The Calm in the Storm

by Hannah Roveto

In the beginning, it was helpful that Lisa, Amy, Lynne and I were in the same place. We all wanted -- had started -- to write fiction. The road to where that would take us stretched out before us all, as it did before Dorothy and her sidekicks (once they'd found the Cowardly Lion, of course).

Years later, we are in different places. I know some writers would love to form a group, and yet they hesitate because they are all in different places. There are challenges, yes, but given the right frameworks, a writers' group is more flexible than you might think.

For us, the fact that we all write fiction is still key. We are dealing with similar essentials, if you make allowances for the genres within the fiction world. We do not do memoir, non-fiction (although we do love to read Lynne's works in progress there!), essays, picture books or corporate freelance types of work as a group.

That we have all come some distance along the path is also key. To paraphrase Lynne at our meeting yesterday, writing is like climbing stairs. You stand at the bottom and see five steps: research, write, edit, agent query, publish. You leap up that first step, push up onto that second step, and all of a sudden, you realize there are not three more steps. There are a thousand and three steps in the writing process alone, you may even have missed a number in the research, and there will likely be a thousand and three steps each in the editing, and the querying, and the publishing. To know that, to be a few thousand steps along and for someone else to still be waiting to take the first step are places that cannot be combined within a writers' group.

That said, what a group does offer, beyond gentle and (loving) not-so-gentle nudges along the steps for writers in different places goes beyond process.

There are points along the way -- starting a new story, doing thoughtful revision, considering edits -- where the mind goes blank. Or worse, where life swirls like a twister and ideas won't settle. To sit with likeminded people, to talk about the joys of words, of possibility, is grounding. This is not to say there is a flash of epiphany, a bolt of inspiration that follows immediately, but in a solitary endeavor, a small and dedicated community centers the spirit and provides a calm spot in the storm that can be the start of something productive. Which is precisely what yesterday's meeting provided to me.

A Group Grows Up

by Hannah Roveto

What does a writers' group offer to writers who are not just starting out? How is someone who has a full WIP or even experience in the wild world of publishing supposed to use a writers' group?

A friend of mine with two books on shelves recently formed a group with two other published authors and even among the three of them, the questions arose: What do we need from each other? What are the rules and boundaries? One of the writers has a full manuscript and her first need is for a reading and critique, while my friend is in the development stages, turning a script she wrote into a novel. She asked for my thoughts, which was hugely flattering.

I outlined our group's process as established early on, noting that as we evolved, the rules have become somewhat flexible. We meet regularly, not necessarily every two weeks. We don't turn out pages "just because," and still keep the pressure on ourselves to push forward. We do read full manuscripts and here is our process for that:

* Readers follow a piece's progress in chunks. However, as we near the end (Amy or Lynne's brilliant idea) the author holds back the last three or so chapters and rewrites/completes the entire manuscript. The work is delivered as a fresh story with an ending the readers have never seen.

* A complete manuscript is usually the sole work reviewed in a meeting. Pages are delivered in advance, packaged in gray copy center boxes that to us signify excitement and accomplishment. We read and comment on the entire book, from threads to plausibility to line edits.

The value of those comments is in their service to the author, which is more significant than it sounds. As Lynne once wrote, honesty is in the details, but those details can only be processed by the author, something we all recognize fully. The author can feel free to use readers outside the group. And while the author considers any reader's critique as a flag marking something worth review, critique is recognized by the writer -- and the readers -- as opinion. Our role is to point out details that work and don't work, where the strengths are and where challenges might lie. We hope to help make the foundation strong; what the author does with our thoughts is her prerogative. We trust each other enough to know the advice is good, and we take what is needed as a gift, with deep appreciation.

In fact, The Writers Group members have never seen the final manuscripts delivered by our sisters-in-writing to an agent. (A draft once, but no finals.) We have seen only predecessors. What stayed and what went, what was deleted or added by the author -- and in turn, the agent and editor -- is a surprise. Really. And on that note, is everyone ready for a fabulous book being released on the twelfth called Tethered? I'm dying to read it!

What Matters?

Posted by Lisa Marnell

Tonight, our writers’ group is meeting. As it happens, only my pages will be critiqued. The rest of the time will be spent catching up with each other, personally and professionally. I so look forward to their feedback. I am nervous to get feedback – Yes - but I intend to persevere until my novel is as good as I can make it. I will listen carefully to the positives (what works), and the negatives (what doesn’t).

