Groups / Literary Fiction Writers / How Can We Make Our...
Hello all Literary Fiction Writers!
I started this group a couple of years ago and then dropped off the map when some family issues required my attention. I am amazed to see the growth of that group in the time I was gone. Now I would like to explore how we can make our group more useful to all of us members and I want to throw the idea out there for suggestions.
I see that some people are making connections, discussing critique groups and engaging in a variety of ways. That's great. I'm just wondering if there is more that we can do in a structured way? If you are happy with the group as it is and getting what you hoped for we can just leave well enough alone.
But I am open to suggestions and as the founder of the group feel a bit of responsibility for helping us all make the most of it. I would love to hear your input.
Thanks for writing (and writing, and writing....)
Christine
Hi all,
The most recent Writer's Digest defines (I think, pretty well) "Literary Fiction" in an article. Also, their conferences always have plenty of agents who represent the genre. I have a huge list that is from their Pitch part of their conference but it's also available on Writer's Market.com. Their query book ain't half bad, either. And, no, I don't work for them...
Did you ever resolve this question, Celine?
I, too, have been at conferences where few agents care about literary fiction. I wonder if we could put up ideas about our work, and then perhaps share agent information? But I think for that, we'd have to go private! Nobody is going to want to honestly speak about agents on something that can be googled.
How about if we do a monthly check-in? We could talk about where we're stuck or what's flowing?
that's one thought.
Hi Lynn:
I suppose one of the best things I could do for the group is to respond in a timely manner....sorry for the delay! No relation to Jill Christman but makes me want to check out her book. The group is for YOU so put in whatever time makes sense for YOU!
Thanks and nice hearing from you,
Christine
I'm wondering if you feel the focus is more on craft, or on business, for starters? But the point in either case would be to see where we have unique needs/concerns. For instance, I recently went to a conference that was for author/agent exchange, but very few agents self-identified as being interested in literary fiction - or they sliced and diced into "high concept commercial," vs "women's" vs "historical" vs. "literary" -- I had no idea how to place my work within their categories. I guess my thought is to focus on areas where the advice/suggestions would be different for those of us writing literary fiction from other writers.
Don't know if this is addressing what you're concerned with, though!
I'm reviewing a wonderful book called Darkroom, written by Jill Christman. Are you two related? Just wondering, and I hope the question doesn't offend.
I don't have a lot of time for these groups, but I'll think about structure. Thanks for asking.
Lynn