From Sarah, With Joy

*Poet * Author * Wanderluster*

Monday, February 1, 2016

There IS a Magic Key to Writing Success

People say all sorts of things about writing. In fact, so many people say so many things that all the advice can seem confusing and really, really complicated. Peoples advice on "Achieving Success As A Pusher of Words" can feel like "Stand on one foot while singing the national anthem and flipping pancakes and if you do that just exactly at 8:88 PM when Venus and Jupiter are aligned you just might get an agent to read your work."

I'm here to tell you, its much simpler than that.

There IS a magic secret to success. And for a mere $200,000, that secret can be YOURS

Just kidding. It's not really a secret, its just something I've learned in the last few months. I've come to the conclusion that there really is one single thing that can make ALL the difference. That doesn't mean you don't still have to put in the work, but there is just ONE thing you can do that will take you from being someone who likes writing to being someone who's an ink-slingin writer by darn. Ready for the magic secret? Here it is.

The key is writing groups.

With a good (emphasis on good...we'll get to that) writing group, so many of your bases are covered. Writing groups help you:

1. Write better.
2. Feel like writing.
3. Write to a schedule.
4. Write betterer.
5. Learn the industry.
6. Make connections.
7. Make more connections

I could go on. Every single one of these benefits has happened for me in the last few months (even weeks) because of writing groups. I am really not good at networking. I am quite friendly, but I am clueless about how to turn friendliness into meaningful connections. However in my workshop last semester I met someone who is literally a genius at connecting and networking, and for the people I've met alone, the price of tuition is so worth it. I am learning so much, and feeling a part of something great more than I have maybe ever. All because of writing groups.

Now, of course, there's a caveat. We all know that writing groups can totally fail too. But just do whatever you gotta do to find a good one, because honestly without it I feel like you'd be trying to compete in NASCAR on a camel. If you are serious about writing, or really about anything, get other people to help you. Its so much better than trying to do it alone.

Write on!

Sarah Allen

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9 comments:

  1. Hi Sarah, thanks. This is probably something I need to hear. I am leaving full-time employment this very week to spend more time writing (my adventures can be followed on givingupthedayjob.wordpress.com). I have a great writing mentor but I have not so far joined a writing group. Not sure what I'm afraid of, but I am definitely afraid! Maybe I'll give it a go!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, that is incredibly brave of you! I wish you all the best!

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  2. Hi, Sarah, I really depend on my two writing groups for all of the above reasons. Plus, those extra eyes on the pages that you feel you've edited a million times catch things you miss.

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    Replies
    1. Exactly! You got it :) Writing groups have been my absolute saving grace lately.

      Delete
  3. I've never been part of a writing group, but my critique partners do push me to do better. (And my fans push me to do more.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think critique partners totally count! Just a group of helpful supporters to get you through and help you improve.

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  4. Unfortunately there aren't any writing groups near me but I value the support I find online.
    Thanks for stopping by my blog, Sarah.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I agree that a good writing group can make a huge difference. Online ones can work just as well as physical ones.

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  6. My then 4 year old gr-daughter was better at networking then I am. Now 11, she is teaching me how to use my phone.
    Having group support would be incredibly helpful.

    ReplyDelete

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