Learning my Craft

A lot of my writing time isn't spent writing at all. I'd like to get to the point where I'm working on my manuscript every day- and every day it's just this mad flow of ideas.... such a flow that my fingers can't keep up with my brain. Now wouldn't that be cool? OK... seriously- does that ever really happen?

OK, maybe not. But right now I have a limited amount of time each day for writing- and some of that is used learning my craft. In other words, how to take my great ideas and learn how to write them in a way that will give readers the most enjoyment.

About a month ago I attended a conference on writing, called The Book Academy. It was great! I spend some of my time reviewing notes taken during that conference. And if you attended that conference and have stumbled across my blog... and if you have notes from the workshops you attended- I'd be happy to work out an exchange!

I've also found a great podcast on writing called "Writing Excuses". You can find it through facebook. I have to say, I'm learning a lot while being entertained. There are also links to other podcasts on writing- so I'm sure I've not exhausted that medium yet. There are some topics that for me are spot on. Other topics that don't apply to me now, but I'm sure will be helpful later.

I'm also reading about writing. I checked out How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card, from the local library. I've got so many ideas- and the current one I'm working on falls under that genre- so the book was very helpful.  I've outlined the information from several chapters and added it to my Book Academy notes.

I'm also learning through reading. Many of my research sources also include recommendations of books to read- The only drawback is that I'm finding the local library system doesn't have some of those recommended books. I guess I'll have to build another bookshelf? (in other words, I will need a place to put the books I buy)

I've also found that writing isn't just about writing the manuscript. I write notes on ideas, for example, that are used in the manuscript, but not necessarily in the order the notes are taken. I'm taking notes on the books I read- and even when listening to podcasts. Yeah, I'm turning into a writing nerd.

The other thing I've found is that the podcasts, and some of the books I've found include writing prompts. I've found that if I'm not working directly on my manuscript, I can always work on the practice of writing through those prompts. And  who knows? Maybe a writing prompt will lead to a great idea for this, or other future stories?

One other thing I'm doing to practice writing- keep a journal. This has been a hot/cold thing since I was a teenager. (But I'm sure glad I kept a journal when I was young! It helps me remember just how young people think. Hey! Another research material! My own journals!) But, as I was saying, I am now discovering that practicing writing with a journal is yet another way to learn my craft.

One thing I need... a writing group. I'm not sure how to go about finding one- but I've found that I get excited about the things I'm learning- and have no one but my family (who are quite patient, but not all that interested) to share this with. It's kind of a bummer.

So if you stumble across this blog and can help me find a group- leave a comment.