With A Little Help From My Writer Friends

Sunday, August 16, 2020

 Ask any writer how they developed their writing skills and you'll get a wide range of answers from degree programs to writer's conferences, workshops, webinars and books written on that very subject. Everyone's path is different and no one path is better than the next. 

It's also safe to say that every writer develops their own circle of writer friends, those they admire and study and trust to give them the feedback they need to improve their skills. I have been extremely fortunate in the forty years since my first book came out, to have many writer friends along the way who have encouraged, inspired, taught and even critiqued my work, sometimes brutally, to make me a better writer. Because of my writer friends, my writing and story telling skills have significantly improved. 

One of my favorite ways of learning has been to attend writing conferences; conferences that today have all been either shut down or forced to go digital. And although the quality of information being given won't suffer, I as a conference goer will miss the camaraderie of meeting and interacting with other writers more skilled than I. 

But adapt we must and adapt we will. 

Many opportunities are opening up that will allow us to learn from home in front of our own computers. One great opportunity is being offered by "Write 2 Ignite, a Christian writers group dedicated to helping writers provide excellent books for children and adults," as per Carol Baldwin's blog. Here is the information: 

MASTER FICTION WRITING                                                                                                                    Taught by award winning author, Joyce Hostettler 


Includes 3 talks by Joyce:
Creating Memorable Characters
On Writing Plot: What's The Problem
View Point and Dialogue

September 19th 
9:00 am to 5:30 pm (recorded and password protected for 2 months) 
$79
Register: www.Write2Ignite.com  REGISTER NOW

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If you are unable to attend a workshop, webinar or conference, remember to tap into the knowledge of your writer friends. They will not only inspire and challenge you, they'll be there to pump you up when you need it most. Having said that, I need to give a shout out to my critique partners, Debbie, Teresa and Gretchen who have been the writing friends I've needed during the last decade of writing journey. 

What part have your writing friends played in your writing journey? 

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Contact Sandra Warren 

www.sandrawarren.com    






Movies about Writers!

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

 I've noticed lately that many movies have been made with a writer as the main character or one of the main characters. Not only on the big screen but also television channels like Hallmark Movies tackle ways to involve book writers or song writers into their screenplays. What I didn't realize was how many movies have been made with a writer as a main character. 

Google movies about writers and be prepared to view lists and lists; 10 of the Best Movies about writers, 20 of the best movies about writers, movies about real writers, movies about female writers, horror movies about writers, screenwriters, etc. There are even lists of movies that motivate writers and movies that teach writing. The lists go on and on. Who knew? 

My interest in this topic came from watching Finding Forrester, a wonderful movie about an award winning one-book-wonder author who mentors a young black teen. Forrester, played by Sean Connery, is said to be loosely based on the life of J.D. Salinger. What stuck with me was a line from the movie that I shall never forget: "The first draft you write from the heart, you revise from the brain."

After reading the synopsis of multiple movies about writers, I've learned that many of them have tidbits of writing advice woven throughout their screenplays. What a great way to learn as you watch and listen, especially during these COVID 19 quarantine times. 

I seem to naturally gravitate toward movies about writers, sometime knowingly and sometimes by accident. Either way it's always a pleasant surprise. Even so, I'm surprised that I've seen so few of the recommended films.

The list of movies I want to see has grown substantially since I began this post. It's been surprising to me that there are so many. But, rather than give you my choices for 'gotta-see' writers flicks, I'll challenge you to Google. "movies with writers" or "movies about writers," and make your own list. 

What movie or movies about writers has inspired you? What tidbits about writing, if any, have you gleaned from watching a movie?   




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Sandra Warren has published products in multiple genres. 

Contact her at: 

www.sandrawarren.com    

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About Me

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Hi! I’m Sandra Warren, a writer with very eclectic writing tastes. I’ve been fortunate to have publications in multiple genres including children’s, gifted education, parenting, how to, poetry, journal, educational activity guides and biography as well as audio and video production. I'm a city gal recently transplanted to the mountains of NC where glorious mountain vistas inspire latest renderings.

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