Everyone
says the Internet is either a distraction or the best thing to
happen in our lifetime. More often than not, I agree with the latter.
I
love Facebook. It allows me to keep in touch with my friends and keep
up to date on some of my favorite pages. Most recently, though, I’ve
developed a new love for the social network.
Facebook Groups
The Teens Can Write, Too! and Go Teen Writers
Facebook groups are friendly communities for writers that offer moral
support and fun anecdotes to help motivate me when I’m looking for
inspiration. Some people prefer to write alone and share afterwards, and these groups give you that opportunity.
It’s a hangout, not a
mandatory club in which you need to contribute a specific amount to get
advice or help (as it is with some writing website forums).
As
to balancing my time in these groups and actually writing? I generally
check in once a day and see if there are any interesting new threads I
should be aware of. I try and stay off Facebook other than to wish
people happy birthday, see the latest news on my biggest obsessions so I
can maximize my writing time.
Word Wars!
Sometimes, there are “Word Wars” where
people agree to write as much as they can within a given amount of time
and we keep a chat open, it can be very effective and satisfying. I
actually have yet to do one, but Go Teen Writers is hosting a
similar scenario, but it’s called 100 for 100 in which you sign up and
promise to write 100 words for 100 days. Currently we’re about halfway
through and I’m over the 50% mark in word count. Forums on writing
websites also offer these opportunities, but there’s something I just
like about the Facebook Group configuration.
Facebook
Groups changed my writing experience and it may change yours too.
However you write, there are friendly writer groups all over the
internet (I also use Figment.com, Wattpad.com, and NaNoWriMo.org), so know that you’re not alone!
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Zara Hoffman is a teen author currently working on a YA fantasy romance called 7th Heaven and has three other WIPs. When she isn't wrapped up in projects, Zara can be found relaxing with friends, family, listening to music, reading, writing, and playing with her puppy. Learn more at her blog, her website, or directly via e-mail.
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Connect with Not Bob via Twitter @robertleebrewer
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5 comments:
Awesome post, Zara. Yes, Go Teen Writers do love their word wars. And 100 for 100 is a great way to find encouragement to write.
Great post, Zara! Love having you as part of the Go Teen Writers community!
Very well done
Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement! Also, thanks to 100 for 100, I finished my first draft of my novel yesterday.
Very cool post. :) Go Teen Writers has definitely changed my writing life for the better. I've grown faster in my writing ever since I've joined. :)
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