Presented by Jack Dance (Martin Scherer)
The most common advice for new writers from fellow writers, agents, teachers and publishers, is to join a writer’s circle. Why?
Wikipedia states: there are many different types of writing circles. Groups of like-minded writers needing support for their work, either through writing peer critiques, workshops, or classes or just encouragement, and writing groups based on location, style of writing, or format.
In practice, unless you live in a large urban area, you are unlikely to find more than one or two writer’s circles within reach. Also look on-line.
What happens in a writers’ circle?
Typically writers meet, welcome each other, have a chat, and then sit in a circle. Some will read their work, typically up to ten typed pages, double spaced, providing a copy for each circle member. Everyone will express a view on each story. They may write comments on your typed story. At the end of an agreed time, the circle will disband. Some may stay for a chat or go to a pub or restaurant.
This shows three functions of a writers’ circle:
- To meet and socialize with other writers.
- To read your work and gain other writers’ views
- To give a view on other writers’ work.
As we will see, these functions are separate and each are equally important to a writer.
Membership.
Typically between four and twenty members. Less than the number of black birds baked in a pie and fit for a king – your reader.
Reading and commenting on a story of ten pages takes at least 20 minutes, probably longer. In a two hour meeting, that’s six or less stories. There is inevitable competition over how that time is used and for whom. Do not expect to read at every meeting. Be prepared to take your turn.
Some members will attend regularly, others not. Some only attend when they want to read. Such selfishness will displease other members.
Some will attend for a few weeks then drop out. As with all such voluntary groups, people tend to join in January, September or October. Choose other months if you want maximum personal attention.
Who are the members?
Most people who join a writers’ circle want to write and gain an audience for their stories. They are of all ages, sexes and social classes, but like readers, writers tend to be middle-aged, female, middle-class and have been to university. Many will come from occupations that give some experience of writing. Don’t be deterred if you do not fit that broad description. Most writers’ circles find young and working class people refreshing and will welcome you.
There are always people who join voluntary organisations for other reasons – recognition they yearn for but do not get in their private or working lives, to find friends people who sympathize with their personal predicament and even to find sexual partners. Remember Harper Valley PTA.? These people can be hard working and valuable to voluntary organisations but only if they are guided to further the organisation’s objectives. Otherwise they can become carpet baggers who pervert and may even destroy the groups ability to meet its objectives. Suggest they find something else to do.
Fiction, Non-fiction or poetry?
Most writers’ circles invite one, but not the others. I find that a pity, as I enjoy non-fiction and I have learnt poetry can teach me a lot about writing.
Short stories, books?
A writers’ circle is a good place to read a short story or article. Given irregular attendance, when reading a book you will find some members will have missed previous chapters. Remember a chapter should have a beginning, a middle and an end, so is a short story in its own right, but part of a much larger story. Whenever reading a chapter, give a brief account of the story so far and principle characters in that chapter.
What do you want from a writers’ circle?
Before joining you should determine what you are seeking. Do you want:
To enjoy the company of people like you?
An excellent reason. By surrounding yourself with writers, you will find yourself encouraged to write.
Don’t expect to find best-selling writers. More likely, but also uncommon, is a writers’ circle that invites speakers. Their writing and publishing experiences are well worth hearing.
There are competitive people in all walks of life, some of whom may put your writing down. Don’t be deterred, prove them wrong by improving your writing.
To find an audience for your story?
You are asking a lot – Asking ten or so people to devote time to listen to your story. They will, but only in return of the privilege to read their own story or learn from your writing.
To be praised for your effort?
The primary function of a writers’ circle is to encourage each other to write, improve and succeed Expect to be praised for your effort and remember to reciprocate that praise. Sensible members will know that if one member succeeds, then others are more likely to succeed.
To be praised for your story?
Do not expect to be praised for your story. Some members may not enjoy the content of your writing. Some don’t like violence or sex, others don’t like romance or westerns. ‘One man’s meat is another man’s poison.’
Some circles give only praise. If that is all you are seeking for your work, that is the right circle for you. If you wish to achieve more, then be cautious about joining a praise only circle. Some writers are disdainful about such writers’ circles.
Some members will only give praise perhaps because they do not feel confident or competent to give a critique, or because they do not want to offend anyone for fear of critical comment of their own work, or because they want the circle to move onto their work. Hopefully all members will become confident and competent and not be so selfish.
