they don't have to worry about how to start or finish it. The word limit is to force writers to be concise, to get in and out of their story. I also mentioned my creepy, slightly inappropriate 8th grade science teacher who used to tell us to make our essays like a girl's skirt: long enough to cover the subject but short enough to be interesting. Also, the word limit makes it easier on those of us who try to read everyone's linkups!
2) Do we brainstorm first and just write? It seems like most of us just write, but some let ideas roll around in their minds for a couple days.
3) Some prompts lead to an obvious idea. Some want to push beyond the obvious and stretch themselves. We applaud this! Katie advises to write what you know. I countered with "Write what you DON'T know, too." Both are correct. Writing what you know helps you be genuine. We don't recommend writing about brain surgery, for instance, if you haven't researched it. But you can imagine situations and characters that you have no first-hand experience in, and, in making them human, they will be genuine.
4)Fiction vs. non-fiction. Each of us has our comfort zone. We encourage you to try something different. It will only help you grow.
5) Concrit. We have a lot of conversations on this topic. Some of you really want constructive criticism, but maybe aren't comfortable giving it. When you read a linkup, ask yourself what you liked about it and what you didn't, what worked for you, what didn't. Then tell the writer that, in a respectful, helpful way. For instance "This was great!" is nice to hear, but WHY was it great? Was it the dialogue, the description, a certain line that hit you? Conversely, if you didn't like it, don't comment "This sucked!" You can point out maybe a certain line that didn't work, or dialogue that didn't seem realistic. Remember the writer is putting herself out there - be kind.
7) Writer's envy. We all have it. You read someone's work and you want to stick a hot fork in your eye because they said what you wanted to say - only they did it SO MUCH BETTER! Thing is, you can't let this paralyze you. Or intimidate you. We are all working, learning, growing. All of you have your unique voice. And your own truth. When you read someone you admire, think about what it is that you like about their writing. Try to write something (not for publication, for yourself) taking on that writer's voice. Then see what works for you, and what doesn't.
8) The sex scene. Yes, we went there! And there were some tweets that made me laugh out loud! For those of us who have family members and IRL people who read our blogs, this can be a tricky thing. Some of us are afraid of sounding like a bad romance novel. It's a personal decision whether your blog is an appropriate place to share the, er, intimate details. Also, if it's non-fiction? Probably TMI!
9) There was a request for resources for finding agents, submitting a query letter and other topics directly relating to getting published. We will work hard to bring this information to you.
But that's how it is when you're at a place where you feel comfortable, right? Like a book club where you spend five minutes talking about the book and the rest of the time talking about Important Stuff and drinking wine.
We did talk about some interesting stuff.
1)The prompt has a set beginning and a set ending - and a word limit. For some, this feels confining. For others it's freeing: they don't have to worry about how to start or finish it. The word limit is to force writers to be concise, to get in and out of their story. I also mentioned my creepy, slightly inappropriate 8th grade science teacher who used to tell us to make our essays like a girl's skirt: long enough to cover the subject but short enough to be interesting. Also, the word limit makes it easier on those of us who try to read everyone's linkups!
2) Do we brainstorm first and just write? It seems like most of us just write, but some let ideas roll around in their minds for a couple days.
3) Some prompts lead to an obvious idea. Some want to push beyond the obvious and stretch themselves. We applaud this! Katie advises to write what you know. I countered with "Write what you DON'T know, too." Both are correct. Writing what you know helps you be genuine. We don't recommend writing about brain surgery, for instance, if you haven't researched it. But you can imagine situations and characters that you have no first-hand experience in, and, in making them human, they will be genuine.
4)Fiction vs. non-fiction. Each of us has our comfort zone. We encourage you to try something different. It will only help you grow.
5) Concrit. We have a lot of conversations on this topic. Some of you really want constructive criticism, but maybe aren't comfortable giving it. When you read a linkup, ask yourself what you liked about it and what you didn't, what worked for you, what didn't. Then tell the writer that, in a respectful, helpful way. For instance "This was great!" is nice to hear, but WHY was it great? Was it the dialogue, the description, a certain line that hit you? Conversely, if you didn't like it, don't comment "This sucked!" You can point out maybe a certain line that didn't work, or dialogue that didn't seem realistic. Remember the writer is putting herself out there - be kind.
