Writing Workshop Group - TOEGTW Discussion: Please Read First Post

[Vertigo]

Just a word to those of you having problems with spacing when you paste your exercises into the review thread.

I have been using Word with the font set to Verdana 12pt and that pastes perfectly into the threads (except for tabbing). However I think you might also need to make sure that you have the box that you type/paste your post into set to 'formatted'. That is; the button with A/A in the top right should be highlighted. In this mode, for example, clicking ctrl B will make the text bold, in the plain text mode it will insert .... It seems to be the plain text mode that is resulting in problems.

[Vertigo]

As we draw towards the end of the first session/week. How do people feel about the format/approach.
· Do two chapters a week seem like a reasonable quantity?
· Is one week for a session too long, too short or just right?
· Is there a sensible way to keep the post sizes down as Glen suggests?
· Any other criticisms or suggestions to improve the workshop?

Oh and by the way in my above post I should have said 10pt. And I notice that even things like text colour come through correctly in the paste from Word.

Oh and another little tip if you are doing reviewing in Word and you want to quote with a name you can put in (without the spaces) [ Q U O T E =Vertigo]….[/ Q U O T E]. Sorry if that’s a bit of a “duh, of course” tip to any of you!

[Abernovo]

I think a week for a session is about right, as it allows some leeway for people to post and respond, given the real life constraints and time differences.

Glen's suggestion is good. As you've said, perhaps occasional double posting isn't such a bad thing for this.

As to 2 chapters a week - well, if they were particularly short, we could perhaps do more, but others might take more discussion. Chs 12&13 didn't require that much discussion, I thought. I don't know if other chapters will (still reading through it). Maybe 2 chapters a week is right, for now. We can always change it later, perhaps?

[Glen]

I thought this week worked well. Two chapters was a good fit for the week, allowing time for a discussion.

Which chapter(s) do we cover this coming week?

[AnyaKimlin]

Sorry I've been out of it - I needed to get a synopsis and main work done for a magazine. I'll join in next week and have done it mentally.

The format seems to be working well.

[Vertigo]

Originally Posted by Glen

I thought this week worked well. Two chapters was a good fit for the week, allowing time for a discussion.

Which chapter(s) do we cover this coming week?

Originally Posted by AnyaKimlin

Sorry I've been out of it - I needed to get a synopsis and main work done for a magazine. I'll join in next week and have done it mentally.

The format seems to be working well.

Yeah I'm pleased I feel I'm learning stuff and that's the main thing

Not to worry Anya, I suspect I'll be the same next week. I'll try and get stuff done but I'm on the road from Tuesday through Friday and not sure how much internet access I'll have or how much time Unfortunately the same thing will be happening at the end of the month for about 5 days.


I figure we should do the next two chapters on Paragraph Development: ch14 Illustration and Restatement and ch15 Comparison, Contrast, and Analogy. I've had a quick read through and there's some good stuff, as well as some I'm a little confused by. I think people might want to pick and choose a little on the exercise front as there are a few more this time, with exercises for each part of each chapter.

There is one thing I noticed that amused me. Check out the third paragaraph in the Analogy section of ch15 (ignoring the quote) beginning "Analogies differ from..." It exemplifies quite a few of the techniques so far covered; topic sentence, master plan, illustration, contrasting, keywords, linking phrases.

[mithril]

sorry i couldn't join in this time... I did manage to read up till ch 13 by the last few hours of sunday but no submissions unfortunately

The 1 week timing seems to work well i think...

[TacticalLoco]

Folks, my sincerest apologizes.
As I'm sure is quite evident by now, I simply do not have the time to devote to a study group right now.
I still think it is a great idea and of course wish all the best developing your writing skills.
With lunch I may be able to jump back in later.
Good luck!
Tac

[Abernovo]

Sorry we're losing you, Tac. Hopefully, you'll be able to join us again, later.

On my part, apologies too. I've been stupidly busy this week. On the plus side, I may have a little short-term work lined up.

With luck, I hope to have Chs14&15 posted tonight or tomorrow. I'm not intentionally slacking.

[Glen]

I had thought the exercises in Ch 15 were going to be relevant only for business / non-fiction writing, but I found myself using one of the techniques yesterday. I had to quickly describe two ships and offer a contrast between them. I opted for the approach of describing all relevant aspects of the first ship, before moving onto the second. I think I preferred that option in the exercise too - it seemed to be a clearer read without having to jump back and forth when the comparison is relatively straightforward.

I suspect the option of describing each element of comparison/contrast for each subject in turn might work better when there is more to say. That way the reader can dwell and compare one element at a time.

[springs]

Interestingly, Glen, I'm a qm to your pm but I found the same: it is by far the smoothest approach when contrasting for business - and let's be honest readability and transparency are the key words - plus breaking down jargon - an ability I find really helps me avoid info dumping. I'm starting to realise through this how many key writing concepts I use in my professional life can be transferred to fiction.

[mithril]

I'm sorry folks... I decided that I'd definitely submit the exercises for this week. Doesn't seem to be happening.To be honest my WIP has been getting all the 'writing time' I've managed to scrounge up recently...

I had high hopes from this discussion but I don't think I'd be regular at all and so it's only fair to let the group know.

All the best everyone!

[Glen]

Originally Posted by springs1971

I'm starting to realise...how many key writing concepts I use in my professional life can be transferred to fiction.

Agreed. I used to think they were different beasts, but now I reckon they are just different subjects. Clarity, as you say, is the key. I do like a bit of an occasional wig-out with my writing, just to keep the reader awake, and cos its fun writing. Perhaps that I will need to keep out of my business writing :0)

btw - you lost me with the qm pm thing. Am I a project mgr and you a quality mgr...?

[springs]

Originally Posted by Glen

btw - you lost me with the qm pm thing. Am I a project mgr and you a quality mgr...?

Yes, see how good I was at not using jargon? I'm also terribly good at filling in forms but have yet to find a transferable niche for that little skill....

[AnyaKimlin]

I now have two copies of the book lol Will jump in.