Get Smart: Learning as a Writer

What do you want as a writer?

I discovered this recently when I posted the top 5 blogs I'd written for 2012 and 2013. And what the research has taught me is that writers (most of all) want to learn.

It isn't enough for them to write until their dying day. They want to get better not only by writing but by reading and attending classes and applying what they have learned.

When have you learned that has had the most impact in your writing life?

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Has it been a conference? When you've borrowed that new writing book from the library? When you've attended that class?

Do you find yourself trying new things like I do, because it's exciting to get out there and do more than sit behind the desk and write?

I LOVE attending conferences, but I also love teaching them. I love teaching one on one, but I also like the energy and ideas that a big group brings.

How do you feel about editing someone's book for free, or writing a review?

When it comes to writing and publishing, the learning curve is as much about making your writing great as it is about helping someone else to make their work great.



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When was the last time you taught a class for FREE or agreed to work with a new writer one on one for a couple of hours without asking for money?

True, if you have a business like I do, you're in it to make some money so that you don't have to get that job at McDonald's, but there is something beautiful and fine about that free visit with a writer.

I give writer's a free visit the first time they come to me for any writing service. I like to do this, because I learn quickly if the writer and I are a good fit, and I can assist them in their project even if we're not an especially good fit by directing them to someone else. I learn loads too; about writing styles, writer personalities, and what gets individuals excited about writing.

I love to give free classes too. Have you ever taught a class and realized you were learning along with the class? This happens to me all of the time.

Being smart as a writer isn't always about writing. It's about learning and it's about reaching out.

Teach a Class

I've said a lot about taking classes in writing, but, let's face it, teaching a class can help increase your writing skills as well as your teaching skills in one fell swoop.

I remember the first time I taught. My hands were shaking and my voice sounded like something surreal. I got choked up several times, and not because my words were, shall we say 'powerful.' I think it's safe to say that it took a few times of teaching a class to calm my nerves but I also think I'm pretty normal. Most of us get scared when we have to teach in front of a crowd.

The important thing is that we are open to teaching. That's why we study up on ways to make the classroom experience more effective, and we are willing to teach even if we aren't paid at first. The most important thing is that we teach, especially if:

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• We have just published a book or have experience in newspaper or magazine writing. Even blog writing can make you a professional, especially if you've been at it for awhile.
• Are teaching a beginning class as an intermediate writer, or an intermediate or beginning class as an advanced writer. There is so much you can do, even if you don't feel as if you're as expert as a writer who's been at it for 25 years. What have you learned through the process of writing? What have you learned about dialogue, setting, or plot that you can pass on to writers?
• We want to sell our books at the end of the event. Even when a teaching event doesn't pay, such as a writer's event, you can still get the word out about your books. At the beginning of your class, spend a few moments talking about your writing journey, and make sure you're a part of the book signing event at the conference.
• Love teens or young children. When my first book, "A River of Stones" came out, I spoke at various schools and libraries. Since the book was for younger readers, my book fit right in, and most places were happy to sell my books after the class or event. I have also taught one hour writing classes in schools, where the children create their own picture book story.



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• We enjoy learning from others. There is so much to learn, and a classroom setting gives students an opportunity to share their work and ask questions. In every class I have taught I have learned something valuable for my own writing.
• We love mentoring. One on one teaching is great, and not just because you avoid the large crowds. Teaching a single student allows you to understand and appreciate what they do. It also allows you to focus in on the student's needs and give them the assistance they specifically need. You can make it your business to mentor students in your home or you can work as a reading or writing aid at a school within your local school district.

Teaching a class may not be an easy prospect, but it is rewarding. Giving yourself some time and learning the ropes, often through just doing it, will not only be an important growth experience for you but for those you teach.

When in Doubt--Write!

When you're in doubt about your writing, consider this:

You probably know at least one person who has told you that they're going to write a book but they haven't done it yet. And if you're writing at all, you're doing more than they are.

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So many people want to be writers, but they don't get beyond the dreaming stage. Either they're too busy, not interested enough to get started, or like the thought of being an author without having to do anything.

Perhaps they're thinking of the perks. Seeing their name in print. Making some money. Walking into a bookstore and seeing their book.

But being a writer is so much more than that.

It's coming up with unique and interesting characters and a plot that can take these characters through a story. It is knowing enough about dialogue and setting to balance it on paper. It's knowing a bit about grammar and rewrites, chapter headings and book titles to get a reader interested and to keep them reading.

If you're in doubt about whether or not you're a 'real' writer, if you're writing a short story, an article for a magazine or a poem, consider yourself a writer.

No, you don't need to be published by Random House. You just need to write.

What do you write? Share it below along with a link to your site! Yes, I am asking you to add a link so that we can see what you do and make a comment.

Taking Your Time as a Writer

I don't know about you but this new book I've been writing I want to sell--yesterday. I'm excited because I feel as if I've got some pretty good stuff to share.

The problem?

I am not finished with the book and I haven't had anyone read over it yet!

Years ago I thought my first serious piece of writing EVER WRITTEN would sell.

What?

That's right. I thought that all I had to do was put pen to paper, type the story out and it would sell.  Unfortunately, it took 8 long years before I made my first sale and I was writing almost daily!

If you're a beginning writing this revelation may discourage you. You may wonder if all the years of practicing is worth the wait.




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It is.

Taking your time as a writer is a bit like waiting for the chocolate cake to come out of the oven. You begin by getting out all of the ingredients. Mixing up the batter. Putting the batter in the pan. Cooking it at the correct temperature. Getting the cake out when the buzzer dings and letting the cake cool. After the cake cools you frost it and then maybe you don't eat it right away because you're waiting for the party to start.

Sure, a cake isn't going to bake for years but you're still going to have to go through the steps. Missing a step is like forgetting to turn on the oven or trying to frost the cake while it's still warm.

Believe me, I know.

I like learning from other writers and I still do. And in order to learn one must be open to feedback of every kind, not all of it desired.

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In the long run, it's going to be a long run so be prepared to learn all you can.

Optimism

Optimism is the third stone in "Conquering Your Goliaths," and it's an important one. When you listen to God and trust in him, next comes an opportunity to show it.

I'm doing that very thing today. Speaking in front of a group. Knowing what I do about conquering fears, I'm still pretty nervous about sharing. It's one thing to write about it, but quite another to share it.

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But I'm doing it because I'm optimistic that what I have to share is worth sharing. I also have a good sense of who I am and how that correlates with my writing. I am a part of my new book just as I'm a part of those striving to follow God.

And I think that's important.

Whatever we have written, we need to be positive that what we have written will lift someone, give someone a smile, get someone back on track, bring enjoyment. If we can do that, optimism will shine in our own eyes as well as the eyes of those reading our book.

And that's the greatest hope any writer could have.