The Workflow of Writing
A deep dive & collaborative discussion into the writing process.
Facilitated and moderated by Brian Schwartz
Writing is an introverted activity. Even when it's collaborative, we write independently. There’s no single process that works for everyone, and a successful workflow will vary depending on individual preferences.
We'll dive into questions such as:
Where do you begin? Where do your ideas come from? Do you write by pen or by computer? What program do you start with? Where do you do most of you writing? Do you submit to a critique group? Is anyone providing feedback? Have you attended a writing retreat? When do you engage an editor? Should you hold out for an agent/publisher? Is self-publishing a viable option? What tech tools have become part of your process? Why do you write?
I'll begin by sharing the details of the workflow my own critique group uses (which we have been refining for nearly 3 years). And I'll encourage input and suggestions to see how our group compares to others.
We are making an effort to bring in writers who publish on a regular basis to share their do's & don'ts.
In an informal but intimate setting, this promises to be a much different meeting than you are be accustomed to. The orientation of the room will even change to accommodate a fusion of the collective wisdom. This will be a high value meeting to all who attend - guaranteed to give you some unique insights into the writing process.
In an interview awhile back the SLO Life magazine's Tom Franciskovich interviewed Jay Asher, whose answer served as an inspiration for this session.
Tom: What advice can you offer an aspiring writer?
Jay Asher: The best advice is to get into a critique group with other writers. They don't have to write the same stuff that you write. There's a difference between writing just because you like writing and writing to try to get published. I think it's important to have someone read your work and then tell you honestly what they thought of it. And you have to train yourself to not defend your work and say things like "What I meant by this was this or that" you have to let the writing speak for itself. My writing improved so much even after I left [the critique group] because, even afterward. I can still hear some of those group members in my head as I write now. Also, one of the main tips I give I writers don't ever go with your first idea whether it's a solution for a scene or a direction for the plot because usually, your first idea is the first idea anybody would have had, so it's probably not the most creative - it's just the most obvious.
We look forward to having you join us!
When?
Tuesday, Sept 12, 2017 ~ 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where? Hosted by SLO NightWriters Located at: United Church of Christ, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo.
Ready Player One?
Date: 9.12.17
Time: 6:30PM
Coordinates: 35.260847, -120.695672
This is your call to action...
Whatever you've published, bring a copy to show and tell. Be prepared to discuss briefly the process you followed to complete it. If you're still unpublished, then print a few pages and be prepared to explain how those pages came to be.
Writing is not a spectator sport. We'll honor the giants among us and acknowledge the greatness within us.
Your critique group is your posse. Bring your posse and defend your turf. Your group hasn't been named? Get a name. Pick a logo because words can only go so far. Check out The Noun Project to find one.
Participation at this meeting is not optional!
Your future is ready to be written.
Words alone can only take you so far.
Get ready to rumble.
See you on 9.12,
Brian