October Writers' Club Meeting - Networking

Sitting by an open window

A gentle breeze plays the flimsy curtain

The writer waits while

Thoughts and ideas flip and spin

Desiring to settle

But where, and in what order

The writer looks out

past the window

and through, to the open field

and dreams

Ⓒ Deb Smith - 29 Oct 2011

Writing can be a very solitary activity 

No one can join with you to get those words, your words down on paper. If you don't sit down and begin, then the words will stay silent, locked away inside you. Writers must commit daily to putting their words down on paper. If there is no commitment, then again, no words will appear. Writing is a slave to time, or is time a slave to writing? Or, is the writer a slave to their writing?

Writing, even just thinking about writing is time consuming

It is important for the writer to diarise a date and time to write - everyday. This should be a priority. No one said it would be easy, but if writing is to you, like oxygen is to the body, then you need to prioritise. So, make time.

Balance is the key

Writers need to get out. Out and about to meet new people and observe characters who walk the streets and inhabit our world. Writers need to socialise. They need to note down life's idiosyncrasies, the ways, the why fors and whens. I'm sure I just broke some grammatical rules with that last sentence, but I love it, so it is going to stay. Writers get to choose what stays and what goes, at least for some of the time.

Writers on missions

Writers owe it to their readers to go on missions, so they can report back, create scenes with authenticity, build upon the real, with creative flair and imagination. Writers frame what they observe with their pens, like photographers frame with their lens. Photographers must go out into the world, as must writers.

Writers who network

Networking simply makes sense. Writers who mix it up with other writers develop layers of experience, absorb wisdom, share their gifts and impart snippets of knowledge, that would be missed if left back at that window with a view.

Writers UNITE AND CONNECT with other Writers

Writing Clubs are a great and informal way to connect and share ideas with other like-mindeds. They are a source of information and wisdom, and, along with the odd tale of desperation, juicy depictions of adventurous journeys, and wondrous encounters with success makes for very interesting fodder. Listening to other writers share their work is like an elixir for good health; a definite source of inspiration. Writing festivals and writing courses are also great ways to inspire and ignite imagination.

So...what's stopping you?

Writers' Club - March Wrap Up

In the beginning...

Everyone is busy these days so it is necessary to prioritise from the most important, through to least important on your list of things to do. Most people have a list, whether they write it down or not. Because we all come from a variety of backgrounds, we naturally measure our priorities differently.

This was one of the main issues raised at Novel Tea 'n Pages first Writers' Club meeting held on Saturday, 12 March, 2011, where a small group of people who love to write or who would like the opportunity to write met up and discussed their objectives and hopes.

Finding time for the 'luxury' of writing is not always the top of people's priority lists. But, as they say, if you value something, you will make time for it. Some members crossed this bridge when it came time to commit to participating in a writing group situation. Some members were at a crossroads, tossing up whether they should commit to such an activity or not. For whilst writing for them was a priority, it was way down on the list of must dos. Were there perhaps, more important things they should be doing for their families, they questioned. Luckily, they had very supportive spouses who encouraged them to come along and try it out for themselves.

How many of us feel like this? It is very common for women especially, feel this way. These are very real issues faced by some who want to write but find it hard to justify the amount of time that will be spent doing it, especially when there are so many other ways to 'fill up' our life.

There is no doubt family is important, and that is totally another topic for conversation.

However, it is also very important to have some balance in your life. A lot of people sacrifice themselves for the good of the family and then wonder why they sometimes feel resentful, or feel like they have no time for themselves. Everyone needs, and should allocate time for themselves, to do something they really enjoy. There are lots of options out there, but specifically today, we are discussing writing.

Today, was a good outcome though. For those who may have felt some reluctance decided to come along anyway at the encouragement of their spouses, and were decidedly happy they made the effort. They discovered that once they committed themselves to the first meeting and wrote down their objectives and desires for writing, it enabled them to spend some time thinking specifically about what they hoped to gain and to write down their aims. This brought a delicious sense of fulfilment and purpose, and gave them direction. It inspired them.

