Writing Hobbyists

[Donald Miller]

I think it's important to experiment with writing, to find what suits you best, what genre, what themes. For me, having a blog was a way of discovering what genre I was most attracted to. It was also a way to keep me writing because even if I have good ideas (well, good from my perspective, anyway) for stories, I tend to procrastinate. A LOT. "Tomorrow" always sounds better than "today".

I'll read almost anything but when it comes to writing I find myself leaning towards the dark and deep waters of horror, mystery and fantasy. Whatever I write tends to veer in this direction, somehow.
Also, I really like flash fiction. It's quick, short, and has to be made all the more interesting because of the word limit. That's like a cup of strong coffee for the sleepy mind, and a good exercise in writing.

I agree. Also, having friends who are writers is good moral support. My favorite writer, Joseph Conrad, wasn't really all that popular in his lifetime, and he is less so today. Shame, too, because he deserves to be remembered. But the point is that knowing other respected writers and having their encouragement kept him going, and as I mentioned about what Jim Morrison's father placed on Jim's grave would definitely apply to Conrad -- "True to his own vision."

 

[Walter Oobleck]

I enjoyed reading both parts of your post, first and second. Did you just write that or was it something you had already written?

I've told parts of the stories before.
Here's a link to that thread I mentioned: Time Passages | Page 3 | The StephenKing.com Message Board
It's rare for people to discuss story here in the same fashion and fervor they discuss politics. So I welcome your thread here, am glad that you are here, and would be happy to discuss writing with you either in a thread or through personal messaging. After posting...at work yesterday...while not being distracted by the customer who is gorgeous I got to thinking about my second long story and how in each instance--the chapters are told through a multitude of character p.o.v.--but in each instance the characters do engage in what I call "time passages" in that thread. Like I said, King has done this repeatedly with a multitude of variation on the theme...as has Leonard.

Have you had a chance to read King's story about the bus? That story is a hoot. Short and sweet. But some of what I refer to in the time passages thread happens there, in that story, as well. I think it is fascinating the manner and method we use our imaginations and that process is or is not displayed in the stories of others...but the more it is displayed, the more interesting the story, I think.

Also...if you have not had the chance to read Elmore Leonard's Ten Rules for Writers, do so...I may have butchered the title, but Ten Rules is what it is about...short sweet and to the point. Some black and white drawings included. I read it on the kindle. Leonard writes some great stories...check out Charles Willeford too when you get a chance. Then what?

 

[Donald Miller]

Hi Walter, Sounds good to me! Here's the link to my G+ community:
Creative Writing Study Group - Community - Google+

 

[Donald Miller]

I have made a community for fellow student writers. It is unlike any other group I have come across: I mean this one will be fun, challenging, and rewarding. AND you won't have to hear the geniuses who are on the verge of becoming published talk about how magnificent they are. Yaaa!!

This group is about learning to write, and it is about encouraging the other members to reach their personal best. So, if you are as interested in other people's work as much as you are your own, this place will suit you just fine.

Creative Writing Study Group - Community - Google+

Hello Fellow Members | Creative Writing Study Group

 

[Walter Oobleck]

Hi Walter, Sounds good to me! Here's the link to my G+ community:
Creative Writing Study Group - Community - Google+

So how does one go about entering the group? Do I click on that red "join google" box at the top middle of the page?

 

[Donald Miller]

So how does one go about entering the group? Do I click on that red "join google" box at the top middle of the page?

I'm sure that's the way the have it set up. You join Google, and then you can join a Google community. I really like Google. I think it's far better than Facebook. In fact, I don't use FB. Dislike it and just about everything about it.

 

[Demeter]

One thing I notice about amatuer writers, including myself, is that they don't seem to remember how good writers write. For instance, I was briefly on a writer's group where someone wrote this:

"Janie sat cross-legged amid the lush patch of spring clover filling the wide and spacious fields behind her home. The thick carpet of tri leaved green, topped with caps of whitish fluff seemed an island of softness upon which she could float, weightless and spry. Sparsely dotted with sunlit bursts of buttery gold coreopsis and the odd, yet striking appeal of the vibrant, royal lavender mallow blooms, her island oasis appeared to her most wondrous and fine."

I suggested shortening it to:

"Janie lived on an island oasis, wondrous and fine."

When I left the group -- I wasn't banned from it -- three people clicked the thumbs up.
Ha! Well, i can't stand those writer's groups anyway; you know, where they spend most of their time congratulating each other on how great they are.

I think many people are able to recognize good writing when they read a book, but when it comes to their own writing, well, that's a different beast altogether.

As for writing groups, that's a double edged sword - I always wonder if those people are nice (and expect others to be the same when judging their writing) or just don't want to say anything negative because they want to be seen in a positive light. If five people tell you to change the same thing in your story, that's something, but if only one says such a thing, it's easy to dismiss. Were you the only one who criticized that passage?

For everyone who's interested, I recommend watching "Authors Anonymous". It's a movie about what is going on in a such a group - writing critique, envy, resilience, friendship. It's quite interesting.

 

[Walter Oobleck]

Okay...I've been on google...email so no problem. I wonder if there are any private clubs on the web like there are in real life? Probably, my guess. Tundra. Turf. Turdboys. Toot. Tipsy. Teed. Treed. Ta'rd. I've an uncle in New Mexico writing and publishing his stories...used to be a press secretary for reps from Michigan...married to Aunt Bea. A friend here local has the desire to write, writes when he can...one other I can think of...same situation. They might be interested.

