*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7563-Finding-Your-Community.html
Short Stories: March 30, 2016 Issue [#7563]

Newsletter Header
Short Stories


 This week: Finding Your Community
  Edited by: Jay's debut novel is out now!
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Finding Your Community
On Writing.Com and elsewhere, it can be necessary -- and genuinely helpful -- to find a social niche for your writing.
What are some of the best and worst writing group moments you've had?


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Writing is an inherently solitary endeavor. We join networks like Writing.Com because human interaction genuinely helps the writing process.

Social networks like Twitter can provide a water-cooler type atmosphere for catching up with writers on all levels of writing work. While it can be really daunting to see big-name authors just talking out in the wild, it can be reassuring to see them having the same issues we all have-- unruly plots, characters that just won't quit, stubborn paragraphs that won't just sit back and let them edit... you get the idea. *Bigsmile* It can also be daunting sheerly because it feels a bit like shouting into the void-- and on some levels, that's more or less what social networks are.

Groups on Writing.Com can be great for morale, and help foster a sense of a community where we come from all walks of life but have one thing in common: we really like to read and write. It should, in theory, be easy to find the right level of support in one place, but in practice, I've found that I have to skip around a bit, myself.

The important thing is to figure out what you actually need from a group of your peers-- and what you have to offer in turn. It can be hard to find a niche, but don't let the difficulty deter you. It may even be that you need more than one group of individuals, which is where Writing.Com really shines. There are so many different things to do with different groups on here that with some effort it should be smooth sailing.

One other thought, though-- make sure that your urge to socialize doesn't overwhelm your urge to write! We all have times where we need to recharge our social batteries, so don't forget to do that on occasion, too. Above all, my suggestion is to find friends and peers who like and appreciate your writing-- but also really push you to make it the best you can and consistently challenge you to improve. This can be hard, because it's definitely easier to just tell our friends the fun parts about their work without getting into the things that need improving, so building a rapport with a supportive group of people is really important.

Until Next Time,
Take care and Write on!
~jay


Editor's Picks

Some different groups to look at, if you need some writing group suggestions:

WYRM  [13+]
A group for those dedicated to writing and reviewing speculative fiction.
by WYRM

 Invalid Item  []

by A Guest Visitor

 
On Our Own: Indie-publishing Group  [E]
Forums, marketing info, advice, and support concerning indie-publishing. Open to all.
by Voxxylady

The Brainstormers Group  [E]
A group for those with depression or mental illness. Friends and family welcome too.
by Itchy Water~fictionandverse

Fantasy and Science Fiction Society  [E]
For Fantasy and Science Fiction authors. Open to all applications. come in and learn
by David the Dark one!


-- and this is just the start! There are over 600 Group items on WdC and it's worth taking a look at the most Recently Updated ones to find active places-- since this is a site that does ebb and flow as people change, it's worth looing outside your immediate surroundings to see what else there is.

 Invalid Item  []

by A Guest Visitor

 
Detained  [13+]
WC entry prompted by specific words. Could Nigel's day get any worse?
by Cubby~Home!

Kismet  [13+]
A bit of dark fantasy with a pinch of Halloween.
by Jimbo

 Grave Appearance  [13+]
Cramp Winner: Under a spell, Terric has to find out how to escape a soul thief!
by Than Pence

Trick or Treat?  [18+]
Sometimes it's not wise to tell someone "It's not you, it's me...".
by Kit

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!



Ask & Answer

Feedback from "Repetition, Repetition, Repetition!

Joto-Kai writes:
Oh, my heavens what is that? I read Swirsky's story. I am... in tears. Amadeus. How did you write such a thing?

She really is a master of the craft and I really admire her work!


Callie hears Angels these days writes:
What a thrill to see you mention "Mignoniette's Garden" in your brilliant newsletter
I love patterns in stories
sincerely, Callie

Thanks, Callie! I really enjoyed your story.


scooter writes:
i am not sure if this counts as repetition, but i keep finding myself looking for different ways to say "furrowed his/her brows". i guess maybe i just need to make my characters less annoyed at each other all the time!

Totally counts-- I know what you mean. Sometimes that type of repetition is a sign that you are relying too much on one type of sensory cue in your writing-- in this case, a visual cue. Try using other senses to show the character's expression or feelings.

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7563-Finding-Your-Community.html