Private on-line writing group?

Hrududu

I'm in the same boat as Mr E in that I can't see myself getting published anytime soon. But I'm very interested in improving and this might be a good way to do it.

Orion101

I'd be interested in this too. Will the group be divided into different genres?

pickarooney

It could be. I suppose it all depends on what people want and what they're interested in doing.

Memnoch

I'm not sure we'll have enough people to divide it into different genres. It might be an idea to just start out small and simple with a general critique forum and take it from there and evolve it as needed.

Wantobe

+1 from me too. I'm a little slow off the mark to reply as was on holidays for last two weeks but very interested in this.

Insect Overlord

+1

I've written nothing of note since last December, but having a focal-point like this could help me get over that.

lmtduffy wrote: »

Im in if we have a decent amount of poets.

One more poet reporting, sir!

pickarooney wrote: »

How about WRITE CLUB. The charter would write itself at least.

That is brilliant!

Livvie

It would interest me.

i-digress

+1:D

Antilles

Looking forward to this getting started. Love the "Write Club" name too.

pickarooney

Just an update on this, to say that there are no updates The forum request is still pending in admin-land.

Antilles

Is there anything we can do to improve the chances that the admins will OK it?

Mr E

Next VOAT: The Erotic Adventures of The Admins?

Antilles

Yeah I'm sure some sort of Boards.ie Admin slash fic competition would do wonders for our cause

r3nu4l

Or a brown envelope full of cash...I'd be happy with that. Say €50k? Any takers?



Still under discussion.

pickarooney

Quick question - how many people (in this thread) have submitted a piece for critique on the forum before (outside of competitions) and what, realistically, would make you post in another forum if you don't post here?

a) the safety factor of not being read by non-members/google
b) copyright issues
c) need motivation in order to write and post
d) other

jackthelad321

pickarooney wrote: »

Quick question - how many people (in this thread) have submitted a piece for critique on the forum before (outside of competitions) and what, realistically, would make you post in another forum if you don't post here?

a) the safety factor of not being read by non-members/google
b) copyright issues
c) need motivation in order to write and post
d) other

Well, for me it'd have to be c. and as an other well, i just write my own stuff at the moment, never was allured by the story competitions TBH, but this thing felt like something that could have a snowball effect-- in a good way-- for my writing and my ever-needed writing education.

As for a. Perhaps... well I am only coming around to showing people my stuff --friends as of yet-- it is a confidence thing. But i think this may help me break through it. Anyway, I am motivated to write, i hope this thing goes ahead.

I assume B is a joke, no?!

LegacyUser

jackthelad321 wrote: »

Well, for me it'd have to be c. and as an other well, i just write my own stuff at the moment, never was allured by the story competitions TBH, but this thing felt like something that could have a snowball effect-- in a good way-- for my writing and my ever-needed writing education.

As for a. Perhaps... well I am only coming around to showing people my stuff --friends as of yet-- it is a confidence thing. But i think this may help me break through it. Anyway, I am motivated to write, i hope this thing goes ahead.

I assume B is a joke, no?!

I would think motivation to write is a big issue. Also, the fact it won't be public!!

darkestlord

pickarooney wrote: »

Quick question - how many people (in this thread) have submitted a piece for critique on the forum before (outside of competitions) and what, realistically, would make you post in another forum if you don't post here?

a) the safety factor of not being read by non-members/google
b) copyright issues
c) need motivation in order to write and post
d) other

To be honest I'm keen on a writing group here because i've been looking for one in Wicklow and had no look. I'm hoping it will motivate me into writing and get feedback from my peers that will improve my writing. I was a regular poster on Storiesville.com befote it disolved. The"members only" policy would make me more comfortable putting my work up.

i-digress

The fact that submissions wouldn't be read by non-members or google I suppose. I like the idea that all members will give feedback too, it means you're guaranteed a certain level of feedback which you don't get with the main forum.

tomasocarthaigh

Theres a groups function here ... why not use it for the groups?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2TycEcPpDI

pickarooney

I'm having a look but it seems a bit inflexible. As far as I can tell there's no quoting function.

Orion101

pickarooney wrote: »

Quick question - how many people (in this thread) have submitted a piece for critique on the forum before (outside of competitions) and what, realistically, would make you post in another forum if you don't post here?

a) the safety factor of not being read by non-members/google
b) copyright issues
c) need motivation in order to write and post
d) other

Have submitted work here before. A + C.

The two advantages would be 1) that the work would not lose its appeal to magazines/publishers by being posted on a public forum and 2) as a source of motivation and guidance.

jackthelad321

I realise now about copyright issues... never dawned on me.

I am in Asia, for 5-6 more weeks, but after that I think i could dedicate time to writing and would give honest criticism. Fair, i suppose.

The other great thing about this is, aside from the motivation to write (which I see as paramount), is the chance also to compare your standard and style and strenghts and weaknesses against others-- hopefully not in a competitive manner, as that would spoil it.

Having sent a few friends a short story I wrote, only my girlfriend and one other gave me proper criticism. It wasn't harsh, but absoloutely fair, like when dialogue was unclear or unrealistic, and akward grammar etc. Things treated in too much/too little detail. And the main character wasn't interesting, which is true-- he isn't.

The point being that that criticism made me more motivated to write than the others who praised what was a decent story, not a great one, as some seemed to be suggesting. Looking even closer it's as simple as this: they singled out the good, but not the bad.... a dangerous thing for improving.

So, that's why this would be good also for me, as you are not dealing with people who may alter their honest criticism to suit your percieved personality, or also just thinking blind praise is more encouraging than thoughtful, helpful criticism, which is the only way to improve and also to accept that your writing is going to have its share of weaknesses. (like when you write long rambling sentences connected with commas:rolleyes:)

And of course it's a hobby too, and i enjoy it.

Aoibheann

pickarooney wrote: »

Quick question - how many people (in this thread) have submitted a piece for critique on the forum before (outside of competitions) and what, realistically, would make you post in another forum if you don't post here?

I've submitted stuff but only privately thus far.

pickarooney wrote: »

a) the safety factor of not being read by non-members/google

I don't mind it so much, although I can see it being an issue and a definite bonus for a private forum.

pickarooney wrote: »

b) copyright issues

Doesn't bother me that much, I try to make sure I have that covered!

pickarooney wrote: »

c) need motivation in order to write and post

This, definitely. I'm terrible unless I have something that makes me write!

pickarooney wrote: »

d) other

Being guaranteed critique on what I've posted is another plus for this forum, and there'd be such a variety of posters that someone is bound to spot an error I haven't!

Mr E

*Gentle elbow in the ribs*

Any update?

ToasterSparks

It feels like a new batch of people have come onto the Creative Writing forum lately. I haven't really contributed here since the Short Story Comps finished.

+1 to Mr.E's question!

The_Minister

Cautious +1

Black Heart

I do hope this idea is sanctioned. It would be most welcome. I'm tired of badgering tired family/friends with my work.

EileenG

Black Heart wrote: »

I do hope this idea is sanctioned. It would be most welcome. I'm tired of badgering tired family/friends with my work.

What do they tell you?

Black Heart

They tell me to stop worrying and send it to a publisher. That is why an online group is appealing. I need not fear that my critics are being kind. They do not have to look me in the eye.