I think this writing group thing is like swimming. Everyone does some flailing and splashing and swallowing water. I actually do know how to swim. I know how to give and receive critiques. My techniques may need some polishing, but I’ve got the basics. But I’m like the child who swims great where she can touch the bottom, but panics when thrown into the deep end. The depth of the water below doesn’t change the mechanics of swimming at all, but knowing that the water is deep is scary.
By joining this writers group, I’ve jumped into the deep end of the pool. All of these people have been focused on writing-as-a-career for longer than I have. They’ve all had prior experience with writer’s groups. They’ve been to writers camps. Some of them are published novelists with agents and careers on the go. Every week I’m excited just to get to read what they’ve written. These are high-caliber writers. I’ve definitely jumped into the deep water.
I just need to remember that I know how to swim. I can do this as long as I can stop being afraid.
In the deep end it’s sink or swim. I don’t intend to sink, so I need to calm down and swim.
Elizabeth Moon talks a lot about writing in her LJ. She’s my favorite living author. She primarily writes science fiction. She’s recently posted some writing essays in her LJ. Writing: Revision 1a and Writing: Revision 1b
I met her at a local SF Con early this year. She’s a great lady.
I love Elizabeth Moon’s books. Thanks for the heads up about her journal.