I definitely believe in the power of community! It’s so helpful to see other takes on certain topics, and often, I get a sense of “I’m not alone” in dealing with a tricky or frustrating situation, which is lovely.
Thank you Claire & Amanda for this glimpse into The Cave of the Heart. Yes to not muscling through! Yes to sweet feedback. A writing group or buddy who is both kind and honest helps build your self trust because after a while you notice them laser in on all the bits you had a flicker of doubt about. And all your favorite lines. Hey, my spidey senses are being endorsed by peers I respect. And they find a your blind spots too. Its and/both.
Thanks Michelle! I am 100% such an advocate of writing groups and buddies. I remember when I first started writing my book, I heard a lot of advice, like, don't trust feedback from a group of inexperienced writers, just have a professional editor look at it. But once I joined writing groups and built that community of folks around me, I realized it wasn't so much about the feedback (although that is important too), but it was about connection and feeling motivated by others.
Yes, people who are as interested in the nuts and bolts as you are, who are showing up at the page as you are. I’m looking forward to working with editors too - I don’t downplay their expertise
"My writing process has evolved tremendously over the years. I don’t look at editing as such a chore anymore. Instead, I see it as a way to explore new ideas and angles. I take long breaks in between my writing so I can go back and look at it with a fresh perspective." I loved this quote and found the whole piece insightful. Thank you!
Thanks for this great interview Claire. I love how you talk about being in a group with other writers and the benefit of critique and community. I appreciate the connections I've found here on Substack and have made some great friends but I have never (yet) taken a writing course or joined a specific community. Did it come to you organically or did you search out where it would be best for you to land?
Hi Donna! Great question. I feel like it unfolded naturally. In the beginning, I definitely did Google searches to seek out a safe writing group, but you never know what you'll get until you actually are IN the group. Some were way too large, so I didn't find myself drawn to it. The groups that had a few writers where we shared similar stories or backgrounds seemed to feel like the best fit for me. I found a lot of motivated writers in my writing classes, so before the last class, I reached out (or they reached out to me), asking if we wanted to keep going with monthly or bi-monthly check-ins. Today, I am still a part of Writing Class Radio (love them), and a small group of two other memoir writers where we meet once a month to read what we've written and critique, plus give quick updates on how our writing is going. I highly recommend joining a writing class and connect with others.
Thanks for this detailed response Claire. I am fortunate to be part of a newly formed small group of like minded, heart centered writers and am looking forward to it. We are just getting started so haven't yet got into the thick of it.
I'm planning to start working one on one with an editor or someone to be a writing guide to me in the future as well.
That’s terrific! I think having a coach or someone to help motivate you and get your writing on track is also a great idea. One of my writer friends has been working with an editor for her books but she is also an accountability coach as well. Good luck! :)
Thanks Claire and Amanda, such a pleasure to read you two together! I appreciate your insights, Claire. I'm finding myself drawn more and more to memoir. I'm enjoying reading other peoples', and I'm starting to leak bits of myself into my stories. On some level though, I'm afraid to write something called memoir. It feels like a story I only get to tell once, so I have to get it right the first time. I hope you can tell me I'm wrong!
Hey John, thanks for your comment. It's lovely to hear you're feeling more compelled to write your story. I don't think you're alone -- we're ALL afraid to share our stories. I would think about why you want to share your story with the world. What message do you want to convey? I think there are so many ways to tell a story and for me, I'm not telling it once, I'm telling it in lots of different ways -- through my both of my Substacks, podcasts, and in my writing groups. My ultimate way to share it in a cohesive way is through my memoir, but I love that I can get people interested in my stories and through Substack. Also, there are lots of memoirs where authors write a "part 2" and keep going with their stories. I hope this helps, and good luck with your writing. I love all the great content you put out. :)
Oct 23, 2023·edited Oct 23, 2023Liked by Amanda B. Hinton
I'm intrigued by the way people share snippets on Substack. I would have a hard time convincing myself to sit down and write the story of my life from beginning to end. But prompts come up in other peoples' memoirs that spur a memory or story in me. I just need to bite the bullet and create a memoir section in my 'stack. Maybe soon...
I love that... maybe each time you are reminded of something from other people's stories, write them down and that can be your jumping point! Creating a memoir section might also inspire you to make it a regular part of your writing.
Yes, that's what I was thinking. Start building a library of these things for when I'm ready to put it out in the world. Thanks for brainstorming with me!