Praise alone can be misleading, giving the impression that your writing is perfect. No-one is perfect, let alone novice writers. Even best-selling writers will look back at their own work and think ‘Did I write that? It could have been better. Why didn’t someone tell me?”
If you intend to submit your work to competition or publication then praise will not save you from disappointment if your work fails. It will lead you ‘up the garden path’, confused by very contradictory views. Worse, it will lead you to conclude that all editors and judges are wrong. They are not.
What do you want to learn from fellow writers?
This is the second function of a writer’s circle. What you learn will depend on the tastes, knowledge, skills and experiences of other members. You may esquire of fellow members what they have written and published, and what their day jobs are. You may find some who have won competitions, self-published, conventionally published, or have complimentary occupations.
To discover if your story is interesting and enjoyable?
A writer’s circle is your first opportunity to discover if the public enjoys your story. A writer’s circle is a self-selected group, but nevertheless they are a reasonable cross-section of the people who read and enjoy writing.
To discover if your writing is grammatically correct?
It is easy to give grammatical correction. First, because grammar is something that was taught in school. However you will find that the level of English grammar taught is schools is often not sufficient for writing or publishing. Second, because most writers are used to being corrected for grammar and so do not take offense.
Writers’ circles are often lead by people with good grammatical skills. They may be English teachers, editors or work in the media industries. These people are well worth listening to.
Good grammar and style is essential to writing for two reasons. First because without good grammar and style, readers may get confused and loose your plot. They may find it hard going, give up and never finish reading. Second because if you want to publish you may find the publisher uses poor grammar as the reason to reject your story.
If you want to learn grammar then do an English course. There are hundreds about in local schools, colleges and on-line.
These days there is little excuse for poor grammar and spelling. Use the spell and grammar checker on your word processor. Most also tell you when you are using long sentences or passive voice. Do not be surprised if circle members tire of repeated grammar and spelling errors.
Do not rely on spell checkers alone. They can change a single word to give a completely different meaning to a sentence that can destroy your story. Always check. Make good use of your word processor thesaurus.
Nevertheless do not be overly concerned about grammar. The English language is complicated by contradictory rules. There are numerous ‘ Englishes’ from British to American to Hong Kong English. Successful and respected writers break the rules.
If you have a gripping story, most readers will forgive grammatical errors. An agent will advise, and a publisher will employ a professional to edit your story. If you are confident your story is publishable it is worth paying for that service before you submit to a publisher. The days are long gone of agents or editors doing it for you.
Most important is to communicate your story, not your writing ability. Rule bound writing feels restricted, even feels awkward. Tripped by spelling errors, confused by poor grammar, the reader may tire and give up.
To learn skillful story telling?
The skills of story telling are rarely taught in school. Story telling is one of the most complex skills you can hope to learn. Think about it for a moment, comparing the written story to the same story told in film.
You have to come up with the idea (Producer), devise the plot (Story Board Editor), choose a setting (Location Manager), the characters (Casting Director), , select the props (Stage & Effects Director), the character’s dress, (Wardrobe Manager), write the character’s lines (Screenwriter), determine the best point of view to show the story (Cameraman and Director), bring out the best in the characters (Director), edit the story (Film Editor), provide the background (Music Theme Editor) and sell the story (Marketing Director). You have to work with a dozen or more occupations but do so on your own.
Then there are skills specific to writing. How do you develop characters, weave story lines, select and change point of view, create suspense, develop the drama, reach a climax.?
For some people these skills ‘come naturally’, probably because they have read widely and critically. Most people think they can write just because they have read books. Even if we are widely read, that does not mean we have studied books to learn the skills of the writer.
There are numerous courses, both in your town and on-line, from introductory to specialist. Creative fiction is one of the most widely taught courses. They are well worth attending before joining a writers circle. They will encourage you to write and teach you the basic skills. Go on-line where you will find a variety of specialized courses, at least one for your writing, genre and readers
There are numerous books on the skills of writing. They too will stimulate your writing and if you study thoroughly you will improve your writing skill.
Why do you write?
This may seem a banal question, but unless you have asked it of yourself, then you will not be focused on the goal of your writing.
To entertain yourself.
That is the best reason to write and must be the first reason for every writer. If you are intrigued to see what the characters actually do, if the story makes you laugh, cry or angry or moved in some way, then it will do the same for your reader.
If its not interesting or entertaining for you then you will never finish writing it and your reader will never finish reading it.
