Anyone interested in starting a writers group?

SGT Kevin Gardner — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 14:42:27 -0500

I was wondering if anyone would be interested in joining a writers group. Many of us have story's we want to tell, be it about our experiences or an epic fiction novel. The idea is we would review each other's work, assist in finding resources for new authors, and encourage each other to follow through with finishing our storylines. We would share our expirance with self publishing, or the road blocks to publishing.

We would help each other in promoting our finished work to reach a broader audience, and offer the encouragement to not give up.

I have created a closed group on Facebook so anyone interested will need to have an invite to join the group link up with me and I will add you to the group if you are interested.
https://www.facebook.com/kevin.gardner.94?ref=bookmarks

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Response by SN Greg Wright made Jan 16 at 2016 2:48 PM

SN Greg Wright — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 14:48:51 -0500

SGT Kevin Gardner Hell yeah, sign me up. And I'm going to tag in SSG Warren Swan , because that guy can beat words into shape like a blacksmith making a blade. And I have reason to believe that Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS would appreciate this as well.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 16 at 2016 3:02 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 15:02:20 -0500

Sure thing.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 16 at 2016 3:59 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 15:59:27 -0500

I'm conflicted about joining a writer's group. What's in it for me? Well, there's the agony of having to tell a friend that their work product is crap. Sorry, but I'm going through that now with an old friend who self-published one of the worst pieces I've never read. Yes, you read that correctly. I never read it. I can't read it, not past the first few pages. I've tried, several times. I stopped the first time after the first paragraph. I would have stopped with the first sentence but, well, he as, after all, a friend.

The sad truth is that there is an odd intersection in the forces of the universe with the number of wannabe writers growing exponentially as the numbers of readers is diminishing. What the hell is up with that?

The other sad truth is that the quality of writing doesn't necessarily determine the market success of a book. Have you read any of the recent best sellers on Amazon?

So, yes, I'd be happy to join, but first want to know what the "real" purpose of the group is. Do you want help marketing your book? Trust me, no one really knows the key to marketing success. It's a real crap shoot. The traditional paths to publishing success have been lost in the murk of new channels of distribution. Of course, you can always achieve some degree of success by writing a tell all about "How to be a successful writer". Don't worry, you don't have to be one or even know how you did it if you have a best seller. People will buy your book because they want to know. Fortunately, they can't come and get their money back when they discover you don't have any idea of how to do it and your strategy doesn't work.

Do you want someone to help you write your book? There are editors who will be happy to help you ...for a fee. Sadly, many of them aren't any better than your brother-in-law.

Do you just want someone to hold your hand? To give you some encouragement? Well, I guess I've just about proven that I'm not much good at that, haven't I.

So, sure, go ahead and call me when you get your group started, if you really want me around.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 16 at 2016 6:05 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 18:05:29 -0500

I love writing but long projects kick my ass.

Response by MAJ Bill Darling made Jan 16 at 2016 9:09 PM

MAJ Bill Darling — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 21:09:02 -0500

Great idea, SGT Gardner. There are tons of experiences that the archives need for future reference, not to mention the employment opportunities of all those talented writers out there. I myself have interest in both fictional screenwriting as well as institutional commentary/politics/blogs/policy development. In other words. I have no focus...Would love to collaborate with a kindred spirit.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Jan 17 at 2016 10:14 AM

LTC Ed Ross — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 10:14:18 -0500

Include me in. Last year I published my novel "The Transplants" available as an eBook on Amazon.com.

Response by Cindy Gonzalez made Jan 17 at 2016 11:24 AM

Cindy Gonzalez — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 11:24:16 -0500

I would like to join your group. My first book has been published as an eBook; what a learning experience it has been. The book will go into print production next month; another learning experience. I have 30 more books outlined and one book and documentary in the works. The book and documentary is the first in a series of books about the branches of the Armed Forces. I never served, but I have a great deal of respect for those that have. Why write about the Armed Forces, because each branch has an ethos that can help the general population become better stronger citizens. First up will be the Marines. I hope my experiences in writing can benefit the group.

Response by Cindy Gonzalez made Jan 17 at 2016 11:31 AM

Cindy Gonzalez — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 11:31:10 -0500

Kevin, Which of the Kevin Gardners are you on Facebook?

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 18 at 2016 12:45 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:45:57 -0500

Yes, I am interested.

Response by SGT Kevin Gardner made Jan 27 at 2016 9:33 PM

SGT Kevin Gardner — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 21:33:09 -0500

Got a nice start going, fizzled out for some of us right about after the "good idea," comments. Look just write, doesn't have to be something you want to publish. Let's hear the story's

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2017 10:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 10:41:25 -0400

If it weren't a Facebook group I'd be more interested.

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Apr 1 at 2017 1:52 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 13:52:24 -0400

I am very interested. I enjoy writing for others to read or just for my own eyes.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2017 3:52 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 15:52:02 -0400

SGT Kevin Gardner, do you see your group including poets as well?