Previous Article - Writing With Your Rhythm
As a writer, you can be part of a huge community of writers and readers. You don't have to be a part of the group if you don't want to, but being active in a writing community comes in handy when you need encouragement, advice, and motivation.
In Real Life Writing Groups
Many writers have a group of fellow writers that are there for constant help and support. John Green, a young adult novelist, worked closely with Justine Larbalestier, Maureen Johnson, Lauren McLaughlin, and Scott Westerfeld, a group of other popular, published writers in his genre. They were not collaborators-- more of a support group. Writing is a lonely job, so having a group of friends that will work with you is extremely useful.Not only does a writing group hold you accountable to your project, but they can keep you excited about writing. Perhaps having someone to proofread your work, and to give feedback is the important part for you. Other times, having someone to discuss your characters and plot is necessary. A second opinion is a good thing to have.
Writing groups are a great way to make writing social, and to get you out of the house. I strongly suggest finding some writers in your community (at the library, or at a NaNoWriMo event) that will help you through your next project.
NaNoWriMo
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. Every November, over 200,000 writers join in the competition to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. It is a great way to kick-start a project, because it gives you a straight-forward, achievable goal, and an online community of competitors that are battling against you to finish.
The winning is simple; if you can prove you wrote 50,000 words, you win! Winners get prizes like discounts on writing software, and coupons to several independent publishing websites, as well as a huge feeling of accomplishment! The makers of NaNoWriMo also put together Camp NaNoWriMo, which is the same goal only for the summer months (July, August, and September). They also sponsor kid's literature department, through the Young Writer's Program-- classrooms of kids participate every year by setting their own, smaller word goals.
This program is a great way to get through the first draft of a novel, and they have a great community of people to help you. Not only do they have online forums where you can find help and advice, you can join a group of people in your region to schedule write-ins at the library, or writing parties at a local coffee house, if you want. NaNo is a great source of support, and a social way to get involved in the writing community.
The winning is simple; if you can prove you wrote 50,000 words, you win! Winners get prizes like discounts on writing software, and coupons to several independent publishing websites, as well as a huge feeling of accomplishment! The makers of NaNoWriMo also put together Camp NaNoWriMo, which is the same goal only for the summer months (July, August, and September). They also sponsor kid's literature department, through the Young Writer's Program-- classrooms of kids participate every year by setting their own, smaller word goals.
This program is a great way to get through the first draft of a novel, and they have a great community of people to help you. Not only do they have online forums where you can find help and advice, you can join a group of people in your region to schedule write-ins at the library, or writing parties at a local coffee house, if you want. NaNo is a great source of support, and a social way to get involved in the writing community.
Writing Blogs
I encourage you to check out (and possibly subscribe to) Writer Unboxed. This is a blog written by a group of professional writers and their writerly friends. They give great advice, and they have a good following of people that are amateur and professional writers alike. The replies and comments are almost as helpful as the posts themselves! It is a great resource, and it may provide you with information and inspiration to help you with your writing journey.
For more corporate writing and marketing advice, visit CopyBlogger. Amid their posts about marketing strategies, they have great golden nuggets on writing and hard work. Not every writer will be attracted to CopyBlogger, because they focus on writing for businesses, but they do have quite a few posts about general writing advice.
Writing on the Wall is a smaller blog with fewer followers, but it still has some good advice. Writing Excuses is a podcast by a group of pro's about writing. All of these are great resources, and I'm certain that there is an unlimited amount of online pockets of writing communities to snag advice and help from.
Writing on the Wall is a smaller blog with fewer followers, but it still has some good advice. Writing Excuses is a podcast by a group of pro's about writing. All of these are great resources, and I'm certain that there is an unlimited amount of online pockets of writing communities to snag advice and help from.
The Conclusion
Writing can be extremely social and fun-- not nearly as boring as you might think! If you find yourself getting lonely or bored, find someone online or in your area to hang out and write with! There's no excuse to be lonely or stumped with such a plethora of amazing writing wisdom on the nets and in your own backyard! Writing is fun-- why should you be pulling your hair out, trying to get everything figure out on your own!
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