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A Great Resource for Writers

Hello my fellow aspiring novelists, I hope you've made lots of progress on your writing projects this month. Between the server problems with blogger, the time I've dedicated to writing my book, and running with the kids, it's a wonder I'm able to post anything at all. I've always admired the authors who are able to achieve a balance between these things. For some reason, I have a tough time juggling it all (obviously, since it's been more than a month since my last post). As always, I'll endeavor to do better this month.

Moving on to something more interesting than me, I've found a wonderful writer's site that my fellow A.N's may find helpful. As you all know, it's difficult to be objective when it comes to our writing. We're too close to it. Grammatical mistakes, plot holes and issues with pacing and flow tend to remain invisible during the editing process. This is quite daunting when an author has four hundred pages to correct. Hoping to avoid this, I went on a quest to find the perfect online critique site. I'm pleased to announce the search has ended.

Scribophile is the best thing since the invention of the ink pen, IMHO. It is a complimentary site offering a variety of functions ranging from critiques by other writers to forums relating to issues in the writing industry. I've been a member for about three months now and the feedback I've received on the last twelve chapters of my novel has been soooo helpful.  My chapters are certainly more polished than they were before I became a member.

It is a secure site, so you won't have to worry about your work being out there for all to see. Scribophile's premise is based on a reciprocal process where members accumulate Karma points, (website currency) by critiquing the work of others. Once said member accumulates five of these points, he/she can post a chapter in the spot light, a place where your work is available for every member to critique. Since the chapters are broken down by genre, only authors interested in a certain type of story will check out your work.

After thirty days, your chapter rotates out of the spot light, but you can post it as many times as you like. Re-posting a work cost five more Karma points. Your piece can also be critiqued when it's out of the spot light, but members won't earn as much Karma this way. It's a great system and I've met a lot of knowledgeable, talented people on this site. Not only did they challenge me to achieve my personal best, but critiquing the work of other writers has opened my eyes to the mistakes in my own prose.

For those A.N.'s seeking critiques I suggest you check out Scribophile. You won't be disappointed. If nothing else, I'd be interested to know what you think about the site. Until next time my fellow bloggers, happy writing.



Comments

  1. When I am ready… or should I say, when my story is to that point I’ll head over and check it out. It’s nice to hear from you. Thx for all you do. I really enjoy reading your advice.

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  2. Balance is a constant struggle for everyone it's just that some people make it look easier than others.

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  3. Thanks for the kind words, Jeff. I appreciate the support more than you know. Shoot me an e-mail when you join Scribophile and I'll check out your work.

    Karen, thanks for stopping in. You hit the nail on the head, some people can make juggling a hectic schedule look easy. Unfortunately, I'm not one of those people. I probably walk around with a frazzled look on my face half of the time. Take care.

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  4. Hi Lynda and welcome to Aspiring Novelists. The site is very helpful. You won't be disappointed by it.

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  5. Balance is a constant struggle, and I usually lose. Some days I just have to go with one or two things and give up on the other 83. Can you find out how we can get 48 hours in a day and still only need 8 hours sleep?

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  6. Wish I could, Carol. The possibilities would be endless.(:

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  7. That sounds like a pretty cool site...but where's the link?

    I like the idea of karma points. Sadly, sometimes people are great at putting their stuff out there to be read & helped along, but forget to find time to reciprocate.

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