7) Writer's envy. We all have it. You read someone's work and you want to stick a hot fork in your eye because they said what you wanted to say - only they did it SO MUCH BETTER! Thing is, you can't let this paralyze you. Or intimidate you. We are all working, learning, growing. All of you have your unique voice. And your own truth. When you read someone you admire, think about what it is that you like about their writing. Try to write something (not for publication, for yourself) taking on that writer's voice. Then see what works for you, and what doesn't.
8) The sex scene. Yes, we went there! And there were some tweets that made me laugh out loud! For those of us who have family members and IRL people who read our blogs, this can be a tricky thing. Some of us are afraid of sounding like a bad romance novel. It's a personal decision whether your blog is an appropriate place to share the, er, intimate details. Also, if it's non-fiction? Probably TMI!
9) There was a request for resources for finding agents, submitting a query letter and other topics directly relating to getting published. We will work hard to bring this information to you.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Twitter Party Recap
Thank you to all who participated in this week's chat.
Here are some of the topics we addressed:
1) Where do you find your inspiration? Often from real life. Also when doing mundane things: commuting, taking a shower, running, people watching, listening to music. Even when daydreaming.Some of us need a "fire under their butts" to get them going. Many of keep a notebook or even use an iPhone to jot down scenes that pop into our heads or conversations we overhear.
2). Fiction vs. non-fiction writing. This was an interesting topic, because each writer seems to have her own comfort zone without much cross-over - although a few brave souls are venturing out of their comfort zone and into fiction. @gonnakillhim quoted @annrants as saying "she loves writing fiction because she never knows who will walk thru the door." A discussion point was whether those of us who write both fiction and non-fiction use the same process for both.
3) Making compelling characters. Becoming the characters - in your writing them - is important. Your characters also should be flawed, complex, believable. Some find it exhausting to become the character. Characters can come to life not just on the page, but also in our heads.
4) This week's prompt is to have a character tell a joke and a character cry. There is concern over how to wrap up the story in just 600 words. Some other concerns are trying not to make it contrived or forced. And a fear the joke won't be "funny."
5) It is hard to write funny for many of us. Some of us do it through dialogue. Others struggle with making it seem natural and wonder whether it's universally funny. Also, there was a plea for a sarcasm font. If only!
6) Screenplay. Several people see their novels or writing unfolding like a screenplay. They visualize entire scenes. An interesting way to see action happen.
As always, we are thankful for all of you who stopped by and hope you find the chat useful. We appreciate any comments you'd like to leave us below.
Don't forget to link up Friday!
Here are some of the topics we addressed:
1) Where do you find your inspiration? Often from real life. Also when doing mundane things: commuting, taking a shower, running, people watching, listening to music. Even when daydreaming.Some of us need a "fire under their butts" to get them going. Many of keep a notebook or even use an iPhone to jot down scenes that pop into our heads or conversations we overhear.
2). Fiction vs. non-fiction writing. This was an interesting topic, because each writer seems to have her own comfort zone without much cross-over - although a few brave souls are venturing out of their comfort zone and into fiction. @gonnakillhim quoted @annrants as saying "she loves writing fiction because she never knows who will walk thru the door." A discussion point was whether those of us who write both fiction and non-fiction use the same process for both.
3) Making compelling characters. Becoming the characters - in your writing them - is important. Your characters also should be flawed, complex, believable. Some find it exhausting to become the character. Characters can come to life not just on the page, but also in our heads.
4) This week's prompt is to have a character tell a joke and a character cry. There is concern over how to wrap up the story in just 600 words. Some other concerns are trying not to make it contrived or forced. And a fear the joke won't be "funny."
5) It is hard to write funny for many of us. Some of us do it through dialogue. Others struggle with making it seem natural and wonder whether it's universally funny. Also, there was a plea for a sarcasm font. If only!
6) Screenplay. Several people see their novels or writing unfolding like a screenplay. They visualize entire scenes. An interesting way to see action happen.
As always, we are thankful for all of you who stopped by and hope you find the chat useful. We appreciate any comments you'd like to leave us below.
Don't forget to link up Friday!
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