tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post8466653746820437004..comments2024-03-29T06:00:12.823-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: Plot Group by Jenn McKinlayJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-30505777088078552592017-09-29T16:15:47.004-04:002017-09-29T16:15:47.004-04:00Since I'm not actually writing anything I don&...Since I'm not actually writing anything I don't know if I am really the best to respond to this.<br /><br />Like Ingrid and a couple of others, I'm not much of a joiner so I don't know that I would be able to join up with a writer/critique group. I suppose if I was going to do an attempt at a book it might be a good idea for this newbie. Though the idea of being "locked" away with anyone for a weekend makes me queasy.<br /><br />(In the fictional world where I actually do write a book, I must remember to bother Ingrid and Hank to read it... for pointers on the unfinished or for a possible blurb on the finished I don't know yet LOL.)<br /><br />I suppose the closest I come to any kind of collaborative effort is when the reviews editor for Mystery Scene sends back my drafts with suggested edits. Though in that case I have never minded the prompts if it makes my review stronger.<br /><br />I have to say that I have enjoyed reading everyone's responses today. Gives a wide spectrum of insight on the topic.<br /><br />Good luck Jenn.Jay Robertshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11409350742317719903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-59754980159435742492017-09-29T15:50:01.114-04:002017-09-29T15:50:01.114-04:00CLASSIC dictation error! Love it! Better than whin...CLASSIC dictation error! Love it! Better than whining, any day...<br />Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-82105948095685590662017-09-29T15:19:15.024-04:002017-09-29T15:19:15.024-04:00I'm sure Jonathan doesn't mind when you &q...I'm sure Jonathan doesn't mind when you "wine" to him...Ingrid Thofthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04063912686011336076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-48350529156008738842017-09-29T14:00:30.605-04:002017-09-29T14:00:30.605-04:00Crashing a story, I meant to say, though I hope w...Crashing a story, I meant to say, though I hope we also crush it. Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-35343486569458072882017-09-29T13:59:51.798-04:002017-09-29T13:59:51.798-04:00So late today! Crushing a story on channel 7. Anyw... So late today! Crushing a story on channel 7. Anyway… I have never been in a writers group. After all these years as a reporter, working, I'll be at happily, with other people and every story, it is absolutely wonderful to get to do something by myself. <br /> I do come out and wine to Jonathan when I can't figure out what happens next, but I have decided that is all part of the process. <br /> It's funny, because I love to work with other people and their manuscripts. I always think it is so much more fun to think of what someone else might do! <br /> I do use a professional editor though, because I do think having a set of new eyes is critical… but only if that set of eyes knows what it is doing! <br /> I adore the Valley Ho! They have a fabulous bloody Mary bar that I am never there at the right time to partake of. With, like, bacon, and shrimp, and other glorious additions. Please have one for me… And let us know how this works. Maybe we can do a jungle red version. Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-26210694020764556942017-09-29T13:53:03.559-04:002017-09-29T13:53:03.559-04:00Kathy, even writers with published books under the...Kathy, even writers with published books under their belts miss the boat sometimes on things like character development, plot, and setting, especially in their early drafts!Ingrid Thofthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04063912686011336076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-38586139356160977932017-09-29T13:46:19.239-04:002017-09-29T13:46:19.239-04:00I agree about enough room Jenn! When I was first p...I agree about enough room Jenn! When I was first published, I did some traveling with Deborah Donnelly and Libby Hellmann. People would ask us why we traveled in a pack, and Libby would always say "all boats lifted."<br /><br />I think we all feel that way about the Reds. Jenn, your plotting retreat sounds divine to me!Lucy Burdette aka Roberta Isleibhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660402177299546055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-13143757391711037712017-09-29T13:32:03.852-04:002017-09-29T13:32:03.852-04:00I would worry that I was the only writer in the gr...I would worry that I was the only writer in the group who wasn't completely confident in my writing in a critique group. I can imagine everyone else being proficient at character development and plot and setting, and me being clueless. I think I would prefer to let a few trusted people read my work. However, I hear glowing reports of writers who participate in such groups, and, like Hallie, credit those groups with their success as an author. <br /><br />Jenn, what you're attending sounds like a lot more fun, a relaxed putting heads together to collectively create a story. And, who can resists snacks and a stay at a lovely hotel? Enjoy your weekend!Kathy Reelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17004247271452356577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-56823177187725970442017-09-29T12:02:59.030-04:002017-09-29T12:02:59.030-04:00I have never participated in a writer's group ...I have never participated in a writer's group or a critique group. Like Aimee, I'm not naturally a joiner, but I know that some writers can't imagine not having a group. I have a handful of beta readers with whom I brainstorm plot ideas, and they also read my work at various stages. Throughout the writing of a book, I discuss it with my hubby who makes suggestions, but he doesn't read the manuscript until it's an ARC. The key is to find people you trust who are good at giving feedback, which is a tall order.<br /><br />Jenn, your weekend sounds amazing, and I'm sure it will be fruitful. Sometimes, you really can't see the forest for the trees with your own manuscript.<br /><br />I love the Ho, too! I was mysteriously upgraded during my last visit and ended up with a giant bathtub in the middle of my room. For a woman who loves to take baths, it was bliss!Ingrid Thofthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04063912686011336076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-64618995910403660822017-09-29T11:22:33.939-04:002017-09-29T11:22:33.939-04:00Exactly, Rhys. I write comedy so if a critique par...Exactly, Rhys. I write comedy so if a critique partner said my work wasn't funny, I'd probably be wrecked. But plotting? Yes, this I can share. Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-30132188224310599862017-09-29T11:21:13.690-04:002017-09-29T11:21:13.690-04:00Will do, Coralee! Thank you!Will do, Coralee! Thank you!Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-40703029907403440372017-09-29T11:20:16.156-04:002017-09-29T11:20:16.156-04:00You are three people ahead of me already. I have o...You are three people ahead of me already. I have only just begun letting the Hub read what I'm working on - after 30+ books. I did have some beta readers at the library where I worked when I started out and they were amazing. Also, I entered writing contests for the critiques - the anonymity made it okay.Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-47354897358086340592017-09-29T11:18:21.916-04:002017-09-29T11:18:21.916-04:00Gigi- You perfectly list the reasons why I've ...Gigi- You perfectly list the reasons why I've never done this before, but the gals I'm plotting with I trust implicitly because they've both listened to me fret/whine for years. An aside - I'm always amazed at the competitiveness I see in some writers. Seriously, as a librarian, I can assure you, there is room for everyone. People don't pass on reading a great book because they're too full like literature is a buffet and they can't cram in another bite. Honestly, it boggles.Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-69081423345098501072017-09-29T11:14:41.889-04:002017-09-29T11:14:41.889-04:00Thank you, Ann. I'm excited to see what we com...Thank you, Ann. I'm excited to see what we come up with!Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-28850771233451833332017-09-29T11:14:05.251-04:002017-09-29T11:14:05.251-04:00I won't tell anyone now get back to work, Kare...I won't tell anyone now get back to work, Karen. :)Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-25793477118091732512017-09-29T11:13:39.218-04:002017-09-29T11:13:39.218-04:00The reminding you that you don't suck part? Pr...The reminding you that you don't suck part? Priceless. I am particularly fragile this week - release weeks are brutal - so the timing of this could not be better. Thank, Mary!Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-84399240772205675042017-09-29T11:12:41.178-04:002017-09-29T11:12:41.178-04:00I love the Ho, too! I always feel like I should be...I love the Ho, too! I always feel like I should be drinking a martini and listening to bossa nova lounge music. Hopefully, it will inspire or maybe it will throw me into a pit of noir. We shall see.Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-12911188786857753912017-09-29T11:10:05.509-04:002017-09-29T11:10:05.509-04:00This is fantastic, Pam. Thank you. I really apprec...This is fantastic, Pam. Thank you. I really appreciate all of your words of wisdom and will take them to heart over the weekend.Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-61323532113189511762017-09-29T11:09:24.987-04:002017-09-29T11:09:24.987-04:00I hope so, Edith. I figure it's always worth i...I hope so, Edith. I figure it's always worth it to try something new.Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-9916577449052277222017-09-29T11:08:55.461-04:002017-09-29T11:08:55.461-04:00Murder! Mayhem! Shenanigans! Thanks, Mark!Murder! Mayhem! Shenanigans! Thanks, Mark!Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-12564512935841641852017-09-29T11:08:14.577-04:002017-09-29T11:08:14.577-04:00Thank you, Joan. I am nervous but I trust these wr...Thank you, Joan. I am nervous but I trust these writers, so it's worth it. Plus, snacks!Jenn McKinlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03214926031147370862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-90803734768795920622017-09-29T10:51:55.823-04:002017-09-29T10:51:55.823-04:00I've never belonged to a critique group, becau...I've never belonged to a critique group, because I suppose I'm scared that others will rain on my parade and dampen my confidence in the new book but Cara Black and I do talk through tricky plot points when we can't see t way ahead clearly and I do give the finished ms to my husband and daughters to read. I think it depends on the relationship you have with the fellow writers.Authorrhysbowen@gmail.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11844065473614874365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-38328242006110198082017-09-29T10:46:59.179-04:002017-09-29T10:46:59.179-04:00I can see the pitfalls of writer's groups. Ho...I can see the pitfalls of writer's groups. How many novice writers are too thin skinned to listen to amateur criticism? How many mothers want to hear their baby is ugly? On the other hand we have the work of the Brontes, and Mary Shelly's Frankenstein thanks to a type of writer's group. I do wish someone had grabbed Tolkien by his lapels in his critique group and said WOMEN ARE PART OF MIDDLE EARTH TOO write them!!! <br /><br />Having a professional guide the beginners makes the most sense to me. Having the professional friends bounce ideas off each other works too. How does someone become a beta reader? -- wondering while volunteering simultaneously.<br /><br />Yes, Jenn, please report back on the days with the Ho. Coralee Hickshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06691335135691119400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-88463313464611076072017-09-29T09:19:20.885-04:002017-09-29T09:19:20.885-04:00Valley Ho. Nice.
Groups? Not a joiner. I'm a ...Valley Ho. Nice.<br /><br />Groups? Not a joiner. I'm a lone wolf, a rebel. Except my mentor. He reads everything. Then there's my bestie. She gets it after him and the edit he's suggested. And, of course, my husband who does all my tech and action reviews.<br /><br />I do Author Coffees, though, where once a month/six weeks I get together with two other local author friends and we bitch about what a crappy job it is sitting on our asses all day playing with imaginary friends. ;)Aimee Hixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06045158961269334826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-7038929021244775672017-09-29T09:09:17.682-04:002017-09-29T09:09:17.682-04:00Gigi, stop. You’re dredging up all these memories ...Gigi, stop. You’re dredging up all these memories I’d put behind me. It’s unbelivable the people who have such nerve to be so degrading, but...it happens. Pam Rauberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08727032398116849745noreply@blogger.com