Someone will critique your work – it’s inevitable, and you don’t want it to be your publisher. Today’s Writers Chat digs in to why critique groups can be helpful for your writing career.
Critique Group Tips
Keep critique groups small.
Find Critique Groups
Your local librarian should have suggestions. They know local authors and can link you to other writers.
Also Word Weavers International is a great place to start. They have local in-person chapters, but also have groups to join online.
Attend writers conferences.
Have “Early Readers” and what Bethany calls, the “Yes” Reader.
WATCH OUT for someone who tries to change your “voice.”
Have your critique group members be close to your skill level.
Fitness and writers are two words that don’t often go together. A common joke among writers is “Q: How do you write a book? A: Bottom in chair.” Today we’re talking about how to get your rear out of the chair! It’s awesome to have April Carpenter with us sharing tips and resources to make sure we’re taking care of our bodies and not just sitting forever. Check out her Facebook page!
Exercise Pyramid
1. Stop sitting so much.
2. Choose the active way. Move 30 minutes every day. PLUS aerobic exercises each week.
Banish Excuses
“If you complain, you will remain.”
When I’m writing, I get on a roll and can’t stop.
What if inspiration strikes while I’m on a walk? I’ll forget it.
Use a recorder or voice memo on your phone in case inspiration strikes, can also type in notes.
Wear a running belt to run or walk to hold your phone and headphones
Massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors
Good shoes *Bethany’s tip*
Prayer
What are you afraid of? Time? Muscle soreness? Losing inspiration? Fear and faith demand hope without seeing.
Rhythms of Growth devotional
Develop Your Own Rule
Example: For every 20 minutes, drink 2-3 oz of water. For every hour of writing, I’m going to ________________.
Stretch.
God’s called you to do a work. You must take care of your instrument. Long-term, we need to be stretching every day. You lose flexibility every day that you don’t stretch.
Take care of the whole package.
Mind, body, and spirit. Relax. Eat healthy and yummy snacks: Kind bars, Pop chips, Larabars
Athena Dean Holtz is the co-founder of Redemption Press and host of Always Faithful Radio Group, mentions the book Nam Vet: Making Peace with your Past (paperback here | e-book here) and how it sold 10,000 copies before it got a press behind it and has gone on to sell hundreds of thousands. Self-publishing can be an incredible tool, especially if you have an already-built audience.
Athena’s Publishing Tips
Be teachable!!! Use an editor, and critique group!
Have someone critique who isn’t your “yes” person and doesn’t know your entire back story. Too much familiarity can cause your reader to subconsciously fill in the gaps.
A speaker (or anyone who has a built-in audience) may need product right away – and self-publishing is a great way to fill this need.
Recommends Lightning Source for Print on Demand
Take the Time to Set Up:
Cover
Editing & Critiquing
Layout
Walk around Barnes and Noble and check out what you like. Write down your themes and commonalities so you can get the branding you want.
What an amazing Writers Chat session today! Kevin Buchanan, author of The World Needs Your Hustle, (available Jan 2016) shared his 4 Steps to Accomplishing ANY goal, and we shared why and how to use a word for your year’s resolution.
Check it out here: Helping others accomplish their goals helps you accomplish yours. @kevinbuchanan
Kevin Buchanan’s 4 step system to accomplishing your goals:
Get specific – What do you want? What is your goal? Now narrow it. Get even more specific to focus your on your goal.
Determine your why. Why do you want to accomplish that goal? There is always a deeper reason WHY you want to accomplish your goal.
Create an action plan. What can you do this week to get you closer to your goal?
Celebrate your accomplishment! What can you do to reward yourself after 30 days.
What is your word of the year for 2016?
Mine is mogul.[Tweet “Helping others accomplish their goals helps you accomplish yours. Via @kevinbuchanan”]
Setting Goals
Don’t announce a huge goal at the beginning of Jan
Start from the smallest to the largest goal
Starting small is ok because bigger opportunities will come
Be realistic – you can’t do it all in one day
What do you have to do today to get you goals accomplished by the end of the year?
Are you prepared for this new year? We are spinning off of Tamsen Horton’s Quarterly Planning system (click here to see it!). See how Bethany, Jean, and Johnnie each plan out their writing and business calendars here:
How to set realistic goals:
Know what works your business may not work for everyone and vice versa!
Know your core why or reason you established your business. Your why is crucial to your goals, dreams, and living a fulfilled life.
Planning helps you respect your time, including the weekends and rest time!
Writer’s Chat Overview
All the writers reviewed the Business Flower Plan, inspired by Tamsen Horton.
Tip: Turn off the computer to get more things done! Be sure to establish boundaries for family time and sleep, although as an entrepreneur, you are going to lose some sleep.
[Tweet “Your why is crucial to your goals, dreams, and living a fulfilled life. @_kevinbuchanan”]
Bestselling and award-winning author Tamela Hancock Murray understands what it takes to get published. She has been an agent for over 12 years and is currently with the Steve Laube agency.
Watch the show or check out the Q&A below.
Q: How can I get started as a writer?
Pick a topic you are passionate about
Read in the genre you are interested in writing
Fiction writers: Read in your category
Know where your book “fits on the shelf”
Nonfiction: Ask yourself what else is out there in my category?
Check the local book stores
Check Amazon
Appeal to a broad audience, but be specific
Blog once a week or start a newsletter once a month
Q: Are a lot of publishers looking for agents to pitch the book?
A: It depends on the publisher. Micropublishing can be successful as well, but that does not involve using an agent.
Q: How does a literary agent help authors? An agent is your first line of defense to pitch to publishers. Agents:
Tailors your message to publishers
Give advice on writing edits
Get with the right personality
Help with light editing
Knows which writing contests authors should enter
Helps you read and interpret your contract
TIP: If you are considering working with an agent, choose an agent that knows your category.
