Those of us who have access to writers’ workshops/conventions/critique groups sometimes forget that not everyone is so lucky. Those first two can be expensive and it’s sometimes difficult to find a good critique group. That’s one of the reasons I started the Write_Workshop yahoo group was to give free access to writers all over the world to tool that would help them be successful.
It’s worked. We have over 1500 members on the workshop and 200 of those have gone on to be published by major houses. That’s something I’m proud of and it makes me feel like we’re doing something right. The idea for the workshop came about when I had success with my first book “Charmed & Dangerous.” I’m a fairly nice person and people were coming out the woodwork asking me to read their manuscripts. I couldn’t do it and stay sane.
But I wanted to help in some way.
I’d had some amazing mentors, which is why I had found success so fast. I wanted to do the same for other people. To give them an inside look at the business, and to give them those all-important tools I talked about. The Write_Workshop was born in August of 2006. The Workshop provides craft classes, and I also bring in editors and agents.
I tell you all of this because as a writer, no matter what level you are at, sometimes you need some help. That’s one of the many reasons the Internet is such an amazing tool for writers.Need to know how to write a synopsis? You can find a multitude of resources online. The same goes for how to get an agent or finding out specifics about certain publishers. I can’t think of a single question that can’t be answered online. Though, you do need to be careful about the people giving the advice. ALWAYS check their credentials.
There are so many online classes these days it can make your head spin. Some of them cost a lot of money, and you should be careful where you spend your funds. RWA (Romance Writers of America) has hundreds of chapters all over the place. They can be a great resource even if you don’t write romance. Many of the classes they sponsor are good for all writers, and they usually strive to get the best instructors. For example I’m teaching my FAST DRAFT and REVISION HELL classes for the OCCRWA (http://www.occrwa.org/onlineclassFeb10.html). Those are an inexpensive way to give yourself a kick in the pants if you’ve been dragging your feet with your latest manuscript. But there are tons of classes like that given by various chapters. You just need to check online.
Blogs can also be helpful. I learn stuff from THIS blog all the time from my fellow writers. The same goes for the http://witchychicks.blogspot.com/
If you’re interested in joining the Write_Workshop you can subscribe here: Write_Workshop-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. That’s a free resources, and on the separate chat loop you can ask questions and there are 800 people there to help you.
Best of luck on your journey. Remember, even though you may feel alone, you aren’t. We’re out there and we want to help. 
p.s. Take Me If You Dare is out this month. Please pick up a copy and help a writer out.
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Hi Candy! First off, you know how much I love your workshop loops! Or if you don’t, well I do.
When I was first starting the process of querying, I glommed on to Nathan Bransford’s blog. http://blog.nathanbransford.com/ He has some amazing resources and examples on there, and now he has a forum.
I also visited Romance Divas often, and now have found myself purchasing lecture packets from Margie Lawson. Her packets are 300 pages and cost $22. They are fantastic. They make my brain hurt, but I have learned TONS from her and have recognized a huge difference in my own writing.
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I bought Margie’s stuff too, though I’ve never actually looked at it. I guess I should do that. I didn’t know about the Bransford blog. I’ll have to check that one out. THank you
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It took me about a month to get through Margie’s first workshop (after I’d done the one day with her in person). I have one more to get through and then will be going to her 3 Day class in May at her home. I’m prepared to have my brain whipped until it’s the consistency of a limp noodle.
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I’m so envious Nikki!!!!! I desperately want to do the Immersion but it’s not in the budget this year. Candy, you should really consider doing something like that as well (teaching it). Do a Deer Lake retreat with 4 or 5 people (only not DL because it’s too freakin’ hard to get to).
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Tracy, I figured food wasn’t really as necessary as honing craft. LOL Kidding, sort of. I did have to cut back on a bunch in the annual budget to make it work.
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I could certainly stand to miss a few meals. Maybe that’s what I’ll do
. Cereal is cheap right??
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Hi Candy! I adore your workshop loop, even when I can’t participate, I love reading through the workshop materials and getting ideas, guidance and contacts.
