It might seem an odd question, but it is a serious thought. Do we ever stop growing as writers? Do we ever get to the point, where we know enough and stop growing?
I can only answer for myself. My first story was published in 2005. It was not the easiest of stories to write for a number of reasons. I am dyslexic, which makes writing a challenge. My natural writing style is more erotic than erotic-romance. I had been writing for a number of years but had not managed to get anything published. It was clear to me that I needed a lot of help. I was very fortunate to find Laurie Sanders, founder of BVS. We worked closely and helped me develop my skills as a writer. We worked together over the next ten years or so. As a writer, I am still growing, and happy to work on my own writer’s development. It might seem ironic that a self-confessed developing writer might consider teaching others. Yet I am on the brink of teaching a writers workshop. In the four years that I have managed BVS, I have helped several writers develop their stories. I have edited a few stories, but I find that a massively time-consuming job, so I leave that to those quicker at it. The step from writing to teaching is similar to the one I took as an artist. I teach as an artist because I want to help artists. I also feel it helps me grow in directions I would not have if left to my own devices. By the number of scripts I read, I can see a lot of writers making very similar mistakes. Maybe helping others is just a good way to put something back into the community.
So back to my original question. As a published author have you been to a writer’s workshop? I ask because quite a few of the people signed up are already published. I would like to hear your thoughts on that subject.
The workshop is a taster session, that I am running with another publisher, taking the writers from pen to publishing and beyond with elements of social media. I am very much looking forward to it. The technical run-through is today, making sure the overhead projectors work, etc. I will no doubt tell you how the first workshop goes.
If you have any thoughts, views, and stories you might like to share, on the blog, Facebook, or twitter, I would love to hear them.
Our latest and soon to be released books. Black Velvet Seductions
Out of the Shadows by Gabriella Hewitt is out now!
A Woman’s Secret by C.L. Koch is out now!
Her Lover’s Face by Patricia Elliott is now available at a pre-order sale price of $2.99 until the release date 23rd February.
Naval Maneuvers by Dee S. Knight is now available at a pre-order sale price of $2.99 until the release date 9th March.