How's a Girl to Find a Writing Buddy?

-
Ok. So I have this major problem of not being able to finish any writing that I start. Except for the two films I co-wrote and wrote and directed. I'm convinced I only finished those because, one, so many people were involved, and B, they were shorts therefore easy to write.

To make a long story short (you're welcome) I'm working on finishing a novel I started quite a long time ago. I have over 350 (typed) pages done, with 72K words.

I. Want. To. Finish. This. Novel.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm more than halway there.

I reread about 100 pages last night and really like what I have. I think my main character is funny. My problem is the plot. I have a million ideas but no one to bounce them off of. I don't know if I'm trying to add too much to the story, or if it needs more.

I need a writing buddy. I'm more than happy to read what they've written and give feedback, let them bounce ideas off me and be a general all-around writing friend, if they can do the same.

I had a friend from high school read my first chapter. He gave me fantastic feedback....but he's a HE and I know he's not really interested in chick-lit-type writing. I don't blame him. 

Anyway, does anyone know how to go about finding someone? I'm thinking of checking out the Barnes and Noble Writing Group tonight, but I'm not sure.

Comments

Jennifer Shirk said…
Well, what kind of genre is it?

RWA has online chapter groups where you can find a romance, YA, or women's fiction writer critique groups.
There's the Romance Divas forum, too. You can post a message that you're looking for a critique partner.
June 10, 2010 at 9:38 AM
Lisa Miles said…
I think it's chick-lit, but not the single-girl-moving-to-NYC-type chick-lit.
Thanks for the forum ideas!
June 10, 2010 at 10:33 AM
Bethany Elizabeth said…
Finishing stuff can be really frustratingly hard, I know. :( But a critique partner is a definitely good idea, or so I've heard. :)
I don't know if this helps at all, but I'd be more than willing to help you out. I know I'm some random blogging chick, and if that makes you uncomfortable that's fine, but I love critiquing and bouncing ideas around and reading non-finished stuff. Weird, I know, but I always read a bunch of my friend's stuff because I love to see stuff being written. The entire process is fascinating, isn't it? My email is b.e.yeager@hotmail.com if you want my help. :)
June 10, 2010 at 10:57 AM
Robin Lemke said…
You can post on Absolute Write and ask for a crit partner. You'll get lots of responses!
June 10, 2010 at 1:49 PM
Carolyn V. said…
I joined a writers group, found a critique group (which I highly suggest)and have a close writer friend who helps me. They all came from me letting people know I write and going to groups (like you are). I hope you find some writing friends that you need. =)
June 10, 2010 at 8:48 PM
Joy Argento said…
I would like to possibly volunteer for the writing buddy position. I think we have simular styles, from what I have read on your blog. I have book that is nearly finished that I would love feedback on too. Chris Waara, in fact thought you and I might be benificial to each other with the writing.
Joy
artbyjoy@aol.com
June 10, 2010 at 9:07 PM
Joy Argento said…
On a side note...I couldn't loosen the knob on the propane tank for my grill today...and I could have used a friend with a bionic arm.
Joy
June 10, 2010 at 9:13 PM
Lisa Miles said…
Lol Joy! Just let me know next time you need a bionic arm and I'll be there!
June 12, 2010 at 7:56 PM
prashant said…
You can post a message that you're looking for a critique partner.
Contextual Ad Network India
June 20, 2010 at 11:15 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Name is Lisa and I Write Crap

-
Image
I used to be so afraid of writing something horrible, that I wouldn't write anything at all. I'd have a half-hour or so to myself and instead of getting as much down as I could, I'd type, delete, retype and delete again. I had to have perfect sentences formed from perfect ideas. It didn't work. It took me years to finally learn to just write anything. Even if it's crap (and it usually is first time around). But I'm finally OK with writing a crappy first draft. If it's still crap when I'm done, well, that's another problem all together. I used to think, What if I died tomorrow and my family found this notebook full of god-awful first drafts? They'd think I was a terrible writer! If I can write only awesome sentences, they'll realize what talent I had and be sorry they didn't take more interest in my amazing stories... or something like that. Anyway, now when I start writing a story (whether it's a novel or a screenplay) I just
Read more

Yet Another Embarrassing Confession (you would think I'd have run out by now)

-
The absolute worst part about being a writer for me is grammar and punctuation. With every post I put up, every email I send and every story I write, I am waiting for someone to come back to me and say, "Seriously? How can a writer not know where to put commas?" Commas are my enemy. I have no clue where they go. I try to put them where I think would be a natural pause in a sentence, but I know I'm usually wrong. I basically toss them up in the air willy-nilly and let them land where they want. Can you recommend a grammar/punctuation book that is easy to understand? (I never took a "real" English class in high school, so I'm starting fresh). The Elements of Style is too...sterile for me. I need something I can easily grasp onto. I'd greatly appreciate any, suggestions. (<< that comma was a joke. See, at least I can joke about my ignorance)
Read more

The Time I Exploded When I Was Seven

-
Image
I was seven the summer of 1977, when my dad told me Elvis Presley had died. For a young kid, I was actually pretty interested in music and felt bad about him dying. I asked how Elvis died and my dad told me he exploded because he ate too much. I believed him. What did I know, I was seven? A few days later my dad made us egg salad and olive sandwiches, my favorite. I ate my entire sandwich and asked for another one. He made it for me. I ate about half of it when suddenly I started to not feel so good. I ran to the bathroom and threw it all up. My dad came in and said I ate way too much. Couldn't he have told me that bit of information before he made me the second sandwich? I started crying hysterically and wouldn't stop. He asked why and I told him I was exploding like Elvis and about to die. He laughed. I cried and threw up some more. I didn't eat egg and olive again until I was 28 and my husband made me try it. Now I love it. But only one sandwich at a time
Read more