Jake Kerr » Writer’s Garret

Inspiration From Others

Jake — Wed, 20 May 2009 04:59:24 +0000

Got back from my writer’s group meeting tonight full of enthusiasm for pursuing my own writing, and it is always this way. The group, Stone Soup from the Dallas Writers Garret, is just full of so many talented writers that it is often an experience for me of, “Wow, how can I top that?”

It’s funny, but when I think back to my original feelings when I joined the group they were one of arrogance—“I can’t learn anything from a writer’s goup”—I am abashed at how wrong I was. The group is amazingly talented, and their advice is always helpful. They have made me a much better writer, and they also provide one of the most important things a new writer needs: A kick in the pants to actually write. Great writing from others sitting in front of you is inspiring that way.

A Great Idea

Jake — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 02:53:17 +0000

I just thought of a great idea. I get a tremendous amount of positive and constructive feedback from my writer’s group here in Dallas (Stone Soup). Much of it is in the form of handwritten notes on copies of my chapters. Instead of re-writing chapter five, I’ll go through and use the Microsoft review application to add the notes to my chapter. Then I’ll move on to writing chapter six.

Later, when I’m ready to re-write chapter five, all of the old notes will be right there to remind me as I tackle the chapter again. I may do this for the future from now on. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of forward momentum. I’m starting to think that the Stephen King method is ideal: Be writing one novel while you’re re-writing and editing another.