Of course, happy to! I geek out on this stuff! Another thought (if it feels overwhelming) is to use Notes and start putting out smaller chunks of your story that way. Just get the memoir juices going and generate interest that way. I know it can be daunting when you have so many stories and aren't sure where to start. Good luck and I look forward to seeing your memoir-related stuff!
A lot of what you said here resonates with me. I'm finding myself drawn more and more into memoirs. I write non-fiction growth stuff so am always telling stories about myself but I've never considered the implied sensation of needing to get it right the first time. This hit a chord with me that I will examine. Thanks for getting into my head!
I haven't been with a real, live writing group for almost 30 years but I think when I move to the 'city' I might look for one. Some of my best writing came out of those sessions, but I confess they sometimes made me skid to a halt when I was sure what I had was the best I could do, and others in the group begged to disagree. That was tough! Too often they were right.
I love the sense of community, though, yet cringe at the idea that I would have to get off my butt, get dressed, and actually go out and mix with other people calling themselves writers. Scary but exciting!
I think community can be virtual too. Although, for me, I DO like to eventually meet people in-person if I can. Most of my writing groups and classes have been on Zoom, but I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of my peers in person, which felt really satisfying. I think all in-person things can be a bit daunting, which is why I love the balance of having Zoom to connect with folks from all over the world. And I agree, writing groups push you to think more and be more introspective in your scenes and to give you a better perspective on what the reader would want to see. It's definitely pushed me to be a better writer! :)
My writing group is online. With people from several spots on the globe, there is usually someone up to read your latest draft & comment. Sharing stories with decent community guidelines is a great way to get to know people.
"I don't try to muscle through anymore." Boy do I feel that. I just recently hit a wall, so instead of trying to muscle through, I just stopped. I'm gonna regroup, but first I'm going to rest.
Wonderful interview. Not being married to certain paragraphs-- best advice of the day. I love me a good writers group. I’m serializing my novel in progress on Substack and have received fantastic notes. Abundantly grateful to subscribers. Thx for sharing your insights, Claire. 🙏🙏
Such wonderful reflections, Claire. And I love how you are using virtual AND in-person interactions to improve your writing. I'm trying to do more of the same.
I definitely believe in the power of community! It’s so helpful to see other takes on certain topics, and often, I get a sense of “I’m not alone” in dealing with a tricky or frustrating situation, which is lovely.
Thanks Joey! I agree that community matters so much and having a place to turn to when you're feeling alone or need support is so important. :D
Thank you Claire & Amanda for this glimpse into The Cave of the Heart. Yes to not muscling through! Yes to sweet feedback. A writing group or buddy who is both kind and honest helps build your self trust because after a while you notice them laser in on all the bits you had a flicker of doubt about. And all your favorite lines. Hey, my spidey senses are being endorsed by peers I respect. And they find a your blind spots too. Its and/both.
Thanks Michelle! I am 100% such an advocate of writing groups and buddies. I remember when I first started writing my book, I heard a lot of advice, like, don't trust feedback from a group of inexperienced writers, just have a professional editor look at it. But once I joined writing groups and built that community of folks around me, I realized it wasn't so much about the feedback (although that is important too), but it was about connection and feeling motivated by others.
Yes, people who are as interested in the nuts and bolts as you are, who are showing up at the page as you are. I’m looking forward to working with editors too - I don’t downplay their expertise
"My writing process has evolved tremendously over the years. I don’t look at editing as such a chore anymore. Instead, I see it as a way to explore new ideas and angles. I take long breaks in between my writing so I can go back and look at it with a fresh perspective." I loved this quote and found the whole piece insightful. Thank you!
Thank you Jeffrey. I appreciate the feedback.
Thanks for this great interview Claire. I love how you talk about being in a group with other writers and the benefit of critique and community. I appreciate the connections I've found here on Substack and have made some great friends but I have never (yet) taken a writing course or joined a specific community. Did it come to you organically or did you search out where it would be best for you to land?
Hi Donna! Great question. I feel like it unfolded naturally. In the beginning, I definitely did Google searches to seek out a safe writing group, but you never know what you'll get until you actually are IN the group. Some were way too large, so I didn't find myself drawn to it. The groups that had a few writers where we shared similar stories or backgrounds seemed to feel like the best fit for me. I found a lot of motivated writers in my writing classes, so before the last class, I reached out (or they reached out to me), asking if we wanted to keep going with monthly or bi-monthly check-ins. Today, I am still a part of Writing Class Radio (love them), and a small group of two other memoir writers where we meet once a month to read what we've written and critique, plus give quick updates on how our writing is going. I highly recommend joining a writing class and connect with others.
