Random Pirates and Writing Groups

by Exhibiting Author Penelope Aaron

When people find out that I’ve written a book, a lot of them will tell me that they’ve always wanted to write one.

“Go for it!” I say.

But there is a lot more to writing a book than just sitting down and typing it up. Even though getting words on the page is a huge accomplishment,  you really need another set of eyes to take a look at it. This other set of eyes should be able to tell you honestly (and encouragingly—hey we’re supposed to be on the same team!) what works and what doesn’t, how they interpreted and envisioned the picture you painted, and what just needs to be axed.

For example, I inserted a random kid in a pirate suit swooping in and saving the day in my upcoming novel, “Inspirited.” I thought it was hilarious. My writing group girls (whom I love to pieces and are pictured in this post) said, “What the heck! You can’t just drop him in at the last chapter. Where’s he been the whole story? Put Big Mike in the pirate suit! He’s been here all along and deserves part of the hero cred.” Why didn’t I think of that? Mike is so big that the pirate suit will be too small. I think that’s hilarious.

So whether you’ve got pirate problems or a dragon named Montana that can’t find a dress in her size anywhere in Shabbywocka County (take a look at “The Dragon Dress Hunt” by Penelope Aaron), you really need to get a group of eyeballs together every week or month or however often works for you all. But seriously, do it—your story’s life depends on it!

Thanks for reading my submission,