Second Meeting 6th April

We have a new member!

It was lovely to welcome Carole Anne Carr to our small, but perfectly formed, group. She is an inspirational and talented lady who has packed so much into her life, enjoying a staggering array of career choices; deputy headmistress, actress and C of E minister, to name just a few of them! Carole sums it up perfectly by admitting to being a “Random shopper in the University of Life!”

But it is her love of writing historical children’s fiction that is keeping her busy these days. That and her love of writing and reading blogs – which, incidentally, recently led her to an unexpected blessing. Through her blogging connections she has come across an agent who is keen to represent her…and why wouldn’t he? Carole’s a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered! Even though Carole says the target market for her stories is 10 year old boys, Ros, one of our other members (and most definitely NOT a 10 year old boy), devoured the book. Check out Carole’s website.

The theme of this month’s meeting is setting goals. Sometimes, there are so many other things going on in our lives that writing takes a back seat – at times even feeling like a guilty pleasure! But it is important that we find the time to write, keep ourselves motivated and maintain the momentum or else it can all too easily come to a juddering halt. 

The support of loved ones is invaluable but, at the end of the day, the onus is, literally, on us! When we’re not up to writing, for whatever reason, we can’t call a temping agency for a stand-in. No-one else is going to do the work for us. It would be great to call in a temp and say, ‘Just finish that chapter for me, would you? It needs to be done by 5pm, thanks!’

…..Or would it? In some perverse way, don’t we love the mental anguish and torture we sometimes endure to fill that blank page that stares back, taunting us, when the words don’t flow as they should?

Isn’t it all worth it for the times when the words effortlessly present themselves to us and we curse our fingers on the keyboard for not being able to keep up with our racing thoughts, trying to commit them to print before they disappear as quickly as they came?

   

Marketing is another hot topic for discussion - traditionally NOT a writer’s strong point. When it comes to promoting our own work we tend to be a little backward in coming forward, sometimes viewing the whole process as being boastful. But, if we don’t champion our own writing then why should anyone else?  A couple of members who have had experience in this field throughout their working career (John & Ros?) are hopefully going to come up with some marketing ideas for our next meeting.

…..HOT NEWS OFF THE PRESS…..

Another new member will be joining us on our next meeting on the Thursday 5^th May.

Martin Nicholson is a self published writer of non fiction books and ebooks so we look forward to meeting him very soon.

Feedback

Really pleased with the feedback after our first meeting – we all seemed to take away something positive from the experience!

Debbie has been busy typing away, to all hours, with a renewed enthusiasm for her novel.

Judith and John have been hard at work getting their already published novels on to Kindle.

Ros, co-author of an academic book, is seriously considering the plot for her debut novel.

Helen, author and creator of non-fiction books, e-books and meditation Cd’s (and all-round human dynamo) has set up the Ragleth Writers twitter account and is now developing our new website – www.raglethwriters.co.uk  

As for me, although I wouldn’t describe myself as a technophobe, I would admit to being techno-challenged, and so setting up this blog and opening a twitter account (even posting photographs from my phone - see below) were no mean feats. And it does go to show that you never know what you can achieve until you try. It’s so easy for us to just say “No, I can’t do that,” and stay within our comfort zone but just imagine what we might be missing out on? That challenge we dread is rarely as complicated as it first appears. We’re all capable of so much more - we just need the motivation and support to fulfil our true potential.

As an aspiring novelist, the long-winded business of trying to get work published can be a demoralising affair. The constant stream of rejection letters can be very disheartening - not to mention, a fire hazard! I knew I was in trouble when it was too much of an effort to procrastinate!!

But those days are gone. The Ragleth Writers’ Group will help me stay positive and encourage me to push myself that little bit harder every day! ...Well, most days! Let’s not get too carried away…it’s not a magic group….is it??? 

So, let me re-cap:

Not only do The Ragleth Writers have an incredibly talented group of writers, but also; a twitter account, a blog and now a website (in development).

Wow! All that…after just one meeting! What on earth will we be doing after our second outing?

At this rate, I’m thinking that a world take-over is not that far down the line? Global domination, here we come!! Mwahh!

View of The Ragleth

First Meeting - 8th March 2011

Whether we’re luxuriating in our own office or cramped in a tiny space under the stairs, we writers are happy as long as we’re able to release all those pent-up creative juices!

However, as much as we love our little cocoon, writing can  be a pretty solitary existence – apart from all those imaginary voices in our heads (or is that just me?).

And so the hunt was on to find like-minded folk who could spare a couple of hours each month to share any pearls of wisdom that they have gleaned on their literary journey. The main aim was to attract friendly local writers who would be generous in spirit as well as with their time, who would also be prepared to offer support, constructive critique and encouragement to the other members.

I must admit to being a little nervous before the meeting. The ladies (and gentleman) who would be attending were relative strangers to one another - drawn together by their love of books and writing.

But I'm pleased to say that I needn't have worried. Our first meeting exceeded my expectations with everyone quickly establishing a friendly ease with each other, enabling an instant flow of ideas, feedback and support. 

Reading aloud our own words, laying bare our soul for critique, can be a daunting experience so it is essential that we feel confident to express ourselves. Not only do I think, as a group, we instilled that confidence but I think the strength of feeling went even stronger. I felt there was an instant camaraderie within the group, a positive energy that was championing the member's personal expression (and genuine anger directed at the thoughtless online critic that had caused our girl to feel doubt about her brilliant work). Honest, constructive criticism is essential from our members. As Debbie calls it, "Pollyanna" feedback where you're told your work is nice or good from well-meaning family and friends is not very helpful but being cruel for the sake of cruelty is uncalled for. The Ragleth Writers will not tolerate meanness.     

And so we start our journey...I can't wait for the next chapter.