I love learning. I have an obsessive personality. I throw all of myself into a project, often to the detriment of previous projects.
When I started contemplating the idea of writing again–I’d always loved it as a child but stopped around the same time I discovered boys lol–I researched a ton of MFA programs. But, realistically, it wasn’t an option for me. At this time, my place is here at home, homeschooling my girls and taking care of my family, along with following my passion for reading and writing.
So what’s a thirsty-for-knowledge novice writer to do? Craft her own writing education/program! I am in no way implying that my attempts are on the same level as higher level universities, but for now, I am learning a lot and also focusing it for my own needs. And having a blast.
Here is a quick breakdown of what I have done/am doing:
- First, I put all the knowledge I gained in my obsessive learning phase for wrapping my brain around the homeschooling thing into practice again. I hopped on my computer, found a ton of blogs and websites by industry professionals (my favorites are listed on the sidebars) and took A LOT of notes. I organized these into pre-writing, writing, editing, and publication.
- I researched what books were recommended in the university programs and ordered my favorites now and put the rest in my Amazon cart. To begin with, I ordered Noah Lukeman’s The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life and The First Five Pages, along with Renni Browne’s Self-Editing for Fiction Writers.
- I looked up local writing groups. I joined the Yahoo groups for all of these and started attending the free local YA/MG writer’s group that meets once a month. This group is a huge source of inspiration, as it consists of published and unpubbed authors, all talking about our passions. I made two great friends in this group in particular who are now my critique partners. I plan on officially joining SCWBI and RWA after the holidays.
- I took my favorite novels and dissected them. I mean REALLY dissected them. I analyzed each chapter to see how many scenes were in each, how they used dialogue vs. narrative, how and when back story was introduced, how many characters were in a scene, how time evolved, etc; This was a HUGE education in itself.
- I kept up my reading. Reading widely in my genre, Young Adult, is like a master’s course in writing. But I’m not just a passive reader. I make notes on what really works/what I’m really drawn to, how they use characterization, what I don’t like and why, what worked particularly well, etc; I try to not leave any book without taking away something I can use in my own writing. Most recently I started dogearing any pages with strong verbs or descriptions of movement that I like so I can add it to my own growing list for inspiration.
Of course, I apply all this information and knowledge into my own writing, which gets better and better the more I learn, which is just icing on the cake. One day, I do hope to get my master’s so I can then go on and teach. Part of my retirement plan in the WAY WAY distant future. But, for now, I am learning and growing and digging deeper, which is all I could ask of any educational endeavor.
Off to class . . . I mean, reading my latest “text book.” Afterlife by Courtney Allison Moulton, courtesy of Harper Collins (look for it in 2011. Loving this book!)
What about you? Do you have a degree in writing? Do you think it is essential? What are your favorite self-education tricks, tools, or resources?