When you first write a story do not be concerned about anyone’s view. They are not going to read it unless you show them. Worrying about readers’ views will suppress your writing. Have a reader in mind whilst you write, but one you know you can make laugh or cry, or angry.
To tell others of something wonderful, get something off your chest or right a wrong.
Excellent motivation for a writer but the worst for your reader. Your writing will come across as preaching, even unbelievable and weighed down with unnecessary information and justification. Your plot will be confused, the locations will pale, your characters will be flat, your story will lack excitement and climax.
Describe the situations that affected you and show what you felt in the reactions of your characters. Empathize with your characters. Get to know their backgrounds but don’t put that in your story.
Driven by such personal feelings you will write fast, even furously. Reading such in public can be daunting. Don’t worry about it. If your writing is fluent and you express those feelings through characters, then circle members will soon be absorbed by the story, like any reader. The best writing comes from personal experience. The author simply does not reveal it is personal.
To earn an income?
Why not? A short story takes at least a day, more probably three or four days by the time you have refined and revised your story. A book takes a year at least, probably two or three, to write. If your story is of value to readers, why not get it out to a wider audience and gain some remuneration for your hard work?
Don’t expect too much. Publishing is a lottery. Every good literary or best selling author had their first book rejected several times before someone published it. Even published authors find their subsequent books rejected. A writer is only as good as their last story.
They say everyone has at least one good book inside them. The majority don’t get written because people lack the time, the skills, or both. That still leaves millions of authors every year with a good book to publish. How does a publisher tell which will succeed?
For a publisher, determining what is going to be the next best book or author, is like predicting the weather. Established authors like Grisham, Brown, King or Rowling will weather a poor book, but no more. Authors who follow in their footsteps may succeed but new authors with new ideas are impossible to predict. Publishing a book is an expensive enterprise. Rejecting a potential best-selling author is less painful for an agent or publisher than loosing money on a flop. If you want to stand a chance, study the skills, practice, join a critical writers’ circle and listen.
To be respected, befriended or loved.
Then you will end in tears. Even the most respected and best-selling writers are sometimes scathingly criticized in public by reviewers. Some writers may respond “What do they know, they have never written anything!” Never forget the critics rebuff “Nor have I laid an egg, but I sure know a well cooked egg better than any hen.” Writers cannot please all the people all the time.
Preparing to join a writers’ circle.
- Learn the skills of story telling
- Regularly read good and bad stories. Watch and listen to stories in theater radio, film and TV, including news stories. Examine the story teller’s skills. Learn to be a critique yourself.
- Attend a writing course.
- Join an on-line writers’ organisation, read their journals.
- Study books on the skills of writing and use those books for reference and stimulation as you write.
- Writing your story
- Find a place where you can regularly write without distraction or disruption, where you can get absorbed in your own story.
- Use the grammar checker on your word processor.
- Start small.
- Write short stories before attempting to write a book or read book chapters. Short stories are where writers cut their teeth, learning the skills of writing.
- Choose the right writers’ circle for you
- Phone the organiser and ask what are the circle’s objectives. Decide if they are close to your obectives.
- Join and watch the circle for two or three sessions. Get to know fellow members and what they are writing and what occupations they have. If you want candid critique of your writing skill and the circle only provides praise, or visa-versa, then look for another that is right for you.
- Learn the protocol of the group before you read
- Watch how the group operates.
- Practice reading aloud before reading to a circle.
Reading aloud will give you confidence to read to a circle, improve your writing and reading before you get to the circle.
- Read the story aloud to yourself, then revise and check grammar.
- Put the story aside for at least a week, preferably a month or such time as when you return you have forgotten the detail and can read afresh. Revise again.
- Read the story to a close friend or family member. Never expect those people to be candid. They love you too much. Whilst reading, take your time and watch how they react. Revise again.
Never be dismayed by the amount that you cut out. At least half of every writer’s work ends up on the cutting room floor.
- Give a short introduction to the story
- As much as you might read from the blurb of a book. If you are reading a chapter, give a short piece of the story so far.
- Learn to read your story in public.
- Take your time. Do not rush. Allow your readers to keep up with you by pausing at the end of sentences and paragraphs.
- Listen to the comments.
- Learn to step aside and separate yourself from the story.The criticism is not personally about you, it’s about a story.
- Remember they are opinions. Do not be offended by readers’ opinions. Try to see their point of view.
