By Mary Jaksch
What are you working on right now?
A blog post? A novel? Your best article ever? A poem? A film script? An Ebook?
Maybe you’ve just finished something you’re really proud of? Or you just can’t tell whether it should get a Pulitzer or be thrown into the trash?
Or maybe you’re noticing some barriers that are getting in the way of your creativity?
Here’s your chance to share and discuss with each other what you are writing about. And how it’s going.
Whet our appetite with the opening paragraph of your future bestseller, give us a link to your best article, or tell us what you are writing at the moment.
Who knows, your piece might even attract the notice of a major publishing house!
Here are some guidelines:
A. Writers:
- State what aspect you’re working on. For example, you might want to say, “Here’s a link to my article “The Role of Rabbits in Nuclear Science”. I’m currently working on eliminating superfluous words.”
B. Commenters:
- When commenting, first list everything you really like about a piece.
- Only then offer careful suggestions.
- Treat each other with respect, friendliness, care, and honesty.
- Remember that we are all still learning.
Now it’s over to you. Take a deep breath. Then jump into the comment section and bring out your treasures!
Mary Jaksch is the Editor in Chief of Write to Done and writes the blog Goodlife ZEN. Together with Leo Babauta, Mary runs a spectacular training environment for bloggers: the A-List Blogger Club.
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Tip: If you’re keen to join the A-List Blogger Club, whip in now. In 7 days we’re going to close the doors until end of December. (People will have to go on to a waitlist during that time.) So, go and check it out here. Join our over 700 motivated and supportive members!
This is a link to a short-short story I wrote, “Anticipation.” While I wrote this story several months ago, it was an exercise in trying to “show, not tell.” So that’s what I’d like feedback on: Did I draw an effective word picture, or did I simply relate action?
Sorry but the link doesn’t seem to work!
Sorry, the link doesn’t work. Looking forward to reading the story!
Mary,
Thank you very much for this great opportunity. I have just started my business coaching company and have just created my website to highlight my coaching – http://www.solobizcoach.com. I would love to hear you and your readers’ thoughts on my website so far.
Additionally, I am working on a life planning workbook for aspiring solo business owners. I find that entrepreneurs jump right into creating a business plan, but never develop a life plan. A life plan is essential for small business owners because without clearly understanding who you are, your values, talents and goals, you will not succeed in your small business.
Thanks again,
Fred
Fred, Simply put, I think your website is great! I like how it opens with your blog. Then, visitors can click for more information if they are ready to sign up or hire you! It’s clean and easy to follow. I will bookmark to check out all the great articles later! I wish you the best in your coaching business :)
I liked the site. Is there a contact link somewhere? Couldn’t find it.
I am really impressed with your site, especially the crisp, colorful layout. I like how I can scroll through several articles at once and read the one that jumps out at me. It looks professional, but the writing is very straightforward and accessible. My husband is a business owner and I know he’d like this site (I’m going to tell him about it.) Thanks for putting a great product out there.
Fred,
Great looking site. Lots of useful content. Very vibrant site. I only have 2 suggestions: 1) I don’t see any contact information anywhere. You really should have contact info on every page. 2) I think you should consider putting your last name in your about page, perhaps with a link to a LinkedIn profile.
Hope this helps.
Robert
This is a link to a short piece of original fiction. I’m working on giving my writing more emotion, focusing on giving my pieces mood and my characters motivation. I think this piece is my best work in that area in a long time- and still needs a great deal of work.
http://afiawri.livejournal.com/14603.html
So that’s what I’m working on. All comments are welcome. :)
Hi, I read your story several times. It’s intriguing, it has a very original theme and I liked the atmosphere. That being said, I did have to reread several times to know who the ‘he’ and ‘she’ were. Also that sentence about the trip to Disney world and the one after that about Bambi, I reread them ten times but they’re just off somehow. Too long maybe and very confusing which I assume wasn’t your goal. Hope this helps?
The premise of A Little Girl is indeed intriquing. I’m amazed that you did all this work at 4 in the morning. The sixth paragraph brought some questions to mind. You might consider breaking up the second sentence of this paragraph. Why did she go to Disney World all alone at 26? Was there something in her past that prompted it and her fixation on Disney World? If the marriage never intended to have a child, is the ‘she’ in paragraph I’s daughter? If so, was the daughter the same age as an incident in she’s childhood? For me there was a bit of a disconnect between the 5th and 4th paragraphs from the bottom. At that point, she would have had to learn or verify later that her husband had put them on the table (in the den?) after she had put them in the closet. She found them with the little girl in the den walking there from wherever she had been reading (the living room?). Hope this helps.
