Sandy Fussell

WORKSHOP

Join a workshop group. If you can't get to one, try on-line. If you can't find one, start one. Feedback from other writers is invaluable - and it's free. You help them and they help you.

My first workshop was on-line. They were a committed group and two (I know of) have since been published. DC Green had Erasmus James and the Galactic Zapp Machine published by Ibis Publishing in 2005. It is a funny, zany read. My kids love it. Sonya Bates had Midnight Ghost released by Limelight Press this year.

Unfortunately on-line workshopping meant my work was critiqued by five people once a month. It was good feedback but I needed something more immediate. Opportunity found me. I read a piece of my own work at a writer's gathering, mentioned I needed a workshop group and was invited to join one.

I found myself attending fortnightly workshops with three prolific award winning writers - Di Bates, Bill Condon and Ann Whitehead. I was overawed and felt out of my depth. But I was very fortunate. These three spent a disproportionate amount of time helping the 'new starter'. I didn't immediately realise it but I had begun an apprenticeship in the craft of writing. And along the way, I made three new friends.

Writers need other writers. For feedback, to commiserate over rejections, to celebrate publication. And who else understands the excitement at finding the perfect word... Did you know a light drizzle of snow is a snizzle? I love that!!!!