So, you’ve finished your NaNoWriMo piece (or not, no judgment!).
You’re probably wondering what to do with it. Or maybe you think it’s trash, but desire an outside opinion before you tank the whole thing. After you’ve reminded yourself this month was simply about the process, maybe consider attending a writing workshop or a creative writing club meeting where your piece can be discussed by other writers.
This sounds a lot scarier than it actually is. Trust me.
Okay, I have full blown panic attacks leading up to workshops, but it really is beneficial. There is so much good that can come from hearing how others viewed your work. Think of it as a focus group, a small percentage of potential readers (and lovers of your work) will give you, the author, feedback. In the real world this is referred to as a beta reader, and most beta readers want money for their services.
Creative writing workshops are free advice for your story. Maybe you have missed a major plot hole. Maybe a character needs more development. Maybe your poem doesn’t flow well. Sometimes it just takes someone else’s eye to catch it.
“Can’t nothing heal without pain, you know.” -Toni Morrison, Beloved
Too embarrassed or shy to face your fellow students? St. Louis and the surrounding areas offer many other options for not only workshopping your piece, but also finding a solid writing community to help encourage your efforts.
St. Louis Writer’s Meetup Group
Saturday Writers (St. Charles)
Or join us every other Wednesday in room 333 of the LARC for Lindenwood’s Creative Writing Club. We would love to have you and workshop your NaNoWriMo piece!
It’s been a great semester and we hope you enjoyed the blog. We know we’ve had plenty of fun writing about the struggles we all have as writers as well as the love of the craft. It was fun planning events for The Dark Carnival on Lindenwood’s Campus as well as the Write-In’s for NaNoWriMo. We know you’ve all got some great projects created from this experience! Keep on writing and follow your passion.
“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.” – Bishop T.D. Jake
Arrow Rock Literary Journal 