Here are some rules I tell myself to live by when my work is critiqued:

1- I swallow my pride, and listen.
What others say about your work, matters. What you feel as they speak doesn’t.

2- It’s not personal, it’s business.
Feedback is what counts. You, a writer, need to understand how your work is perceived. It doesn’t matter if you poured your soul into this scene. It doesn’t. It may HAVE to be changed.

3- Don’t sweat the small stuff.
If someone makes a mistake with a minor character’s name, it doesn’t matter. If they are not convinced a major character may act the way she does, it matters.

4- Insist group members don’t hold back.
Each of us in the writers’ group asks for honesty. Lay it on me, I try to convey to Amy, Hannah and Lynne. I worry that if they are worrying about me, they may offer sugar-coated criticism. I don’t want that. I want the truth.

5- Be thankful.
If you are in a writers’ group that helps you improve your “product”, then you are lucky.

Recently, I’ve had more acquaintances and friends ask me for details about my two YA WIP novels. Some have offered to read my work. I’m so reluctant to hand them chapters because I know their feedback will throw me. If they like it, I may become too relaxed; would I let up on that drive I feel each day. If they don’t like parts, what then? Perhaps they’re not the right audience. Perhaps my work isn’t their style. I am loathe to change parts that “passed” writers’ group.

I have come to accept that feedback is not easy. I allow myself to feel proud when I submit pages. You should, too. The road to success is not easy.

To quote a wise writer I know, adore, and respect: "Writing a novel is hard work. Who knew?"

What is crucial is to remind yourself that some things matter, some don't.

TechnoGroup: How It Works Now

by Hannah

Long-distance relationships have their challenges. The key is to want to make it work. A lot.

The news that Lisa was moving to California was an abrupt "huh?" We ignored it best we could, crossed fingers that it wouldn't happen, convinced ourselves the day was far off in the future. Way off. Really, really, far out there.

At first, when the day finally did pass, it seemed like nothing happened. We communicate mostly by email, and there was Lisa, every day, chatting with us. Then came time, we agreed, for a meeting.

Lynne did a dry run of the videoconferencing camera and software at Amy's house, and we were good to go. The good news is that the first such meeting was about Lisa's work-in-progress. Because the writer being reviewed says nothing, we other three could go on about our business as usual, taking turns with comments. Amy sat in her usual spot at the head of the table; Lynne and I moved in from the sides to fit into the frame. Lisa "sat" opposite Amy as usual, although halfway down the table. When we were done with the critique, Lisa asked her questions, and we wrapped up, happy to have been all together, even if virtually.

The second meeting, we realized, would be more of a challenge in terms of Lisa's being able to participate in an active give-and-take. Videoconferencing can be a bit slow, a bit choppy, so leaping into a discussion from the Great Beyond would be difficult. The solution was a flag: a bright orange triangle on a black stick Lisa waved when she wanted a turn. Not as ideal as being face-to-face, but effective.

None of the four of us will ever win jobs in an IT department. What we have made happen is possible for anyone, and kudos to Lisa and Lynne for figuring out details. (What is the IP? Where's the sound? Now where's the video? Are we connected?) Also, we should note, our children take this completely for granted. Lisa's daughter said hi before we started the last time, and her son came in fresh from the last Red Sox game in Anaheim to tell us the good news "in person." Amy's kids say hello and good night to Lisa, peeking into the camera to wave as they do. In all the best ways, nothing has changed.

Two caveats: We wouldn't recommend having more than one person long-distance; it wouldn't work well at all with more than two locations. Nor can we yet recommend a good videoconferencing software, as we are not in love with the one we have (yet?) nor do we know how it stacks up against its competition. Still, for any of you others thinking about a possible long-distance writers relationship, if we can do it, you can, too. Trust us. If the relationship is worth it, if you're in it for the long haul, then that occasional visual connection and real-time interaction make distance fade away.

From Bean Town to La La Land

Posted by Lisa

This...

is what I love about my new home; the Santa Monica Mountains surround our valley. Views are breathtaking, morning and night. In any direction I turn, vast mountains comfort me with their quiet magnificence.

In July, I moved from South of Boston to North of Los Angeles.

I’ll never forget that January evening at Writers' Group when I told them my news. I had a secret, a sad kind of secret. I didn’t want to share it. When I look back, I remember their expressions so well. I expected shock. What I saw was sadness. Amy and Hannah and Lynne didn’t want me to leave, and I didn’t want to go, plain and simple.

“Your husband took a job in California?”

