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I've heard the questions about how to get started writing, how to get the type of feedback wanted, where to find needed information, and where to find encouragement.
Writing groups, whether in real life or on the site, are possible solutions.
Next week's editor will be archgargoyle
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Writing Groups Aid and Abet
If possible, writers and writer-want-to-bes should be a part of a writing group, not just any writing group, but one that meets the writers' needs.
Writing groups in real life have differences, just as groups online do. Some groups have speakers appear at meetings, while the members sit and listen. A question and answer session may be offered after the presentation. Other groups have a "lesson" with discussion afterward, or they hold discussion sessions over a particular topic. One type of group critique members' work. Another group of groups offers a mixture of programs. The one of which I'm president has discussions, critiques members' works, has member authors give information presentations, has "lessons" with discussions. So far we haven't had guest speakers because we would have to pay, and we have six published and experienced members, so far, who share their expertise.
One thing I've noticed, writing groups that grow too large lose their feeling of "community" and often become organizations that don't read or listen to the writings from members, but they do have speakers come in. Therefore writing groups, like any other organization, can become too big, and members can be easily lost in the numbers. However, writing groups, especially online, can be too small. At least in real life, a small group can still critique each other's work and be encouraging.
To find a writing group, see if there is a state writers' organization. Contact it and ask for any groups in your area. Read the newspaper and watch for articles about a writing group. Contact someone mentioned in the article, or the news reporter, ask if you can visit the next time the group meets. Hopefully, you won't discover, as Jacque Graham  and I did, that the group isn't taking any more members. If that the case, or if there is no group in your area, you may need to start your own, as Jacque and I did.
How does one start a writing group? Find people with the same interests as yours at conferences, workshops, library groups, school functions (your school or your children's schools). I advertised in two newspapers after we decided to meet in the town library for the first meeting. Nine people showed up. The Pen and Keyboard Writers was born. We had volunteers for officers: I'm the president; Jacque vice-president.
The first attendees said that meeting on a Saturday morning worked best for all. So we decided the third Saturday morning of each month from 10:00 till noon would be our meeting time. The library charged for us using a room. We decided to use the meeting room of a local restaurant. We had a regular meeting time and place, which is a necessary ingredient for a successful group.
Once a group is started, then what?
Some writing groups have informal meetings and no officers. We wanted to be an affiliate of the state organization, which requires us to have at least five officers, all members of the state group. We encourage everyone to join the state organization, but we only require it of the officers. Our meetings are semi-informal. We keep minutes and read them at the next meeting so that members who weren't present the month before have an idea of what occurred. I also try to send an email to all members after a meeting to be sure all know what happened and is happening. Another email a few days before a meeting reminds everyone of the date and time and to bring a sample of their writing, etc.
Our group also has an online version on Writing.Com, which makes doing preliminary critiquing easier. We also have some members on the site who are unable to make the monthly meetings in "real" life.
Encourage members to attend writing conferences, book signings and reading, workshops, anything to expand their knowledge of writing. The state organization, Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. (OWFI), hosts a writing conference in Oklahoma City the first weekend in May every year. The conference is one of the least expensive around, yet it offers a high quality of sessions, agents, editors, and publishers each year. A majority of our members plan on attending. If anyone reader is interested in more information, go to owfi.org. The enrollment form is on the site.
Critique each others work, constructively and encouragingly. Being supportive will keep your group going and growing. I suggest that our members at least become a free member of W.Com to gain more feedback.
Use writing contests to help set goals for members. Our group is using the contests offered for OWFI members and awarded at the conference to jump start projects. Encouraging members to submit for publication, as well as enter contests, should be a major part of any writing group's duties.
Publicize each member's accomplishments, whether an article in a small local newspaper to a novel published. I take my digital camera with me to meetings just in case. Then I submit articles and photos to newspapers in the area.
Most of the same ideas and suggestions apply to online writing groups as for those in real life. Some are already organized and operating here on the site. Perhaps one is for you.
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Words from Our Readers
scatm13
It took me a long time to get back into writing, and when I did, I wanted to do it right. So, I joined Writing.Com. Your newsletters are such a big help! I print them out every time I get one and keep them beside my computer. Whether I need a push in the right direction or need to do some editing, these newsletters have helped greatly. Thank you!
Thanks for letting the editors know that our newsletters help.
Thanks so much for the helpful tips and links! You provide so many useful topics! Great work.
I just wanted to let you know that the three links I have listed below were unavailable when I tried them. I realize that sometimes servers do go down from time to time for maintenance, but there are also times when servers get changed out (end-of-lifed) and links get new addresses over time as well. I thought you might like to know in case you need to update them.
http://http//owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/
http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/
http://www.pres.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/721833.html
Have a great day!
Aeiri
Thank you letting me know about the links. I'm very surprised they aren't still there.