- Never seek to defend your story. By defending, you are not attending to the comment ;so you will not learn from the comment. This is the most common rule of writers’ circles.
- Note all comments, then read those comments a few days later. Accept or reject, and revise your work as you determine.
- Always be grateful to others who have given you their time, even if you don’t agree with their view. Even if you reject their opinion you will be prepared for that question if an agent or publisher asks.The circle may have saved you from rejection or at least your blushes at an agents comment.
What is the most valuable function of a writers’ circle?
It’s not the friendship, encouragement, praise, the opportunity to read your story, or even the comment you gain. It’s learning how to be a constructive critic.
The most difficult thing for every writer is examining our own work. It’s our baby and we understand it perfectly. Deeply involved in our story, it is difficult to see the wood for the trees. If you are able to give a constructive critique to another writer, you will be more able to do it for yourself.
Writing is a complicated skill. In a writers’ circle, there is a short period of time available for you to comment on a story you have just heard for the first time. Learning to quickly give an objective constructive critique is the most valuable skill you can learn from a writers’ circle. Here’s how:
- Welcome the author, be positive and constructive.
- Learn the short-hand ways of marking-up a story.
- Ignore typing errors, spelling and obvious grammatical mistakes but mark them on the story if you have time or they trip you up.
- If the story is romance or horror, but you personally don’t like such genres, keep your personal likes to yourself.
- If the story has vivid or gratuitous sex or violence, is politically, religiously or racially biased, remember you are not there to censor. Keep your opinions to yourself, unless you judge the view presented undermines or detracts from the story. Think of Stephen Kings best selling horror.
- If a character has your, or a friend’s occupation, or lives in a setting you know but you don’t like the way it is portrayed, again keep your opinion to yourself. Unless the description is so invalid as to make it unbelievable.
- Focus on the skills of story telling.
- Start with positive comment of an aspect of the story that you judged good or from which you learnt.
- Focus on where you thought the story was poorly told, suggesting how the story may be improved.
- Do not repeat comments made by other members.
- Do not engage in discussion of a writers work. Yours is just an opinion for trhe writer to accept or reject as they determine. If you want to examine aspects of writing, find a different time to do it and discuss published writers’ works. All courses, some on-line sites and a few writers’ circles run workshops
- Conclude with an encouraging and honest overview.
Writing a story is half the task of writing. Reviewing and editing your story is the other half.The second half is always the more difficult and seems to take an age. It will be easier and quicker if you learn to be a constructive critic as well as a writer.Then you will have greater confidence to write and write well.
The downside of writer’s circles.
A good writers’ circle will provide friendships, encourage writing and help you to improve your writing Nevertheless, some advise against joining a writers’ circle. There are two reasons. First because some writers are deterred by the critique of other writers. Generally because they have unrealistic expectations, have not prepared for a critique circle or have chosen the wrong circle for their needs.
The second reason is you might find yourself conforming to the expectations of regular circle members. Whilst critique circles are a wider cross section of readers than you will find elsewhere, they may be biased towards certain kinds of writing and stories. This risk lies in all creative learning and teaching. Schools of art, sculpture, pottery and architecture turn out students who produce like their teachers. Those who dare to think will stand out. Always remember that whilst members individual opinions are valid, they may not be representative of all readers. Their opinions are not gospel words written in tablets of stone. They are opinions to be taken or declined as you determine.
In conclusion.
Writers’ circles are great places to meet like minded friends and be encouraged to write fiction,non-fiction or poetry.
Look on-line for more specialist circles. Choose your circle well. If all you are seeking is praise find such a circle, but if you want to publish then find a circle that will candidly and critically review your work.
Prepare well. Learn the skills of writing from courses and advice books. Cut your writing teeth on short stories before you climb the mountain of a book. Practice, read aloud to yourself and edit.
Read slowly in a circle Listen to the members. Do not seek to defend your work. Be grateful for the time you are afforded to read.
Learn to be an objective, constructive and honest critic. That is the most valuable skill you can acquire from a writer’s circle.
There is no such thing as a perfectly written story. Every successful author sometimes writes a crap story. Our true friends will tell us where we may be going wrong. If they don’t, then they are either being unfairly kind or you really do have a great story in your hands.
You will know when that happens. Its electric. When circle members are hooked by your story, hanging on every word you wrote. Its rare. You don’t need to be told when it happens. You just know. But even then, a good critic will tell you where you can improve it.
May I wish you that moment.