So, on the Time-Waster Guide forums, there is one for "Writing Group" and then this "Reading Excuses" thing, which has in its description "An online Writing Group thingy for fans of Writing Excuses". Are you confused why there would be two writing group-styled forums here? Well, I can see how you are confused! It's not exactly clear what Reading Excuses is from the front page.
Fear not, for I shall explain!
The forum "Reading Excuses" has its origins on the Writing Excuses comment threads over at
www.writingexcuses.com. In Season 2, Episode 5 - Writing Groups, several avid listeners wanted to set up their own writing group so they could critique their stuff. Thus, Reading Excuses was created as a place where fellow writers could meet up.
What Reading Excuses Is (and what it's not)It's a writing group! You submit stuff, and other people give you constructive feedback on your work so you can become a better writer. Currently we have a monthly deadline for pieces, so if you are currently working on a novel, you submit a chapter every month. You can choose to either submit on the 1st of the month or the 15th.
I use "novel" as an example of what you can submit, but it's not like you have to submit a novel or anything. Short stories work just as well. Really, we are open to everything.
It's important to know that Reading Excuses isn't a place to talk about the Writing Excuses podcast. Those types of threads should go in the
Writing Group forum.
Who can join the writing group on Reading Excuses?Anyone who wants to! Though, you have to remember that this is mostly genre fiction stuff--mostly fantasy. But we are open to everyone who wants to write and critique. The more the merrier.
How do I get in on all the hot, steamy writing-critiquing action?Well, first, you'd need to place your email on the
Email List topic. As it stands now, the way you submit your stuff is just by sending your work to everyone on the email list. That means you do not actually post your writings on this forum--which can be pretty dangerous to do. So, email.
Here are some other topics I'd recommend you take a look at:
The Rules of Reading Excuses. In simple terms, if you submit something, you are expected to critique one other work at the VERY minimum. We understand how busy life can get, but we highly encourage you to take some time out and critique as much as you can--we really appreciate your opinion and any assistance you can provide. The Rules topic goes into greater detail about this, and all the other rules.
Genre! In this topic, your fellow RE members tell about what genre they write.
Your Background. Tell us a little about yourself in this topic.
Wait, so if I submit a work, that means I'm writing, not reading. Why is it called Reading Excuses, then?Because it sounds cooler this way. Besides, you read other people's stuff
Other than that, it's called Reading Excuses
certainly not to pay homage to a
certain podcast. That would just be like a blatant rip-off...
So, welcome to Reading Excuses (which may be abbreviated to RE sometimes)! We look forward to reading your works and hearing what you have to say about ours!
