
Writers get out your pencils and write.
storyslingers
an occasional project-orientated writing resource
kids, middle grade, YA :: fantasy :: sci fi :: magical realism :: weird fiction :: counter-culture :: genre-benders
In 2011 I co-founded a writing group with fellow-writer Jennifer K Oliver. Together we ran regular writing meet-ups, events, story slams, outings and we published resources and articles on our website. The group disbanded in 2015, but here’s a selection of the resources that we created over the years. I may add new resources to this page, and would consider reviving the group if there was enough interest (Frome, UK).
There’s a load more on our previous site if you want to delve deeper. http://storyslingers.blogspot.com/

Has your writing ever upset someone important to you?
By Stephen Pellow
Have you ever produced something that has had a negative effect on someone you know, or your relationship with them?


(Other People's) Thoughts on Story Structure
By James Broomfield
This is something I came across when reading about story structure a while back, that I thought I'd share. I think story structure is one of the harder things to talk about because it diminishes the role of the writer a little bit. It's the man behind the curtain, it's admitting the presence of a method, it contradicts the lovely myth that stories gush out in a moment of pure creative genius.

The (Vast) Difference Between a Critique and an Edit
By Jennifer K Oliver
Usually, when a writer has finished a story or taken a story as far as they can, they send them out to critique groups or beta readers for feedback. As the author, it’s difficult disconnecting from a story’s headspace, and that makes it tricky to judge if everything is working. This is where critique groups and betas are invaluable: the fresh eye, the new perspective, the telling reactions. These all help author see where a story might still need work.

Inspiration vs influence: is there a difference?
Collaborative article by Becky Bye & Jennifer Kyte
Becky and I had a little exchange of ideas about the difference between inspiration and influence.