“This won’t happen. It can’t happen.”

“Is this some kind of mid-life crisis?”

No, sadly, it was an opportunity for him that I couldn’t let him pass by.

But, how can a writers' group work when one of the writers lives three thousand miles away? Well, we talked about it over the next few months. There were two reasons we felt our group could survive. One was commitment. One was technology (video calling, to be exact).

Yes, I’ve moved to California, and I really do like it. But I still root for the Red Sox (and yes, they kicked some serious Los Angeles butt yesterday).

Yes, I’ve moved to California, but I still have my writers' group: thanks to technology, occasional cross country flights, and steadfast determination. We’re making this work.

Hallelujah!

Dream Big

By Amy

This is the very picture of a dream-come-true.

Like Lisa, I remember when Lynne asked us to review some pages of her non-fiction parenting book. To be honest, I was hesitant. I was comfortable giving feedback on fiction, memoir, narrative nf, but this was all together a separate beast.

The pages sat on my desk too long until I forced myself into the chair to review them. It wasn't that I was uninterested, more afraid I would let Lynne down. What a relief once I read her work! It was near perfect, mere tweaks was all it needed before she could begin her agent search. In the days to follow, she passed along a query letter for us to review and then late one week she sent it out.

Whoa! I wanted to tell her. Don't rush it. Instead I wished her well and tried to prepare her for the inevitable rejections to come. Even though she had a list of agents she intended to query, I began a list of my own to pass along when she ran through hers. Lynne's contained only a few names, some of the best in the business. It wasn't that I didn't believe in her book, it's that I didn't have enough faith in this writing life. I was still burdened by the yoke of rejections I shouldered from my first manuscript: I became an anxious wreck on her behalf.

But not for long. Lynne received immediate requests. Within days, she received multiple offers from agents. She spoke with all of them and chose one, the one. To this day, we can't mention her name without following it with, We love her. When it was decided, Lynne called, giddy, and I remember sinking into the nearest chair. It was really going to happen. Lynne would get her book published.

My husband overheard everything. Noticing my dazed expression and the tears that suddenly welled, he said, "This must be hard for you. Are you you a little envious?"

"No," I said. "Our dream came true."

Honesty is in the Details

Posted by Lynne

Honesty is in the details. The women of the writers' group, without question, have the purest of intentions when providing critique to a novelist. As I've mentioned in previous posts, there is no negative feedback to be found during our discussions. Surely there is constructive feedback, but never criticism; of our writing or of any other writers, for that matter. We discuss, examine, comment on, and dissect-- to learn. Our collective aim is to become better writers and to help every member of the group on the path to a literary life.

I was asked recently by a woman working on her first novel if I ever foresee a time when I won't need The Writers' Group anymore. My answer was plain and simple. No.

What writer wouldn't treasure three people taking her manuscript, reading it line by line and then spending two hours talking about it with compassion and precision. Without the writers' group it would take months longer to see any or all of the following:

• The need to up the stakes and tension. This has become first and foremost our strongest test of each other's writing. We know the marketplace is relentless when it comes to this assessment; we save each other time and the hardship of hearing this from editors and agents.
  
• An inconsistent timeline. Hannah's got an amazing eye for this.
• Weak verb choices in key scenes, and overuse of a word or words. Who hasn't fought the but, just, that problem? And the more unusual the word choice, the less you can use it, says Amy.
• Lack of authenticity of character motives and uniqueness of voice. As a temperament and behavior expert, this is my thing.
• Setting or absence of setting to ground the reader. Lisa is our setting guru.
• Believability of plot. Amy holds us to a high standard here.

It's been two years since fate brought four women living in suburbia, with children ranging in age from 2-16, together. Our work lives have similarities and differences, but that's always added dimension to our discussions. No doubt life will try to get in the way of what we have. One of us may move, or struggle with changes in her family, or travel for work, but nothing can change the fact that gifts have already been given. And I don't foresee a time when they won't be given freely still.

Some writers see having a writers' group as a crutch. They believe if you are a true and master writer, you wouldn't need a writers group. This is utter nonsense. In my opinion, it's as naive as saying you don't need an agent or an editor. I don't know a writer who wouldn't cherish support, encouragement and of course, honest feedback.

If you don't have the kind of support we're blessed to have, don't despair. You have options. You can stop by here any day you like and share in what we're learning. You can find yourself a writers' group, and if at first you don't succeed--try, try again. Finally, you can find an online support network. Though I'm new to the Backspace community, I've garnered a lot from it already.

