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Welcome to The Literary Pig's blog - a safe haven for all those afflicted with
the unbearable urge to write.

Monday, 2 November 2015

The joy of workshops

Just a quick one from me as I REALLY should be working on my dissertation submission ... One of the biggest learning experiences from my MA in Creative Writing has been the joy of discovering that workshops work. At first the whole process of submitting work to a group of other writers for was daunting. I wasn't used to getting feedback on work-in-progress - usually the only feedback I got on my writing was either an acceptance or, more likely, a rejection. Sharing feedback face-to-face was terrifying. I'm still adjusting to that bit, but in the last two years I've learned to listen and act upon the feedback. I've been incredibly lucky to have worked with some very talented writers, specialising in fiction and poetry. In a later post I'll talk a bit about my current workshop group and how they're getting me through the dissertation, but today is a THANK YOU to a group I worked with about a year ago. They reviewed and commented on a short story called Custard Creams and Lemon Polish, which had been submitted quite a few times without any success. I took on board all the feedback and revised the story.

Is there a happy ending to this tale? Well, last week I received my contributor's copy of FIREWORD Quarterly (issue 5) containing my short story: Custard Creams and Plastic Lemons. The literary magazine accepted
the reworked version earlier in the year and now it's published. Was overjoyed to receive my copy as the quality of the magazine is outstanding. My story is also accompanied by a gorgeous original illustration by Karolina Burdon (see photo right). Yes, I think this qualifies as a happy ending.
 
If you have the opportunity to join a group of writers and share work then go for it!
 
You can order issue 5 of FIREWORDS here. Also watch out for submission opportunities for issue 6...

And look out for next Monday's blog where LitPig's special guest is novelist and short story writer, Joanna Campbell. He's so excited about the interview that he may even take a bath ...
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8 comments:

  1. Joanna2 November 2015 at 04:11

    Huge congratulations on the Firewords story,Tracy. I'm really looking forward to reading it. The illustration is gorgeous too.

    Your workshop group sounds fantastic and feedback of that calibre is worth so much and can shine just the right new slant of light on a story.

    Thank you so much for having me next week. It will be lovely to be LitPig's guest. Tell him I'm ir-rasher-nally excited! xxxx

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    1. TracyFells3 November 2015 at 01:35

      He's still looking forward to your visit ... despite another dreadful pun :)

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  2. Patsy4 November 2015 at 13:36

    Congratulations, Tracy.

    I gain a lot from the feedback I get from the writing groups I belong too.

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    1. TracyFells7 November 2015 at 01:53

      At first I found it hard to get feedback, Patsy, but quickly realised it only helped to improve my stories.

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  3. Wendy's Writing8 November 2015 at 01:03

    Having seen Firewords, I can agree that it is a beautifully put together anthology. Well done, Tracy - the writing workshops have obviously worked for you.

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    1. TracyFells8 November 2015 at 02:00

      Thanks,Wendy. I've been blessed with the people in my workshops too - a very talented bunch :)

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  4. Maria16 November 2015 at 01:00

    I belong to a critique group and I've learnt so much, not only from the critique I've received, but also by listening to what others say about members work.
    Your workshop sounds very good.

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    1. TracyFells16 November 2015 at 03:24

      So does your group, Maria. You're right about listening to others too - I often realise I've overlooked aspects in my own writing or in reviewing others from the comments of other reviewers. Finding a group you can be totally honest with and trust them to be honest back is like gold dust :)

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