blog « Robin Writes

So we made a list. A long one. And we seem to be looking for that elusive property farther and farther away. At this point, we have two “maybes.” And they’re both about a seven on a scale of 1-10. It’s not that we’re picky, exactly, but so many of them have had so very much wrong!

I’ve told you about the cave property, which could be really cool. But the building site, about the only one we could see, is really close to the property line. Plus, it’s kind of a funny shape, really narrow where you’d have to actually get to the building site.

This past weekend, we went south about 90 minutes’ driving time. Beautiful country down there, and it was just a bit past another property we’d seen recently, the one where you had to drive and then walk a bit past all the junkyards. Or houses with junk. Either/or.

Sunday’s venture was 60 acres within a “subdivision.” Now, that could be an actual suburban-type subdivision or a legal subdivision, wherein the land was legally divided. Government can be confusing.

Anyway, the directions said “go through the gate,” so we did. The road was decent, and we came to a large pond on the right. The property started just before that pond, and it was shared with 3-4 other landowners; the line went through the south end. Obviously it was a local party spot, but in better condition that some I’ve seen . . . and there were a lot of ATV trails and old mining roads. We wound around, using the map on my iPhone to locate ourselves, had to back up a few times on the more narrow stretches, and finally parked and walked down a trail to the lake.

Yes, this includes a 10-acre lake. Which adjoins the state penitentiary. The one that houses the inmates on death row. Right smack across that lake.

Now, don’t get me wrong—if we built around there, which seems to be the most feasible, there are a lot of obstacles between us and the prison: trees, a big lake, more trees, a huge open area (well-trimmed), a high razor-wired fence, a yard, block walls and guard towers . . . you get the idea.

And there’s only ever been one escape. In 1994. Twenty years ago. So, you could look at that both ways: either it’s darn near impossible, or they’re due for another.

We hiked around a bit, and went into “town.” Population 400, so said the sign, but I’m thinking it was more like 150. A larger town is five or so minutes away, pop. 3000. Not bad. Anyway, we stopped in at the local store in the tiny town. The locals were all very friendly, said a lot of people had looked but no one pursued it. Said the seller was a very nice man. Good enough.

So this could work. No, not worried about the prison. More importantly, getting a well drilled and some kind of electric could be expensive. Although my husband thinks playing around on a bulldozer could be fun, too . . . I’d give this a seven, or an eight.

Next time—even further south!

What are good ways to increase interest and membership in a writers’ group?

This week’s question is going to require audience participation—and that means YOU! Keep reading . . .

A writers’ group needs to have several things:

At least four writers who are serious about their writing.
A regular meeting day/time that is convenient for most members, most of the time.
An agenda for each meeting.
Rules.

Let’s start with Number 1—size of the group. Two is not “a group;” with three members, if one is absent, two is still not a group.

Number 2—a regular day and time makes it easier for members to schedule and remember.

Number 3—an agenda of some sort promotes continuity and is a time-saver. If you always start with chit-chat, followed by any announcements or business, then move on to reading and discussion, a late-comer will know exactly how and where to jump in. You won’t have to start all over with the greetings, etc.

And Number 4: Rules. You have to have some sort of timetable or you’ll be sitting there all night. You could have folks email their WIP to everyone a week ahead of time; you could limit the reading time; and whoever is in charge needs to be able to gracefully cut off the critique time or, again, you could be there all night.

Speaking for myself, I don’t like to be read to—never have. You know, when you go to a meeting and someone hands out information, then proceeds to read it to you? I stopped enjoying being read to when I was about six, maybe. I like to read for myself, and absorb it, and then I can better critique the piece.

I also prefer limits to reading time, if reading aloud is included. Two pages, tops. After that, I tend to drift.

Now, that said, back to the question: What are good ways to increase interest and membership in a writers’ group?

When we had our AOTSP writers’ group at the bookstore, we usually had food. And often, wine. Those are both good things to have at a writers’ group, plus coffee. Duh. Of course, it depends on when and where you meet—currently the AOTSP writers’ group meets at a local Starbucks. Food and coffee, right there! Several groups I know of meet on Saturday mornings; wine might not be a good idea. Might not.

Advertising works. Get the word out on social media. Create a Facebook page or group—people can join, get to know others, and writers, being a generally introverted bunch, will be more likely to come to a meeting if they’ve already “met” a few people.

Just like doing an elevator pitch for your book, create one for your writers’ group. “This is what we do, when we meet, would love to have you!” Heck, you could even make up postcards for current members to hand out when they’re in line at the grocery store. Or leave some at the grocery store. Or the library, the bookstore, the coffee shop . . .

Fliers, too, can be helpful, just like the postcards. Same info.

And now, it’s YOUR turn—go ahead, don’t be shy. Brainstorm in the comments and let’s see how many ideas we can generate!