I too was intrigued by A Little Girl. I am amazed that you did all this work at 4 in the morning. For me there seemed to be some disconnects. If the marriage did not intend to have any children (para. 6), who is the little girl in para. 1? Why did she go to Disney World alone at the age of 26? Was there something in her past life that prompted it, perhaps at the same age as the little girl? She puts the box in the closet. If she was reading the book, when did he take the box down? How did he know it was in the closet? If the couple were going to bed, wouldn’t the child have been put to bed, and how did she find the box. Hope this helps.
Opps. Sorry about the duplication. I was having trouble with my computer and thought the first comment hadn’t ‘gone’.
I was immediately drawn into the story, yet found myself re-reading a few sentences to make sure I was the story properly. I was also confused a bit when you mention the marriage that didn’t intend to have a child, yet there was a child involved and both the parents seemed quite into having children. The narrator, by having children’s books and visiting Disney and the other parent that would watch Bambi many times. I thought I must have missed something. I’d love to hear your thoughts about the story you wrote, background and meaning. I hope this helps and know the writing style is impressive, I am at the store with your characters, I can feel their emotions, just want to know more of where they, the emotions, come from. I hope this makes sense.
Sorry, TYPO- yet found myself re-reading a few sentences to make sure I was the story properly.
Correction- yet found myself re-reading a few sentences to make sure I read the story properly.
A complete-with-enough-details guide on introductions in blog posts.
It’s a long article, but easy to scan.
http://www.inkysword.com/2010/10/solution-to-great-blog-post.html
Hey Raul, that is an awesome article. I’ve shared the link with our A-list Blogger Club members.
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!
Hi Raul, thanks for the great advice and I love your blog.
I have definitely neglected my blog lately but the upside is that I’ve started writing my book again. I like the idea “writing to a friend” – it keeps the self-doubt to a minimum because you’re just happy to share your thoughts with a friend right?
I have yet to post one of my short chapters (anecdotes on my life) but I will do that this weekend.
Thanks, and God bless you!
Very informative blog, loads of solid advice. Thx for sharing!
Thank you too!
Very unique perspectives and fresh new ideas that I haven’t read before! I learned many different points and was very impressed with the content. I felt that I was meant to read your blog as I am about to begin a new blog on motherhood within two cultures. It’s my first real foray into the professional writing world. Thanks again and I’m glad you were on this site!
Appreciate!
I can’t believe I just discovered this blog now. It’s late here, but I’ll read everyone’s submissions in the morning and add my thoughts about their pieces then.
Here is my link: http://www.foursides.ca/blog/2010/9/14/breaking-the-seo-chains-or-the-value-of-not-blogging.html
Breaking the SEO Chains, or the Value of Not Blogging
Hope people find it of interest. I’m trying to find a unique style/voice with my blog, so any thoughts on how to strengthen the content would be appreciated. Thanks.
All, this was my blog post from today: http://theregoesjason.wordpress.com/2010/10/23/the-power-of-public-goals/
It was one of my first attempts to engage my readers. I’ve been blogging for just over a month now, and am trying to figure out how I can add more value to my readers, beyond just expressing my thoughts and ideas. In this post, I encourage people to pick a goal, and share it with someone, and then comment or contact me direction about what that goal is. My hope is that I can provide a little spark to get people to do something they’ve wanted to do for awhile. And sharing their goal with someone else is a good way to get them to be more committed to accomplishing it.
Please let me know what you think about my approach. And if you have ideas for how to engage and interact with readers, I’m all ears.
Thanks!
Jason
Hi Jason,
You’re touching on a very valid idea, one that has the potential to change a lot if you adhere to it. That said, you’re really just touching. For someone who doesn’t know the power of public goals, there’s nothing in your post other than your word that they’re effective. Why not add a bit of length and include some background and an example or two before you challenge your readers to declare their goals? Or offer a goal of your own and invite your readers to set their goals with you? That process offers the chance for interaction down the road as you check in with your goals, whereas right now you’re not offering any sort of accountability.
Hope that helps!
Kirsten
Kristen, thank you so much for your response. I greatly appreciate it. Your suggestion means a lot to me, as in the past I’ve shyed away from talk in the first person, and telling my own stories. I prefered to simply give thought, ideas and generalizations of things I’ve learned, and left it up to the reader to decide what to do with it. However, I’ve gotten a lot of feedback saying almost exactly what you said. So, the past few day’s I’ve tried to include more of my experience as context and justification for the ideas I’ve been talking about. If you have a moment I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s post.
http://theregoesjason.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/job-requirement-passion/
Thanks again!!