 

[VultureLvr45]

May I join?

 

[VultureLvr45]

I'd like to play if you'll have me.

 

[Donald Miller]

Okay...I've been on google...email so no problem. I wonder if there are any private clubs on the web like there are in real life? Probably, my guess. Tundra. Turf. Turdboys. Toot. Tipsy. Teed. Treed. Ta'rd. I've an uncle in New Mexico writing and publishing his stories...used to be a press secretary for reps from Michigan...married to Aunt Bea. A friend here local has the desire to write, writes when he can...one other I can think of...same situation. They might be interested.

Sure, invite them over.

 

[Donald Miller]

I'd like to play if you'll have me.

Sure. Here's the link--
Creative Writing Study Group - Community - Google+
There is also a WordPress companion site--
Creative Writing Study Group
I mean anyone that excited about joining is welcome.

 

[Garriga]

For me, it would be nice to to discuss writing with other people who are learning the craft and have little to no interest in getting formally published. I can get published on my website -- once I have something in good enough condition to merit reading. I don't like the loneliness of going it alone. Also, I think there's a good deal that people can learn from each other by sharing ideas and giving encouragement.

Most writing groups are filled with people who consider themselves outstanding writers, on the verge of getting published and making a living from it. I find that attitude very off-putting. I'd like to be in a group of people who know they have a good deal to learn and to teach, and who do it for the enjoyment of the creativity involved. There must be a million other things someone can do to make money, if that's all they're interested in.

You read my mind. I struggle with this as well. Getting published is the last thing on my mind. I like to tell stories, but most people in my generation are more interested in music festivals. My friends are all musicians and djs. So, music dominates the conversation.

Rock stars have all the fun.

So, I've been looking for a group of writers who I can be friends with.

 

[Donald Miller]

You read my mind. I struggle with this as well. Getting published is the last thing on my mind. I like to tell stories, but most people in my generation are more interested in music festivals. My friends are all musicians and djs. So, music dominates the conversation.

Rock stars have all the fun.

So, I've been looking for a group of writers who I can be friends with.

You've found the place. I intend for it to be fun and rewarding for everyone. Maybe you can write a story about musicians, DJs, and festivals. OR anything you want.

 

[Walter Oobleck]

Now...do we simply begin to post? There's the suggestion that we introduce ourselves and something else I can't remember...maybe a goal. And there's the two sites or pages...and...we each get a page. I'm not familiar with happenings on Google...use it for email yes but that is the extent. You've put so much work into the pages. I like what you did with the little I read on the one...I get a sense of what you have read. I too have read The Death of Artemio Cruz...been quite a few years for me...had a list of fiction provided me and that story among others was on it. To do with narration...p.o.v. Is the one page..."your" page...? I take it...and the Word Press page is where dialogue is to happen? I'm also clueless about a page I will have...though I'm sure I can figure things out eventually. I'd post an intro over there but if things are semi-permanent I imagine it'd be best to do so where indicated...both places? Or just the one? Sorry for being obtuse.

 

[Walter Oobleck]

Previous post hasn't been moderated as yet, Donald Miller...Donald okay? Saw since posting there is now a chat room available. I guess I'll catch up in the morning. Saw you had been logged onto the message board here but I imagine your posts are still moderated, too. Catch you later.

 

[Donald Miller]

Now...do we simply begin to post? There's the suggestion that we introduce ourselves and something else I can't remember...maybe a goal. And there's the two sites or pages...and...we each get a page. I'm not familiar with happenings on Google...use it for email yes but that is the extent. You've put so much work into the pages. I like what you did with the little I read on the one...I get a sense of what you have read. I too have read The Death of Artemio Cruz...been quite a few years for me...had a list of fiction provided me and that story among others was on it. To do with narration...p.o.v. Is the one page..."your" page...? I take it...and the Word Press page is where dialogue is to happen? I'm also clueless about a page I will have...though I'm sure I can figure things out eventually. I'd post an intro over there but if things are semi-permanent I imagine it'd be best to do so where indicated...both places? Or just the one? Sorry for being obtuse.

Oh, no problem. I'll learn how to make things clearer as I go along. You can go to either the chat room or the creative writing study group G+ community and just mention whatever questions you have, and I'll fill you in. Sorry I missed you. If you have insomnia, I'll maybe catch you later. If not tomorrow.

 

[Donald Miller]

May I join?

Yes. Just click on the links above, and you're good to go. Simple as that.

 

[VultureLvr45]

Thank-You

 

[Donald Miller]

I have an online writing group. It's not very big. [It has] Only a few members. Yet, I think it is unique. There are a good deal of writing groups around, but those are primarily for people who are looking to get their new story published. I find these groups annoying for several reasons. One is that many of the members are snobs, while another reason is that those groups have little, if any, discussions about the actual writing process.

That's why my latest post is titled, "The Journey to a Well-written Novel Begins with a Single Sentence." I'm looking for a few humble people who would like to become competent writers. That's my goal, and it would be nice to have some fellow students.

Here's the link--
Let’s Learn How to Write Sentences. | Creative Writing Study Group