Thanks for this detailed response Claire. I am fortunate to be part of a newly formed small group of like minded, heart centered writers and am looking forward to it. We are just getting started so haven't yet got into the thick of it.
I'm planning to start working one on one with an editor or someone to be a writing guide to me in the future as well.
That’s terrific! I think having a coach or someone to help motivate you and get your writing on track is also a great idea. One of my writer friends has been working with an editor for her books but she is also an accountability coach as well. Good luck! :)
Thanks Claire, you too!
Thanks Claire and Amanda, such a pleasure to read you two together! I appreciate your insights, Claire. I'm finding myself drawn more and more to memoir. I'm enjoying reading other peoples', and I'm starting to leak bits of myself into my stories. On some level though, I'm afraid to write something called memoir. It feels like a story I only get to tell once, so I have to get it right the first time. I hope you can tell me I'm wrong!
Hey John, thanks for your comment. It's lovely to hear you're feeling more compelled to write your story. I don't think you're alone -- we're ALL afraid to share our stories. I would think about why you want to share your story with the world. What message do you want to convey? I think there are so many ways to tell a story and for me, I'm not telling it once, I'm telling it in lots of different ways -- through my both of my Substacks, podcasts, and in my writing groups. My ultimate way to share it in a cohesive way is through my memoir, but I love that I can get people interested in my stories and through Substack. Also, there are lots of memoirs where authors write a "part 2" and keep going with their stories. I hope this helps, and good luck with your writing. I love all the great content you put out. :)
I'm intrigued by the way people share snippets on Substack. I would have a hard time convincing myself to sit down and write the story of my life from beginning to end. But prompts come up in other peoples' memoirs that spur a memory or story in me. I just need to bite the bullet and create a memoir section in my 'stack. Maybe soon...
I love that... maybe each time you are reminded of something from other people's stories, write them down and that can be your jumping point! Creating a memoir section might also inspire you to make it a regular part of your writing.
Yes, that's what I was thinking. Start building a library of these things for when I'm ready to put it out in the world. Thanks for brainstorming with me!
Of course, happy to! I geek out on this stuff! Another thought (if it feels overwhelming) is to use Notes and start putting out smaller chunks of your story that way. Just get the memoir juices going and generate interest that way. I know it can be daunting when you have so many stories and aren't sure where to start. Good luck and I look forward to seeing your memoir-related stuff!
That's a great idea!
I like when you leak into your stories John.
😄
Hey John, I'm diving into your convo with Claire😀
A lot of what you said here resonates with me. I'm finding myself drawn more and more into memoirs. I write non-fiction growth stuff so am always telling stories about myself but I've never considered the implied sensation of needing to get it right the first time. This hit a chord with me that I will examine. Thanks for getting into my head!
I haven't been with a real, live writing group for almost 30 years but I think when I move to the 'city' I might look for one. Some of my best writing came out of those sessions, but I confess they sometimes made me skid to a halt when I was sure what I had was the best I could do, and others in the group begged to disagree. That was tough! Too often they were right.
I love the sense of community, though, yet cringe at the idea that I would have to get off my butt, get dressed, and actually go out and mix with other people calling themselves writers. Scary but exciting!
I think community can be virtual too. Although, for me, I DO like to eventually meet people in-person if I can. Most of my writing groups and classes have been on Zoom, but I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of my peers in person, which felt really satisfying. I think all in-person things can be a bit daunting, which is why I love the balance of having Zoom to connect with folks from all over the world. And I agree, writing groups push you to think more and be more introspective in your scenes and to give you a better perspective on what the reader would want to see. It's definitely pushed me to be a better writer! :)
My writing group is online. With people from several spots on the globe, there is usually someone up to read your latest draft & comment. Sharing stories with decent community guidelines is a great way to get to know people.
Thank you Amanda, for allowing me to share my story with your readers. Love all the amazing work you create, and I am honored to be a part of it.
"I don't try to muscle through anymore." Boy do I feel that. I just recently hit a wall, so instead of trying to muscle through, I just stopped. I'm gonna regroup, but first I'm going to rest.
Wonderful interview. Not being married to certain paragraphs-- best advice of the day. I love me a good writers group. I’m serializing my novel in progress on Substack and have received fantastic notes. Abundantly grateful to subscribers. Thx for sharing your insights, Claire. 🙏🙏
Such wonderful reflections, Claire. And I love how you are using virtual AND in-person interactions to improve your writing. I'm trying to do more of the same.
This interview made me feel hopeful about the novel I'm writing. It reminded me I need tomtake more classes for a fiction skill refresh. Thank you!