The Writing Group needs a mission statement

[Skinner]

In case some of you missed my announcement, the "Non-Political Forums" category folder is going to cease to exist in a few days, and the forums in here are going to be moved. The Writing forum is going to become the Writing Group, and it will be moved to the "DU Groups" folder, under "Personal Interests."

If you have the Writing forum selected in your "My Forums" list, then the it will remain in your "My Forums" list after the move.

We need a brief mission statement for the Writing Group. If anyone would like to suggest and/or discuss one, please do so in this thread.

Thanks.

-Skinner

[oneighty]

1. More writing samples

by we would be writers might be a welcome addition to the group. In that way we can learn from each other and trade comments.

Just talking about writing is a waste of effort.

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[jane_pippin]

2. This isn't exactly a mission statement but I have an idea that

might be useful and/or help spawn a mission statement:

If the focus of the group (or part of the focus anyway) is to help members improve written work or to critique it, (like a workshop, for instance), then what about having a guiding principle for doing so?

Something I've found helpful is to read the piece through and in one sentence state what the main idea is. Then, offer 3 good things about it and 3 things about it that could use improvement.

It's just a thought, and I don't think it needs to be set in stone or anything, but I wanted to put it out there. Maybe the idea of a guiding principle (whatever it is) could be worked into a mission statement.

[BigMcLargehuge]

3. possible mission statement

The Writing Group provides a place where writers can assemble, present, and critique original content and discuss the techniques and tools used to create compelling stories and articles. The Writing Group also offers a place where discussions peripheral to writing can take place, including but not limited to, overcoming writer's block, help with query letters, networking, editor searches. The Writer's Group will also allow for celebration of successful fiction/non-fiction sales, and soothe rejection.

Hows that?

[Skinner]

4. That looks good to me.

If anyone wants to suggest any changes, please do so soon. We're reorganizing the forums shortly.

[oneighty]

5. Oh you mean just as it is now

where few writers will present any writings and mostly just talk about writing. Guaranteed failure. It will be like the live 'Writer Groups' I have been involved in. A waste of time.

IMHO

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[bain_sidhe]

6. What a helpful post!

Thanks so much. Perhaps you could deign to tell us what YOU think it ought to be, and we could discuss it. Perhaps you would even go so far as to offer some of your precious time to help make it more like you think it ought to be.

Or not.

[oneighty]

7. I did at the very top

Be cool.

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[bain_sidhe]

8. Ok, being cool now

I see lots of writing samples here. What I don't see is much critiquing of said writing samples. In that, it's similar to every online writer's group I've checked out - and declined to participate in. They all seem to suffer from rMs syndrome (read MY stuff).

I used to think that any online group that wants to be a place where writers can critique each other needed a rule that you can't post a sample without critiquing somebody elses - maybe two or three critiques for each sample. Then I saw a place like that, and you know what, most of the critiques were either useless or down right harmful. People who don't know how to write critiquing other people who don't know how to write is not a prescription for sucess. So I just don't get involved in that. I actually like the advice and tips better. I may or may not get something out of it, but as it represents strategies that have worked for others, I think they're worth a read.

YMMV.

[oneighty]

9. I am on your side.Yes!

As you may have noticed I have written a lot in this forum. I admit to a large ego and I do seek out praise and useful comments (good or bad).

All comments are useful and I do act on them.

Over the last three years or so I have written at least 400 very short stories on DU. Many in the lounge. I have compiled half of them into book form-self published.

I do feel would be writers should not fear to present us with their efforts. It is fun and educational. Writing writing writing cures blank page syndrome.

Cheers

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[bain_sidhe]

10. Just for you...

I just finished my daily "flash fiction exercise," and since its something that I think people here will like, I'll post it! (In it's own thread so as not to clutter up this one.)

[nadinbrzezinski]

11. that works I guess