While we're all still reading and reviewing Alan's piece, let's take this next week to review how the group has worked thus far and determine the next schedule. We've cycled through all eight of us now. How has everyone thought it's gone? What has everyone's experience been? I'd like to hear from all of you.
One thing obviously has been the challenge of all of us finding the time to make comments on each reading within the two week time period. To complicate that, the two-week spacing in between new posts has been a little bendy. Has this made serious trouble for anyone?
Do you feel this group has actually benefited you and your writing? Is everyone still in for round two?
Are there things that aren't working so well for you? Any tweaks to suggest?
Is this comment format of interacting with your story useful? Do you like it being discussed in a chain of comments like this? The idea of it was to stimulate a kind of discussion about your story. But it's really more of just one person posting their independent set of notes after the other. That's actually just fine with me - but I'd be open to any suggestions.
How is the two week time length working out for everyone? Do we need to space it out more?
How about the length of the manuscripts. Should we shorten them to around ten or twelve pages to give everyone more time? Or maybe you feel 20 pages not enough?
Does anyone think nothing needs to be changed at all? Just keep doing what we're doing?
Any other thoughts, opinions, ideas you have - bring them on. My hope is to post a new schedule starting Sunday, May 23.
On another note: Andy's coming to alumni weekend during residency, and I thought it'd be a shame if we didn't all get together and have a little write-fu reunion during that time! Night would be preferable because we could drink. But if not, at least a lunch or something! Is everyone up for that? Bill and Alan, are you planning on coming out for the alumni weekend? Now you have another good reason why you should!
Okay, I'll start off the comments with what my experience has been. I found what everyone said about my story very stimulating and useful. But more than that, just having all of you talk about it gave the story, gave me, a kind of energy for it I hadn't had before. Thank you! I really sincerely feel blessed to be associated with all of you talented guys.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the trouble with posting comments on time. And as far as the question of how long or in depth you should go in commenting. My take on it is for us to just give what we can.
If you really feel like you don't have time to give a longer critique or reaction to a piece, just write one good, thoughtful paragraph instead. If you just have to bunch two manuscripts together and comment on them both in the same time window, do that.
Be involved to the degree that you are able, just be involved. No stress. Especially to you crazy busy school teachers.
That's my feeling, anyway. :)
Yes, receiving everyone's feedback on my piece was invaluable--I don't know how else I'd get my work read by smart, talented, trustworthy people who are very knowledgeable about children's and YA lit. Your feedback was energizing!
ReplyDeleteI'm okay with two weeks, 20 pages, though I'm open to other reading periods and page counts. I flagged the last month or so (sorry again!), but now I'm back on track. I'm guessing that most people will encounter some stretches where it's hard for them to read and give feedback on time, but as long as people stay involved, I feel the group works.
Anything we could do differently? I can't think of anything other than it might be nice to receive feedback a little more frequently, though that would involve shrinking the reading period or taking some other measure. I've had the luxury of not having packets due every month, though, so maybe I'm a little feedback-hungry (also, the feedback you guys give is so good!). What do you guys think?
I know some who graduated before me mentioned that after they graduated they had sort of a post-Hamline syndrome. I've felt that a teensy bit, maybe only because I don't have all the individual attention an advisor gives, but, overall, I feel happy and connected, thanks mostly to our writing group.
I'd also like to share some good news--I recently got an agent for my YA novel, Hoodie. I have to revise (as always!), but I'm very excited--one step closer!
I've enjoyed our group these past months, and I'm excited to hear your ideas!
This group has been great. It’s helped keep me connected to writing. The comments I’ve received so far have already opened my eyes to some things I want to change.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it’s because it’s so familiar and Hamline-like but the 20 pages feels good to me. The two weeks is hard but I’m getting my stride and I think I can keep up better. I would be open for a shorter period.
I’m with Dave on the comments. A couple of key comments that are on target can make a huge difference even if they are not long. A little more discussion about those comments might be good. I’m not saying I’d initially be good at that type discussion because that isn’t what I’m used to but I can definitely see the benefit of it and would try to get better at it. I like that Daniel let us know what his questions were about our comments and that he told us where he wanted more.
I envy all of you who will be around Hamline during the alumni weekend. I wish I could be there this year but I can’t. I hope to go next year.
I have benefited greatly from the group. I like the 20 pages format and appreciate all comments. Won't be at Hamline this summer, but wish I could be there. My job at the local hospital is intensifying as we get closer to the new hospital we are building. It opens in August of next year, and it doesn't offer many opportunities to escape.
ReplyDeleteAN FSG editor has asked to see Tramp's story when I am finished, so I look forward to having this group of excellant writers get me there.
Bill
And Alan,
ReplyDeleteMy comments will be there shortly.
Bill
Okay, first huge congrats Andy! I hope your agent realizes how lucky he/she is!
ReplyDeleteBill, I bet having an editor waiting to see your story is hugely motivating. I like to pretend that is the case with my manuscript. Mainly because it lights a fire under my ass.
As far as Alan's comment, I think that's a great point. Everyone should feel free to follow up on comments they received like Daniel did. But I also don't want people feeling overwhelmed from manuscript conversations overlapping too much, so that's part of why I'm reluctant to shorten the time period from two weeks. It seems like two weeks is already hard enough for people to do.
With that in mind, Andy mentioned the desire for more frequent feedback. I liked the idea he had earlier of exchanging manuscripts with whoever wanted to. Along those lines, I think that everyone who continues to want to be involved in this group should feel free to consider other collaborations with each other. Whether by one on one email or posting a new proposition, I think we should try to take advantage of the resource of one another.
If that idea makes you anxious because of the time commitment, let me reiterate again that you should be involved with this group to the degree you are able, as long as you can just stay involved. My feeling is it's okay if it's late, or brief, just give feedback on every manuscript.
So, that brings me to the new schedule! Please check out the new post I've made and mark your calendars accordingly. It's a bit off the posted schedule, but I will be posting my manuscript tomorrow.
Joyful writing to you all!