Some resources that I enjoy are the local RWA groups, I’ve made great contacts through those and recently, joined an awesome Critique Group, a real first for me – because this is a critique group that helps me as a writer, but also as a reader.
Like Nikki, I enjoy Margie Lawson as a fantastic resource, her workshop packets are just jammed with information, ideas and a whole new way of thinking. I was lucky enough to attend the Texas Two Step conference in November. If you live in a big enough city, you can find lots of these writer type events going on at libraries and more. I’d encourage writers to check them out whether the group is hosted at a bookstore or through a national organization.
The best support for writers is other writers. In my Daily Dose blog, I get to interview a lot of kick ass authors whose work I know and whose work I don’t — but I learn from each and every one of them.
And all of these things have made me a better writer!
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Heather, you need to put your link to the Daily Dose. Nikki you should do your blog too. You guys provide great info!
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The Daily Dose focuses on fantasy, romance and pop culture, but I love to look at it from both sides of the issue – the reader and the writer.
I will definitely have to check out the other forums! Some days, that’s all I do, scan the info and read, read, read!
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I forget that I have tools on my website. How sad is that? LOL
My Writer Resources page has articles I’ve written as well as several worksheets that get me unstuck when I’m having trouble with the direction of a story.
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Oh, wow, Candy has been a tremendous source of information over the years, so her Write Workshop loop is high on my list. Also, since I write romance, the Romance Divas forum have a tremendous group of ladies who will offer you advice or just give you a place to vent. Lynne Viehl’s Paperback Writer blog is another great source of information. As is Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake Method for plotting. And as Nikki said, Margie Lawson is a definite must.
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I love the ROmance Divas. THey helped to launch my career and I’ll always have a soft spot for them. Great forums to, to talk about everything.
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I too love Write Workshop. There’s so much awesome information and even though I don’t participate publicly, I do carefully read the information and participate on my own- which I find tremendously helpful. I love Chick Lit Writers of the World which is the chick lit online RWA group. It’s an awesome resource with a mentorship program and lots of great classes. Margie Lawson is also fantastic. I’ve also in the last year become a huge fan of Bob Mayer and Kristin Lamb’s Warrior Writer’s blog. It’s extremely helpful information. http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/
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Warrior Writers. Very cool.
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Oh and I forgot Chasing Heroes! That’s an awesome sight as well!
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This year has had me participating much more in online classes, loops, blogs, and social media. I’ve started with RWA Online chapter, and some helpful classes there at the beginning of the year – everything from editing my work to redesigning my office to get a better energy flowing
(We did the office redesign last night since we’re snowed in….crazy.) And, I’ll be participating in your FAST DRAFT/REVISION HELL one soon too.
What’s helped me other than the online classes? Reading books I love, going back thru and analyzing why I love them and bouncing ideas off my DH and a few critique partners. And the writing? It’s only getting stronger
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You have the right idea. Hone that craft and it just gets better and better. I love taking classes too. BTW when you get out of all that snow come organize/design my office please.
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I figure since writing was what kept me sane as a teenager, and what I studied in both undergrad and grad school…I better start getting out of my own way and pave the way for my success w/ fiction as I’ve done with non-fiction/business writing
I write pretty well – some scenes come out damn good, but I let my fear get in my way for so many years. Now, no more – read, write, read some more, write some more, expand the circle and seek out like-minded people!
And, anytime on the office reorganization! I’m enjoying the two I’ve done here at the house
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Hi Candy,
I recently found Larry Brooks’ website http://www.storyfix.com and he has a plan for how to write a book that made it so much easier for me to understand what was missing in my writing. I’ve made so much progress after reading his blogs. He’s a gem.
Tuesday
writer’s workshop
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Tuesday, I named a character in my YA Tuesday. She’s an indi punk chick and very cool.
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Love your workshops, too, Candance.
Another good, free resource for writers is the Muse Online conference.
ww
Pauline Baird Jones
THE KEY
GIRL GONE NOVA, 4/2010
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Pauline if you have a link for the Muse online share it with us.
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Should have left that! Oh well. Here is is:
http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com/registration.htm
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Hey Candy!