RegalPen
1,000 thanks for this newsletter. I am working on my first novel right now, and graciously accept all the help I can get. This is a very good review of the basics of grammar and sentence structure. I can't help but improve my writing with writing tips such as these!
Knowing that something helps someone is always gratifying.
lillibet53
One of the best resources I know for writers is an old college standard, Strunk & White's "Elements of Style". It's an easy, very clear read and uses a fair bit of humour to get its points across. My fave is "One should never say 'I feel nauseous' unless you are sure that is the effect you have on your friends."
Ah, yes, the nauseous vs nauseated misuse ... Thanks for the resource tip.
dusktildawn
Well, this Newsletter is definitely another keeper for my files. Your examples were top notch and you can bet; I will continue to reference them throughout my own writing and reviewing. Thank you so much, Vivian.
You're welcome.
Black Willow
Wow, this newsletter really, really helped me! I'm writing a book now, and since English isn't my native language, I have some problems with writing long things. I'll save this newsletter and print it!
Thank you so much!
Hugs,
Dana
Writing in a language not your native language takes courage and determination. I wish you well.
billwilcox
That was awesome help, Viv. We can all learn from these Do's and Don'ts. I gotta go; Roger grabbed MY suitcase off the rack!
Glad to help, Bill, just don't expect me to help you run down Roger.
The following comments are flattering compliments, which I appreciate very much:
Andrew 
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I know now what to do when writing, and I'm using this in English and AP World. I particularly like the 7 C's. Copy and paste to Word....
`ACB
monty31802
This is a great newsletter for all writers, even us poets.
Thank you.
Adela
Thank you
-God bless
dogfreek21
Awesome newsletter Viv! This can help me so much in my regular (fun) writing, and probably some of my homework! I've copied, pasted, and saved the entire newsletter in a document in my computer. Thank you!
SHIVA
Dialog about authors and their endeavour in leading public to a greater one is we expect by these memorable things like this columns highlighted by you. I once again appreciate your noble work in upgrading writing habbites by one and all.
ydnim is back
Thanks so much for this in-depth newsletter. The tips you've present can help even the most seasoned writer. I know I learned a few new things. THANKS!!
terru1
Thanks for the Writing Do's and Don'ts Viv.
Daizy May
Dear Viv, This is an excellent newsletter; full of helpful information. I have printed it for future reference. Thanks Mrs.H
kelly1202
As always, Viv, an outstanding newsletter filled with great tips for the writer in all of us!
Thanks again for all your help!
~Kelly
coolestscottie
What a fantastic news letter,thank you so much so all the helpful advice and tips, along with all the websites.
larryp
This is one of the most informative newsletters I have read. I teach a class for novice writers and will use this your article and the links provided for reference.
Some great writing tips here!
kansaspoet
kiyasama
Great newsletter and definitely one for keeps. Thanks for the helpful information. It's always a pleasure getting to know the basic rules for improving one's stories. Keep up the great work!
Budroe
Superb News-letter! Thanks so much for doing the work well. I do appreciate it.~Kelly
I appreciate all the kind words. I wish I had had time to reply to each comment individually, but please know that I read each and every one and that I'm touched.
StephBee - House Targaryen 
Vivian, the Author's Newsletter with the expert writing tips was excellent. It's very informative and easy to understand. To my surprise, I've seen several stories written in the 2nd person here on WDC, and I'm glad you addressed this in the newsletter. It's very disconcerting to read. I also agree in editing your own work. I don't think you can improve until you do. Some great books on self-editing that I've read are The 1st five pages and Self editing for the fiction writer.
Thank you for the book titles. I'm sure readers will find them helpful. I'm glad you agree with the 2nd person point of view. I found that some think I'm all wet (and apparently the "experts" are, too). 
Ronis brain tumor is gone!
Vivian, this week's news letter has really helped me out...I am really bad about going between passive and present voice when writing my work...Reading this has helped along with using 1st and 3rd POV...I tried to write a story in 2nd POV, and my teacher said I did a good job...but she said there was some mistakes...so I went back to 1st POV...
I will definitely be saving this one to refer back to for my grammar use, which is another problem I have too!! Thank you again for all your help when you put together your newsletters!
Second person is awkward to write correctly, especially when writing a story or novel. I'm glad the newsletter was helpful.
Miara
This is a great checklist. I found several of my pet peeves on here, and I hope I make few of the mistakes. There is one more "don't" I'd like to add:
Don't use "that" to refer to a person.
Example: Carrie is the person that took the book.
Corrected: Carrie is the person who took the book.
This rule also applies to groups of people:
Example: The people that protested the change were arrested.
Corrected: The people who protested the change were arrested.
Thanks for providing this list!
Melinda
Yes, the problem you mention happens much too often. Thanks for mentioning it.
Until next month, I hope you find that your writing and reading enjoyment increase.
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For Authors: November 01, 2006 Issue [#1347]
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