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.