I am so glad I found Genreality and then found your writer’s workshop as well! Your workshop has really inspired me and helped keep me motivated! I wrote more than 20,000 words in that two week challenge in November. I’m at 50,000 words which is more than I’ve ever written before! So thanks Candy! I also receive Holly Lisle’s e-mails. She sends out some good tips and advice. I’d love to find a good writer’s critique in Palm Beach County! ww
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Jason, You are very welcome.
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Hi Candy,
My online resources include: Lynn Viehl’s Paperback Writer blog, Marjorie M. Liu’s blog, romanceuniversity.org, your workshop loop.
Among agent related blogs : Pubrants, Bookends’ blog, Nathan’s, Jennifer Jackson’s agent blog, amd Ms. Snark’s First Victim blog.
I also love Murder She Writes, Murderati.com and Killer Fictions, esp. on Tuesdays when Christie Craig blogs.
ww
Rashda
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Candy, I love your workshops. Although I’m mostly a lurker, the information I gain is fabulous!! As with several others, Margie Lawson’s packets rock! After taking a day workshop with her, I’m always looking for the ‘power’ word.
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The thing I love about the online workshops is that you can sign up for something that targets a problem you’ve been having and really focus on it, experiement with solutions–and not have to spend time (or get overwhelmed) with other aspects of the craft.
Two blogs chock full of tips that I didn’t see mentioned: Holly Lisle and Alicia Rasley. ww
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Candace, hello!
So many of my favs are on here, including Bookends’s blog, Nathan Bransford’s blog, and–of course–yours! I actually offer “Writing Brand” articles on my site that I’ve used in my Branding and Promotion classes and in chapter newsletters–but one of my recent finds is http://www.storytellerroad.com/, as a companion site to the Novelist’s Bootcamp–which has been a great read!
ww
Jenn
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Hi Candy,
I found Jim Butcher’s LJ posts about writing extremely helpful. It was the first time someone explained scenes and sequels (which doesn’t mean the next book). The techniques on how to muddle through the middle were also great. Start reading the web page from the bottom – it’ll make more sense.
http://jimbutcher.livejournal.com/
Thank you for your workshop group and for being the wonderful person you are
– Heidi ww
ps. and a tiny plug for my writing tips site: http://writershelves.com
I’m not published (yet) so lots of newbie stuff is covered
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Hi Candy!
I like the plotmonkeys website, inkygirl daily diversions for writers, and mike’s writing workshop and newsletter, and the blaze authors blogs
ww
Liz
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ww Besides yours, I’ve only known a few. I’ve only checked RWA workshops. That’s where I go for my online writing classes. It’s $15 for nonmembers and free for members. http://www.rwaonlinechapter.org. Then, there’s the Writer’s Resource Central that tells you about the helpful links for writers. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/writersresourcecentral/
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I’m a member! *grin* Your Write_Workshop, the NINC loop and Romance Divas are are the only ones I really spend time on.
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Hi Candy. I have 2 min of peace to check email so here I am. I wrote your book on my shopping list last night and brought it home with me. Go you!
Author Cait London directed me to Cynthia Sterlings eNewsletter. Cynthia keeps us up to date on what’s what in the traditional publishing market. Once a week, she posts market updates. After returning from RWA Nationals, she reports about the workshop giving the lowdown on what the agents/editors from various houses are looking for.
WW Hugs!
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I’ve enjoyed your Workshop group. Revision Hell got me through the end of my revisions over the summer so thanks!
A few resources I like that I haven’t seen mentioned are: Janet Reid’s http://queryshark.blogspot.com/ – great if you are working on a query (plus her regular blog is hysterical and helpful) and Miss Snark’s First Victim http://www.misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/. She runs a contest where you enter the first 250 words of your manuscript and get feedback from the group including comments from a mystery agent (who is revealed at the end). The agent then selects some entries that they want to read queries, partial, and usually one full manuscript. I know that one person ended up landing an agent this way.
Thanks to everyone for the resources posted. Definitely some I need to check out. (ww)
Shannon
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Candy, you are such a sweetheart. You give so much to aspiring writers in the way of advice and critique. We love you for your generous spirit!