Making a literary life is a journey, not a race. It's better to walk it with friends.

The List

By Hannah

Last night The Writers' Group shared how we met, how we work, Amy’s Fabulous Query Letter Format and other thoughts with a wonderful group of writers at Buttonwood Books. A huge thank you to those who came out, shared experiences and asked questions.

One part of the exchange stood out for me. We were talking about why this group works well: we trust each other; we learn from each other; edits are suggested only to make the work better; each one’s success is joyous news for all. The natural question arose: what would any of the four of us do if in a group without a chemistry quotient?

Quit. Quit. Quit. Quit.

Then bookshop owner Betsey Detwiler asked for suggestions on what a writer should do if in a group that is not working. As we offered thoughts on meeting formats and deadlines, Amy added, "make a list of what you want."

It sounds so simple. Just write it out? Yes. If you name your goals and the qualities you seek in black and white, you envision details more clearly. You know what to look for, the ideal, where you are willing to be flexible; where you are not.

Where to start? You want partners in the evolution of craft. You want support and understanding from others who know that writing is work, and the business end of it is, well, business. You want people who care enough about you to be honest and to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses so the work will be stronger. You want people who are determined to hold their own published work some day. You want to enjoy your time with them.

Those are non-negotiables. Better no group than a group that does not help you evolve and give you a place of trust. It is doable without a group, of course. Write. Read, both fiction and about craft. Take classes from authors you respect. Find out what you don't know and learn it. Do research. Go to conferences and surround yourself with peers. Before you know it, you may find a partner in crime.

Even if you are in a group, make your list. What is critical for you? What are bonus qualities? Treasure the elements you have. Be your own "group" if you don't have one. Name what you need. If you list it, they will come.

Exceptional

by Hannah

The focus of the blog this week is our writers’ group structure. As you can see from Lisa and Amy's posts, we have strict rules, and for good reason. It is impossible to make progress without them.

Except. How can any one person, never mind four, keep to such strict rules? Do we really follow our rules 100% of the time? Well…

- We meet every two weeks. Okay, except due to illness, holidays or vacation. But we do create a replacement meeting as close to the original date as humanly possible. We do not push it off to the next meeting, ever. We have always met twice a month.

- Two people present 15 – 20 pages. Although we have read the last 50 pages of three manuscripts now, at a shot. And we reread each completed MS, start to finish, which is a total joy. Never less? Well, after finished manuscripts, we have read query letters, but we rarely have to wait more than another round before we get the first 20 pages of a new project.

- Pages are sent at least a week in advance and edited in advance. This one holds fast. Even and especially with entire manuscripts. It is useful having a group of voracious readers.

- The person being critiqued remains silent until the others are done. We may confess to occasional sign language, but we are good about this.

- We begin with compliments. Always; it is never an issue.

- No unnecessary chit-chat unrelated to the writing life. This is work we love, and we are virtual office mates in an otherwise solitary experience. Who else would listen to discussions of punctuation, possible plot shifts, and the wisdom of Agents and Editors and Authors met along the way, without going cross-eyed? Do we ever mention other parts of our lives? Maybe. Okay, now and then. But we always get back to the writing.

We were far stricter about our rules at the start, which is how it needed to be. As we have gotten to know each other, to trust each other, we have loosened them. But not much. Bottom line: rules provide structure, wise exceptions make them stronger, and trust and commitment within the group make both possible.

Writer's Group is a check-in

Posted by Lisa

The Boston Globe recently had a piece on a local writer. She hit it big with her first novel. The second was a struggle. The story in the paper described how she ultimately hit her stride when she joined a writer's group. She described her meeting as a weekly check-in. Essentially, letting her know if her writing was working or not.

It is the same for me. We meet twice monthly, two of us share pages every other week; we e-mail twenty or so in advance. When each of us get to writer's group, the others have had a chance to read it. When we meet, the writer goes "in the box": that means no talking as others discuss the writing's strengths and weaknesses. In general, we speak fifteen to twenty minutes. Positive feedback is balanced with constructive criticism and suggestions.

And, it works. At least our writing has shown improvement over the past many months. How many times, I wonder, have I toiled over one aspect of the pages I submit. A plot element, a change in setting. But I don't ask questions. I let them share their thoughts. My writer's group tells me if a scene works or not; it is up to them to find the strengths and weaknesses.

Writer's group is a check-in. Oftentimes, a much-needed check-in. Though questions are welcome at the end.