Jason
Hi Jason,
Sorry for the late response; I had a database disappear last week and that ate up quite a bit of time to rebuild it.
I like that you’re using more first person and linking between posts, because it helps create this whole story that people need to be present regularly for to follow. At the same time, you don’t want to create so complex a story that newcomers can’t jump in. (Does that make any sense? It does in my head, but I’m not sure I’ve conveyed it well.) My only other suggestion would be to relax a bit and make your writing voice a bit more conversational. It’s very formal right now, and just a tad cold.
Hope that helps!
Kirsten
My collection at http://www.williammarcy.com/
Really look forward to the feedback.
You’ve got a really strong writing voice, Bill. I’m impressed…
Bill,
WOW! I am quite taken with your stories. I was impressed with your site and ended up reading all of the stories posted, late into the evening. I think I will also able to use your stories as great teaching tools for myself. Very stimulating and provocative.
Was wondering if you enter any of your works in Literary Magazines?
I just put up the first post of what I hope will be a two year project on my blog: http://writteninsight.com/2010/10/the-interactive-novel/
I’m going to try to combine ideas from internet marketing, crowdsourcing and traditional critique groups to create a novel that evolves with input from the audience. My readers can contribute everything from helping to select the idea, providing feedback on character development, and critiquing plot possibilities. When it’s all done everyone’s contributions will be cited in the text and the final version will be available as an e-book or as print on demand.
My first post introduces a few of my own novel ideas to get the ball rolling and solicits ideas from the audience to be included in a vote in a few weeks. I’d love to have some of the readers here contribute their thoughts!
Kirsten,
In general I like the idea, but I’m wondering how many followers you have. I see you’ve only written three posts. It kind of seems like you just want other people to write a book that you can then publish. It seems like unless people were loyal to you beforehand, it’d be hard to get anyone to contribute. They don’t know you, or what you’re about, etc…
Initial concerns aside, I think if you could get some traction with some participants, it could be a really fun experiment. You could do weekly themes, or contests for people to post new ideas.
One thought, if you’re struggling to get input from your audience, would be to write more upfront, and then solicit editing from your followers. It’s far easier to edit someone else’s work, than come up with it yourself.
I like all three of your ideas, but all three would require a lot of domain knowledge to make them believable.
I’d be happy to contribute some ideas to the stories, I’ll do that next time I get a free minute.
Hope this helps!
Jason
Hi Jason,
That does help, thank you, if only to make it clear that I haven’t done a good job of making my idea clear. I’ve written a lot more than three posts – go look under the blog and archive tabs. But I am in that “screaming into the ether” phase. I’ve gotten a number of comments here and there, but I don’t have many people following yet. Part of the point of this experiment was to create something truly interactive that would draw people in. I do not want other people to write the book. I’ll be doing all the writing, but I want to make the readers a part of the development process. I’ll post outlines and planning documents initially, then scenes as I write them, and highlight problems I’ve run into to ask for feedback. The idea is that by the end of the book, the readers have become part of the creation instead of passive consumers of the product.
What makes it feel like I want the audience to write the book? Is it that the sites I’ve linked to are doing that?
Thanks!
Kirsten
All right, I’ve tweaked the wording, simplified it and am working on putting up a poll. Any thoughts now?
(And I’m sorry, I promise I’ll look at everyone else’s work in the next couple of days. One of my databases disappeared today, right before I was set to launch a new video series, and of course I didn’t have it backed up. Trying to find it and then figuring out how to recreate it took up most of my day.)
Kirsten, I really like the voting mechanism. And after reading your response I think this could be a great project. Especially in the beginning brainstorming stages. It may be difficult to get a lot of feedback in the later stages when you’re refining and it takes a lot more work for less improvement.
I appreciate your vision for innovating a unique design process.
Jason
I’m always, always writing new posts for my site Positively Present (http://positivelypresent.com). On the site, I write about how I strive to live a more positive and present life, with a focus on great resources for positivity (like books and songs).
For me you’re writng style is to the point with great emotional impact.
Dear PP,
I agree with Presscam above. Your writing is direct, to the point, and energized, packed with accessible ideas. I see you get plenty of feedback – you are reaching an audience that returns, good job. By the way, where do your ideas stem from? Do you do an outline before every post or do you free-write?
I’m glad to have found your blog
Editing my post about Divergent Thinking to make sure there are no errors and to make sure the idea I wanted to put on the spotlight is there:
http://slnc.me/how-many-uses-does-a-paperclip-have/
The title sounds weird to me, does any of you have an idea on how to rephrase it?
I’m not English native and sometimes after editing I feel: “how the heck did I write that? That has no resemblance to English!”.
