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Date Posted: 20:37:23 05/06/10 Thu
Author: Page
Subject: Come out, come out, wherever you are!

To quote a well-known dog, "Rokay." It's time for some (delayed) spring cleaning, and I need your help. Judie very kindly turned over the keys to our little writer's retreat here, and the first thing I did was to banish that dead tree to oblivion and change the wallpaper to something more writerly. I also added links to the webpages of our beloved LOL'ers who have been published and inspire us more than any wallpaper ever could! We look up to you, ladies, and hope to join you soon! We also had some dead links up top, and these need to be replaced. And this is where I need your help so I can bring them back

One of the links used to outline the rules and regulations for homework, ie: frequency of assigments, maximum word count, the kinds of crits it could be expected to receive, etc. Debi, since you're our new homework goddess, I'd like to hear from you on the guidelines for these assigments. I think the maximum word count used to be 1,500 so it wouldn't be cumbersome to read, but I can't remember.

Another link used to be for the Lit Forum Library, but I can't tell you for the life of me what was there. Esther? JulieO? Anyone remember?

I think another link pertained to crits - the different kinds of crits (hard, soft, cheerleader, etc.), how to give a crit, and how to respond to one. Anyone have any suggestions for this one?

I'd also like to add a link to the Ladies of Lallybroch Parlor which outlines the guidelines for the whole LOL community, including the Lit Forum. I know it can be found by clicking the LOL FAQ, but our newbies might miss that.

And speaking of FAQ, there used to be a Lit Forum FAQ, and we need one. Suggestions?

And lastly, I'll put a link with my email in case something happens I need to be aware of, like spam, etc.

So let's get our board back up to snuff, aye? Any and all suggestions welcome!

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[> What a coincidence. I lowered the level of debris in my house today too! -- debikm, 21:57:27 05/06/10 Thu

>One of the links used to outline the rules and
>regulations for homework, ie: frequency of assigments,
>maximum word count, the kinds of crits it could be
>expected to receive, etc. Debi, since you're our new
>homework goddess, I'd like to hear from you on the
>guidelines for these assigments. I think the maximum
>word count used to be 1,500 so it wouldn't be
>cumbersome to read, but I can't remember.

Okay, here's my two cents on the Homeworks. I post about every two weeks, with usually two suggestions or prompts. I'm trying to be creative with them but I'm always open to suggestions. I think 1500 words was the limit before, but I'm not above reading more. A warning "This is long!" is nice, lets me know that I need to have some time to reqd and reply. The crits I guess are whatever the author is looking for, or as much as the reader is willing to give. If someone asks for a hard crit, give 'em one, I say.
>
>Another link used to be for the Lit Forum Library, but
>I can't tell you for the life of me what was there.
>Esther? JulieO? Anyone remember?

Dunno... maybe we could make it into links to writing resources, though. Agents blogs, writing contests, reference pages, thesaurus and dictionary links, that kind of thing.
>
>I think another link pertained to crits - the
>different kinds of crits (hard, soft, cheerleader,
>etc.), how to give a crit, and how to respond to one.
>Anyone have any suggestions for this one?

I just found an article about How To Write a Good Critique. http://www.writingforward.com/writing-help/critiques-writing-help/how-to-give-good-critique I think this may be a good place to start.

>And speaking of FAQ, there used to be a Lit Forum FAQ,
>and we need one. Suggestions?

Lemme think on this one a bit...

Debi

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[> [> Super, super, super! >>> -- Page, 15:20:29 05/07/10 Fri

That crit link is fantabulous! And thankee for the HW r&r. Now to set up an angelfire account and start creating those pages while waiting for everyone else to weigh in.

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[> Still buried under a pile of paperwork that triples in size everyday >>> -- Esther, 15:58:24 05/07/10 Fri

So it's kinda nice to come here and have something to read and be able to comment on right away. So...here are my two cents worth...


>One of the links used to outline the rules and
>regulations for homework, ie: frequency of assigments,
>maximum word count, the kinds of crits it could be
>expected to receive, etc. Debi, since you're our new
>homework goddess, I'd like to hear from you on the
>guidelines for these assigments. I think the maximum
>word count used to be 1,500 so it wouldn't be
>cumbersome to read, but I can't remember.

Butting in on Debi's turf...the priviledge of being here longer...*G*

This is how it was. And it can be open to change, but I would love to have all of us posting them under the same rules.

