The Shared Writer Brain

One of the great things about being a writer is that we are all automatically part of a shared mental state. It may seem like we pound away at the keys alone, but we are actually closely aligned with thousands of others out there doing the same thing - some with amazing results.

This happy reality hit home for me today as I prepared to speak at a college journalism class. I jotted a note on Facebook asking if anyone had advice they would like to share.

The results were immediate and abundant.

• Some practical: "Learn how to spell:)" and "Don't use apostrophes for plurals unless you are writing about the Oakland A's."
• Some reflected the changing journalism landscape: "Objectivity and balance continue to be important to ensure readers' trust and loyalty, even in this age of "up-to-the-minute" news."
• Some cautionary: "Major in science instead."
• Some inspiring: "Believe in the profession. While the medium may change, the stories still need to be told and will be read."

Many of you suggested finding a subject you cared about and becoming an expert in that field so your writing would reflect that deeper understanding.

One of my favorites came from a publisher who said: "Journalism is a relationship business. Engage, interact and know that it's now a conversation more than a one-way dialogue. Writing the story is just the beginning, not the end of the process. Be passionate, authentic and empathetic. Seek truth above all else."

Isn't that why we got into this business in the first place? We want to know and share the truth, whatever that means. And aren't you glad there is a whole community of writers who think the same way?

What advice would you give a journalism student?

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long

How to Form a MasterMind Group (or how to add Kevin Bacon to your circle)

We talk a lot about the benefits of sharing, holding accountable and celebrating our writing success in a MasterMind Group forum. But I am often asked exactly how does a writer find a group of like-minded scribes?

The degrees of separation between you and your fellow writers are narrower than you might think. If, as the theory goes, there are only five degrees of separation between any given person and Kevin Bacon, then the separation between you and another motivated author are even smaller. 

Following are four ways to make the connection that could change your literary life.

1. Ask your friends. I know this sounds obvious, but sometimes we are shy about announcing our desire to be a published author. Proclaim your intention to the world. Talk about your desire to host a group of writers to facilitate mutual publication. The woman who sits in the cubicle next to you may be a closet GAN (Great American Novelist). Your Batista may pen poems on his breaks. Your neighbor may be a blogger of epic proportions. You never know if you don't ask. Plus, verbalizing your desire to start the group will keep you focused and accountable. When asked at the next office party how your group is going you will be able to report your success.

2. Look for Hubs. Where do writers congregate? Coffee shops? Libraries? College campuses? Think about the type of writing you want to do and the type of people who would work well with your group style. Hang out there. Post notices on bulletin boards. Start conversations. This is a great way to focus your group and meet new people.

3. Use technology. Writers today will find making connections with fellow authors much easier thanks to innovations such as Twitter, Facebook, Meetup and Craigslist. So no excuses. Get online and find your perfect group or post an invitation that lets them find you. Remember, you don't have to be confined by geography. MasterMind Groups can Skype, conference call and chat their way to success. You just miss out on the homemade cookies at some pot luck meetings.

4. Just do it. In the end, you have to stop talking and posting about your group and just start meeting. Even if it is you and one friend. Set a date and start reporting, nudging, announcing and celebrating. The word will get out and soon Kevin will be calling you to see if he can join.

Good luck and be sure to keep us updated on your progress.

Yours in Writing,

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long