I really enjoyed the blog. It reminded me of my anthropology professor who talked about line integrators (logical thinkers) and point integrators (creative thinkers). I thought the title was a little narrow for the piece. How about HOW CREATIVE ARE YOU?
Thats more than sienbsle! Thats a great post!
You ask about your English. It is very good. This paragraph bothered me a little. “Before going any further if you have a few spare minutes imagine a paperclip and give yourself as much time as you want to come up and write down a list of all the things that you can use a paperclip for like for example bending it to make a hook. Once you can’t come up with any new ideas scroll down past the following depiction of slnc doing that same exercise a few minutes ago.” You might think about tightening it a little. I did notice that the ‘with’ after the first ‘come up’ was missing. I sometimes find my fingers miss something my mind has already decided I typed.
I’m writing a book about Spiritual Wellness, and I also keep a blog.
Here’s my latest:http://www.spiritualwellness.com/blog/recover-hope-restore-desire/
I try to keep my blog posts short, but I find it difficult to adequately cover the material in a few words. I would like input on where I should expound vs. where I should cut.
Let’s try that link again:
http://www.spiritualwellness.com/blog/recover-hope-restore-desire/
Hello,
I was able to connect with Jill’s story, even though I have never experienced dissapointment to that extent. If you want help knowing where to expand, and where to cut back, I would say focus on the story, and offer up one (maybe two) main suggestions, and let people connect with it however they will. Also the questions near the end can sometimes work, but in this case I don’t know if they’re necessary. I was able to connect without being prodded.
As another suggestion, Ira Glass did a 4 part interview where he talks about creating great content, and how to cut out material. Here’s the first of the four videoes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7KQ4vkiNUk
I hope this helps! And thanks for sharing.
Jason
I’m working on storytelling in my blog, Changing Perspectives. I’ve been converted from writing in clinical terms for research papers and journals! Now, I want my blog to be conversational and hopeful.
Here’s a link to a recent post on marriage and money:
http://counselorperspectives.com/2010/10/08/calming-the-emotional-sea-of-money-management/
I write about creating the life, love, and work we desire by broadening our view. Comments and feedback welcome!
My big project right now is a book I’m writing about Wiccan divorce rituals. I’m still trying to find people who identify as neopagan and who have experienced divorce to participate in a survey for the book. I just started the query phase of the project, and I’m continuing to polish the book proposal and the rest of the manuscript while I go through that.
What are you doing to find wiccans?
Two very different posts. First, a tribute to a classmate at http://flashesoftheobvious.blogspot.com/2010/10/requiem.html, then thoughts on original happiness at http://flashesoftheobvious.blogspot.com/2010/10/to-original-happiness.html.
http://www.bellaonline.com/review/issues/summer2009/f002.html
Sacred Vows
I’ve been writing about the cross cultural experience within the two cultures I live in. I have been concentrating on the lives of my grandparents, whose experiences have been totally different than mine and I believe their story needs to be told.
I would really like to welcome all comments and constructive criticisms. I am just beginning to focus on writing and finding my voice within a sea of stories that deal with the same issues.
Please don’t be gentle, I want to improve and I require more feedback! Thank you for your time fellow writers and readers.
What a great idea for this forum!
This story is excellent. All I can suggest is some tightening if you choose to do it. For example, you write “no bustling of the farm hands´ wives, the swishing of their saris and tinkling of their silver anklets across the stone courtyard below. I am missing the snorts, huffs and puffs of the water buffaloes and the jingling of the bells around their necks as they line up for their trek across and into the sugarcane fields.”
Suggestion: no bustling of the farm hands’ wives with their saris swishing and their silver anklets tinkling as they slap their feet on the stone courtyard below. I miss the snorts, huffs and puffs of the water buffaloes and the jingling of the bells around their necks as they line up for their trek to the sugarcane fields”
You ask about your English. It is very good. This paragraph bothered me a little. “Before going any further if you have a few spare minutes imagine a paperclip and give yourself as much time as you want to come up and write down a list of all the things that you can use a paperclip for like for example bending it to make a hook. Once you can’t come up with any new ideas scroll down past the following depiction of slnc doing that same exercise a few minutes ago.” You might think about tightening it a little. I did notice that the ‘with’ after the first ‘come up’ was missing. I sometimes find my fingers miss something my mind has already decided I typed.
I should take my own advice, and slow my mind down to match my fingers. I apologize for my error.
Dear Mary,
This is a chapter from my memoir about a typical suburban family; the kind that suffers from stressed out parents, a husband fed up with his long commutes, a defiant teenager, and kids with the entitlement attitude. Is this the life we want? No, so we take action and sell everything we own in Orange County, California, and move to Belize to heal our family. We want to teach our kids gratitude and humility, and what better place than a third world country.
