Growing in Your Craft

IN THE NEWS: Guinea pig touted as solution to Congo food crisis. Read more HERE.


Hey, all! I had a fantastic spring break! Very busy, though. I planned and hosted a birthday tea party for an eight year old, did a few day trips with the family, and started an online writing class.

Whoa, let's look at that last one again. Yes, I started an online writing class. In fact, I'm doing A MONTH LONG one hosted by author Camy Tang on Characterization.

So far, it's been really great for me!

I'm a firm believer that every writer--aside from maybe the Nora Roberts and Stephen Kings of the world--should look to grow in their craft.

How?

1) Well, there are many books to read on the subject of writing. (My favorites are by James Scott Bell and Noah Lukeman) .When I read a great writing book, I try to absorb as much as possible. The only problem is once the book is put down, I don't always remember to utilize what I just read.

(Unless I read it more than once or I blog about it, which then crams it in my head again) :)

2)Many writers also go to conferences and take workshops. When I take a workshop that I enjoy, I take tons of notes. I'm all excited until I get home and I look at my notes. That's when it all looks foreign to me and I have to try and remember what I was so excited about.

3)Now with the Internet, there are many more options available like webinars and online conferences. In fact, one is the Muse Online Conference. Webinars and online conferences are much the same as actual conferences--minus the face to face networking and schmoozing. :) You can go in with very specific questions at any time during the day and from the comfort of your own home.

4)All those are wonderful resources that I DO take advantage of, but I have to say there is something just a little bit different about doing an actual writing class--online or in person. I'm thinking it's the homework accountability and the actual application of what is being taught that makes it just a little bit better than the other options mentioned. It's perfect for the well-intentioned writer (AKA me) who has writing workbooks on my nightstand that are still untouched.

I am actually being "forced" to apply homework lessons to my work-in-progress and post for the author and others. I can then see what I need to work on and what I totally have a handle on. So far, I'm finding I'm really liking this kind of hands-on approach. (Although right now, I'm behind in the homework!) :)

Do you have another way that you use to grow in your writing craft?

What do you find most useful for you?