Good Writing Never Dies

Though our IWSG Anthology Contests have been discontinued, our authors still have a bountiful cache of writing news and advice to share. And that's what a blog is for, to share with each other. I am happy to play host to the authors who have generously volunteered to keep our blog going. And I wrote a post about Anthologies to get us started...

Anthologies are a wonderful source of alternate perspectives. They bring the unique voices of different authors together into a single, theme-inspired collection. Writers brings their own past experiences and personalities into their stories, breathing life into their characters that readers can feel for as they are immersed in their lives.

Since many authors share in writing the anthology, they also bring their reading fans to the party. Anthologies also sell well at book events. Readers can discover new talents and styles, encouraging them to search for more from the authors with whom they click.

Anthologies give authors the opportunity to stretch their writing muscles. Authors can explore a story they've been holding on the back burner or flesh out a shiny, new idea. They can use the prompt to break a block or take a break from their current WIP then come back refreshed and ready to work on it with more enthusiasm. And there's always those who want to try their hand at an unfamiliar genre--a great way to step outside the box without committing to a full novel.

I myself enjoy reading anthologies. The short stories can be read in one sitting. And I love finding new authors to expand my library. Not to mention, learning new ways I can improve my own writing. I highly recommend checking them out when you are searching for something to read!

If you've never been a part of anthology, I suggest you give one a try. Many small publishers have regular submission requests for anthologies. Just find the theme that inspires you!

Happy Writing!

Tara Tyler - Reset (in Tick Tock) & Sentient (in Dark Matter)

Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her husband, though they still love to travel and visit their three boys. She has two novel series, Pop Travel (sci-fi detective thrillers) and Beast World (fantasy adventures), plus her UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves. She's a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife—someday she might write a book on that... Make every day an adventure!

Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Youtube channel | Instagam | Goodreads 

Help! I need somebody!

Not just anybody...

Writers shouldn't work alone. The IWSG Anthology #7 Authors share their thoughts on how they don't suffer through the process alone.

Writing is a collaborative process. Few of us do it alone. A bit like it takes a village to raise a child, often it takes a team to write a book. Sure, the author comes up with the premise, the beats, the first draft, but depending on the author's process, then the collaboration begins. Some authors may call for help/input earlier, but I usually discuss my story idea with my critique partners, then don't show them any more until I'm happy with my draft. Then the fun begins. We meet face to face, sometimes we Skype, and often I just share chapters via email (especially those all-important opening chapters) to gauge reactions. Yes, I use beta readers and editors, but my critique partners are the most crucial element for me in writing a book.

-- Denise Covey, "Marmalade Sunset"

A handful of trusted author friends serve as my critique partners. We exchange manuscripts with each other and provide the first layer of critique. I also have a group I call on for beta reading, which is the next step in the process. This group is a mixture of authors, avid readers, and members of my street team. They have the advantage of reading my books for free in exchange for giving me their opinions about the story and--though it's not a requirement--hopefully leaving a review. 

After that, the book goes to my mom. She has her own editing business, and I hire her to do a proofread. I freelance as an editor, but I still get a professional copy edit. It's impossible for authors to edit their own work. Our eyes gloss right over the mistakes, because we know what the story is supposed to say. The final layer after those corrections are made is having the book files formatted (Kindle, Nook, Paperback). Once that's done, I read through them on their respective devices, to make sure the formatting looks as it should and to make one last pass to catch any missed errors. (I'm sick of my book by now. LOL) Lastly, the files get uploaded to the retailers, and I click publish. -- Melissa Maygrove, "My Heart Approves"

While I have been a member of some great critique groups in the past, I have not had that pleasure for quite some time. However, I recently returned to school to work on a Master's degree. A few fellow classmates as well as my professors have been providing some great feedback and inspiration. I highly recommend all writers attempt to connect with at least a few others that you can share and learn alongside. Writing can be such a solitary and frustrating experience. The craft can be much more enjoyable if you have someone to share your pains, losses, and accomplishments with you. -- Sylvia Ney, "Paper Faces"

After I finish a draft of a story, I print it up, then take it to the woods. There I perform an arcane ritual involving burning sage, twenty-two candles and a half-dead goat to summon Kilogard, the Proof-Reading Demon. It’s complicated, dangerous and every time I do it, it costs me one year of my life. But it’s still easier than getting my friends and relatives to give me feedback. -- Templeton Moss, "My First Love(s)"

A friend from college and a former coworker read my work and offer suggestions. The two of them have very different literary tastes, and their input gives me a lot to think about! My writing has improved so much thanks to them. After several rounds of edits based on their feedback, my mom proofreads my final draft. Sometimes my husband agrees to look over my manuscript, but romance isn’t really his genre. His contribution is keeping the kids out of my hair. -- Kim Elliott, "Clyde and Coalesce"

I had to redo the whole thing, but I think we have it fixed!

I hope these bits of wit and wisdom were helpful and/or entertaining!

Keep writing.