The role of writing groups:

Writing groups play a very important role for writers. They are the perfect way to keep writers accountable and help them schedule regular writing sessions and it gives them a purpose to show up.

Writing can easily be regarded as a hobby. Some people play sport, some paint and so, why not write? If you love it, then it could be the perfect outlet for you.

There are several important reasons for bringing writers together:

• Writing is inevitability a solitary activity so, joining a group is an excellent way to share your interest with others who understand the pressures and joys of being a writer. 
• It is also important to receive constructive feedback on work in progress. It is often difficult to remain objective about your own work and whilst friends and family are always keen to lend a hand, unless they are in the writing industry, it is hard for them to give helpful and focused feedback that is required.

A good writers' group has the capacity to provide a strong, supportive and knowledgeable group of friends who can deliver honest objective and constructive feedback on each other's work in a supportive environment.

It is hoped that Novel Tea 'n Pages can grow to be a supportive and friendly group of writers who can be there for each other along the various journeys our members take. There is room for beginner writers and critiques, and well as the experienced. We all have to start somewhere and it is our hope to develop critiques and writers who are sensitive to all.

Today was the start of what is hoped...a wonderful journey for many.

So, until next time...

happy writing...

Introducing an Exciting New Component to Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club

History:

Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club celebrates its 1st birthday in April, just a few short months away. We are a fledgling club, but are finding our way and the ride so far has been a pleasant one.

We've found our numbers fluctuate at times, but this is quite natural and to be expected. People get busy with life and can't always attend, but they still manage to pop along when they can. Some slow down and manage their attendance well. Others decide they'll do their best to be committed and attend every month.

That's the great part about this book club. It is open to receive everyone, whether you've read the book or not or whether you can attend every month or not. Coming along for the social aspect helps develop friendships and sometimes members become inspired from listening to discussions and go home and read the next month's book. Some members who have joined initially didn't consider themselves readers, but have become readers since making an effort.

Whatever anyone's situation is, we embrace them and think they are all very important members. We are a very relaxed club and we welcome both established and new members at all our meetings. At this point I'd like to thank the dedicated members who come along and keep us ticking.  I'm really looking forward to what 2011 has in store for us.

New Developments:

From Novel Tea 'n Pages Book Club's inception at the beginning of 2010, I've always had in mind another component that I wanted to implement after the book club became established. I needed a little time to get a better feel for what I was doing. After playing around with some initial ideas, I finally introduced Novel Tea 'n Pages to the world and I hosted its first meeting in April 2010.

However, there is always room for improvement and it is my hope that club members will bring their ideas and suggestions along to the book club so that they can make this club their own. With fresh ideas, the club will not stagnate but grow, develop and change.

A New Concept:

It is with excitement that I introduce a new Writers component to the book club. When I thought up the name Novel Tea 'n Pages there were three components I had in mind; a trinity, so to speak (not of the religious nature, though). The first component was Novel (representing book club). The second component was Tea (representing refreshments and a social aspect) and the third component was Pages (representing a writers springboard).

These components represent three things I am passionate about and wish to share with others as my platform of influence, and they include books, coffee and of course, writing.

Currently, Novel Tea 'n Pages offers two of the three components. Now, I am happy to announce that beginning Saturday 19 February, Novel Tea 'n Pages will host its first Writers component in the form of an initial meeting with interested parties to develop an overview of future Writers' meetings.

The Shape of the Writing Component:

Novel Tea 'n Pages will offer a Writers Club for anyone interested in beginning or developing their personal writing projects. Writers will meet once a month and have the opportunity to engage with other people interested in writing and sharing their projects, sharing feedback and participating in short writing exercises. Both experienced and inexperienced writers are welcome to join. You do not need to be a book club member to join the Writers Club.

From now on the club shall be referred to as Novel Tea 'n Pages Book & Writers Club.

If anyone knows of someone who might be interested in participating in our Writers Club, please send this information to them. I invite all interested parties to contact me via Facebook or email to find out more details. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

So, until next time...
Happy reading & writing everyone...