Any writers out there????

[The Chicken Lady]

I'm an English teacher. Creative writing is my thing -- especially fiction, though I dabble in poetry from time to time. I hope to publish a fantasy novel one day...I have lots of ideas, but finding time to sit down, get organized, and get started is my problem.

My FIL published a book about the National Guard group he belongs to -- its history, etc. It's very cool to be related to a published author, and to go into bookstores in our area and see his book.

 

[Jajika]

Writers are a special profession. Except for the academic world, I rarely saw that a college degree or special training were required for the job.

Obviously I'm not talking about medicine or law. But in many circumstances, if one was a good writer, asked the right questions, did research, no one cared much whether the writer/reporter had a degree or not.

What mattered is if you could do the job. And, if you worked for a newspaper, did you know the difference between news and pr?

I moved from mainstream reporting, to crime, to business and then to technology.

Once I left general assignment, I was immediately in an area new to me in terms of law, crime, police policy etc. Duh! I had to become a quick study. But then, if people love to write, that instantly tells me they are "above average." Dimwitted people don't want to be writers...

 

[JerseyGiant]

Hey Geri...

I'M GETTING PUBLISHED!!!!!!!!

WooHoo!!!

The barn door finally opened.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

I must announce to all the writers... my DH just got published TODAY! He wrote an article for SQL Server magazine (something very geeky and nerdy), and they accepted it.

We've been goofing around for the past half hour attempting to take a good head shot of him for the magazine, as they requested one. I am so proud of him!

 

[Jajika]

Wow and double Wow!!!

Two chicken people getting published at the same time.

Congratulations JerseyGiant and The Chicken Lady...

Hey Chicken Lady--How can I see the work? SQL Servers is very geeky indeed, but he really must know his stuff. Those pubs are for professionals and they really need to know what they are talking about.

You have every right to be proud.

Hey JerseyGiant, what did you publish??? What got through the barn door?

Who else is working on something. Let's share...

Do you all know what a critique group is?

It is usually people meet in person, read each others material and then give "constructive criticism."

This is the important part....criticism must be clear, honest and supportive. Good criticism tells the author what worked, what didn't and how they would see it more clearly. The author can accept or reject the criticism as they choose.

A good critique group is very helpful. It also encourages the participants to have something ready once a month or so.

With the Internet critique groups have formed online. Some form around fiction only, some non-fiction, some genre only.

I write non-fiction only. I'm a former journalist, and I'm most comfortable with that style and subject matter.

Thoughts?

 

[Jena]

Hi Geri,

I am writer and my chickens are a great muse.

I have written some very long formal papers, but my love is literature and poetry. Have some things on the boil, but life has been quite hectic.

I find animals in general very soothing and grounding, but I love watching my girls, listening to there chatter and mumblings, and being around them, my wonderful Border Collie, and the birds in my garden.

Looking to expand my little world in the coming year, and hope it may stimulate some really good work.

There are several very natural writers on this site that will entertain and touch your heart with the things they write. Check out Writer of Words and the Parsons Wife just for a sample, there are so many fantastic people with a real gift for words.

Jena.

 

[dangerouschicken]

I write.

 

[Jajika]

Hi Jena:


There are so many writers here, it's amazing.

But then, why would I expect anything else. Many appear be very accomplished and gifted.

A next question would be where can we see some of works aside from the Chicken board? Do people have their own Web sites where more info on writing is posted?

I'll show you mine if you show me yours?

 

[rjv_piper]

lol I wrote a short story. It's on my blog.

I think it's two or so posts down... I'd love to read any other people's work, and I am open to any suggestions and things I need to improve on in my writing! Thanks!

 

[Laskaland]

I write romantic fiction. I have had several books published in print paperback and in e-format!
Great topic!
Christina