I’m working with an editor and hope to find an agent and a publisher
This is a sample chapter called, “The Move From Hell.”
“It took several glasses of wine to numb me from the torture of packing the rest of my life into two suitcases. This wasn’t cram a bikini, flip-flops, sun block, and a toothbrush into one carry-on. That I could handle.” To continue reading, please view my sample chapter here:
http://gutsywriter.blogspot.com/p/sample-chapter.html
Thanks and I hope you enjoy.
Very very very very good. The blog wouldn’t accept my one word comment: Perfect.
I launched a new blog in the beginning of September at http://www.kristensloan.com. On Wednesday, I am launching a free ebook – Finding Peace & Joy at the blog. I’d love for feedback! Thanks!
I am writing a blog covering the six month trip around North and Central America my girlfriend and I are currently on. My mission is mostly to get myself used to writing regular content, without worrying too much about quality to begin with. Check it out if you like: http://www.two-little-elephants.blogspot.com
Thanks :)
Hi Mary,
I don’t know where that prolfic writer Dani from Positively Present comes up with so many wonderful ideas for two different webisites! My favorite post ever is Born to Run. It was picked up by Forbes Women. http://theboldlife.com/2010/01/born-run/
Hope all is well with you. This is an awesome idea you’ve presented here.
http://strayjuniormint.com/
My blog is simply to entertain. I’d love to know if you find that it does! Thanks.
There are some great writers who have submitted on this blog. I’m really impressed at the level of quality, Jason Shaffer wrote a fantastic piece hats off too you all, I’m a very weak writer so I couldn’t possibly submit any of my own work. All the best to you all.
Rory, thank you very much for the great compliment! It means a lot to me. Thank you.
Jason
Also, I would encourage you to submit something! No one is here to judge, simply to help. And from looking at your website, it looks like you’ve been a part of some great work!
Jason
Hi Mary,
The biggest, most imminent thing in my life, is my blog The Blogwriter’s Edge. It will be launching in the next two weeks and will provide aspiring and experienced writers the tools, instruction, hot tips, and sneaky tricks not found elsewhere, to elevate their blogwriting to domination of the blogiverse. Having tons of fun with it and an exciting time planning my related coaching and editing services business. The other project is the book I’m co-writing on the lives of children and adolescents with severely mentally ill siblings.
Really looking forward to the coming Bootcamp!
Nancy
Nancy, I want to hear more about dominating the blogiverse. I’m enjoying your metaphor ;) Sounds like you are ready to launch a great service and resource!
Marci, thanks for your comment and compliments!
Most people who can write – anything – and want to express themselves can learn to write well. It’s important to know the basics and, for bloggers in particular, the bases of “new writing.” I’ll cover all that, in plenty of depth and with some comic relief along the way. But what’s important for bloggers is to elevate their content above other blogs competing for the attention of the same readers. Substance, style, and structure do that. In the mix, style gets third-class status.
My focus is on making content extraordinary – making it pop – using all kinds of tools. I’m a book editor who’s worked with a lot of writing styles and types and taught many writers. I want to bring everything I know to bloggers. I’ll coach anyone at any experience level, work with them on their content (even help beginners title and subtitle their blogs), teach them to edit their content, or edit for them. I also ghostwrite content. Great content and original powerful style: essential for success. Btw, the new direction for your blog sounds terrific.
Best,
Nancy
Thank you Nancy! And your websiet?
The name of my blog, or my URL?
The Blogwriter’s Edge
blogwritersedge.com
It’s not up yet. I’ll let the Bloggers’ Club know when it is.
If you’ll send your email address to me at nancyterhune@optonline.net, I’ll let you know when the blog is live – if you’d like.
Best wishes and good fortune with your blog, Marci !
Nancy
Basically, i just write about whatever I feel like writing about.
Write in Color has got to be the best writers blog. Melogy Godfred updates her blog daily with creative and inspiring blog posts. Drawing upon art, media, fashion, news, to make her readers think differently about their possibilities of writing. Always fun and always giving me a new perspective.
Bring on the writing blogs! I love to see new approaches, perspectives, opinions, styles, personalities….. Using several sources is important – and inspirational.
I have decided on trying something new with my personal blog. I now publish a chapter a week from the book I am writing to get feedback on the story. You can find it here http://www.theblogginggoddess.com. The purpose for me is to put it out there. I have been working on this piece of fiction off and on for the past year and have recently decided to write to done, so to speak! All feedback is welcome and appreciated!!