Carol's Corner

“Write your own stories before the waves of time wash them away.” 2014 Silverthreading.com

When I began writing “Amee’s Story” I struggled with the thought of being able to put the story on paper. I began by organizing the information I had. I started to write. I deleted the words and began again. This happened more times than I can remember. I knew I was stuck. It had been too many years since high school and university English classes. A friend told me about a writing conference in Saskatoon and urged me to attend. My comfort zone did not include walking into a room full of writers but I went. Great advice from a friend. I met people who represented many stages of a writing journey. I listened to encouraging workshops. Most importantly I heard about a local writing group, one of many in the city, that welcomed new members. I took the next uncomfortable step and went to their next meeting.

His Imprint Christian Writers included published authors, new authors and a few in between those two ends of the spectrum. When I finally, after a few months of attending and listening, decided to read the beginning of my memoir I asked for their comments. I received invaluable advice.

Bonnie Grove asked me, “Who are you writing this for? If it is for your family and friends just keep on with what you are writing. But if you want it to go beyond then cut this and this. Start with this and weave the other things in if you think they are necessary.”

I tried her suggestion. What did I have to lose. I could always just go back to the way I had it. Computers and saving the document allow for this with no problem. I found her way to help get me unstuck and grab the audience attention right off the bat.

What resources have I found for writing? There are so many. A writer’s group is a great resource, if there is one close to where you live. In my city of Saskatoon there are a number of writers groups. His Imprint is no longer around but I am now part of Saskatoon Writers Club.

I am also part of a writers group called Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship which has members across Canada. We connect through a Listserv, on line, annual conference, quarterly magazine and chatting on line with each other. You can ask a question and get multiple answers. http://www.inscribe.org

A simple Google search will bring up many writer helps. Some you might want to use on occasion and others you may want to subscribe to their newsletter for helps, tips, contest ideas and other information to show up in your in box.

All the writer helps I have used and search out have a few things to remind all writers of. Key to writing is to write and write and write some more. You might only want to preserve family stories but you still need to write them while you can, while there are people to ask questions of and photos that people can identify the time, place or people.

Once you have something written it is time to edit. The definition of edit is to prepare for publication by correcting, condensing or otherwise making changes. However, I suggest that even if the stories are only for your family you want to edit for ease of reading and to make sure your time line and facts are correct. If you want to publish your stories or book, more extensive edits and critiques will be necessary and helpful. A critique by definition is a detailed analysis and assessment of your writing. I know when I wrote Amee’ Story I wanted it well edited so that spelling, grammar, punctuation, or word choices did not distract from the story.

I found this fun way to end this post – 10 things for a writer to do – yes simply write.

What are you writing? Is it for family or for publication? Are you part of a writers group? What resources do you use. Happy writing of your stories.