Homework is meant to be FUN! It is a way to participate without worry of criticism. It's an I'll read and comment on yours, and you can read and comment on mine exchange. The purest of the give and take on this board. Any feedback should be positive and encouraging. It's a way to showcase what we've learned and it provides a way to experiment and to stretch and twist the words we use.

Word count - MAX 2000 (give or take a few as we're a forgiving bunch)

Homework is NOT critted, UNLESS specifically asked for and in that case, the usual applies where it would be appreciated if what kind of crit you're looking for can be mentioned.

Homeworks never expire.

And, I strongly encourage this, should be posted in their own thread. When homeworks are posted directly into the thread it originates from, the perception is that it's only good until the next one is posted, and that is not the case at all. And I'm of the opinion that a commitment of 2000 words, give or take a few, should be posted with the pride of ownership a new post makes it become.

>
>Another link used to be for the Lit Forum Library, but
>I can't tell you for the life of me what was there.
>Esther? JulieO? Anyone remember?

The library had, if I recall correctly, links to

- writing sites members found interesting, insightful or instructional

- reading recommendations and suggestions of books to refer to on craft

- quick lessions on the basics, ie: grammar, genre, etc

- a list of stories from the members on this board, (purely optional) the characters and a brief blurb about what it was about

>
>I think another link pertained to crits - the
>different kinds of crits (hard, soft, cheerleader,
>etc.), how to give a crit, and how to respond to one.
>Anyone have any suggestions for this one?

Yeah, by suggestion would be to make this an assignment where we all looked it up online and posted our findings. Have us tell the rest of the board what we think a crit should be, what it should entail and what the benefits to both sides are so the importance of them on this board is known. Crits are the life blood of this board and I'd like to see more detailed crits taking place.
>
>I'd also like to add a link to the Ladies of
>Lallybroch Parlor which outlines the guidelines for
>the whole LOL community, including the Lit Forum. I
>know it can be found by clicking the LOL FAQ, but our
>newbies might miss that.

What? You mean we all have to be reminded to play nice??? *G*

Seriously, I think it should be put back up that fanfic of DG's work will not be tolerated.

And I'd like a blurb in reminder that critiques, done properly, take time and patience and so a response could take a day or more. Also that we all understand that we all have real lives outside this board and that absenses are sometimes unavoidable. In such case, it's not necessary to "Clear the board" before you can post, but as soon as you are able, resume doing what you can to participate in all aspects.

>
>And speaking of FAQ, there used to be a Lit Forum FAQ,
>and we need one. Suggestions?

This is a whole can of worms...

This used to be in the format of question and answer with things like...

How do I post?
How often can I post?
Do I have to crit so many excerpts before I can post my own for critique?
How do I go about a critique?
What can I expect out of a critique?
What kinds of critiques are there?
How do I ask for a critique?

But in any event, I'd like to see answers that express things like...

Crit the way you'd like to be critted, or specify what kind of critique you are looking for so we know where to begin. For instance, if I spend hours on a line by line, I'd like it recriprocated and not get a couple sentences in exchange, unless I ask for a generalization on something specific that concerns me.

There is no limit on the number of posts, but to be courteous and comment on all the posts before posting your own work. That means general comments on the homeworks (unless a crit is requested), completing a crit to the best of your ability where necessary and responding to comments received. "Clear the board" is the best policy to encourage and motivate posts.

>
>And lastly, I'll put a link with my email in case
>something happens I need to be aware of, like spam,
>etc.

Well, hmmm. With more activity here, you'll be aware of the spam right away anyway. Right? Right. *G* But perhaps also a link to a couple members here that would be willing to give up their email addresses to be contacted with questions or suggestions.
>
>So let's get our board back up to snuff, aye? Any and
>all suggestions welcome!

The only new thing I can think of is to have a link of homeworks past. A place to go when looking for inspiration or to remember with fondness.

A true WIP and a collaborated effort! I think you've got the main points down already, but additions can always be made. Thanks for taking the initiative Page! Much appreciated!

Hugs

Esther

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[> [> Come up for air. lass! Come up for air! >>> -- Page, 13:08:47 05/08/10 Sat


>Word count - MAX 2000 (give or take a few as we're a
>forgiving bunch)
>
>Homework is NOT critted, UNLESS specifically asked for
>and in that case, the usual applies where it would be
>appreciated if what kind of crit you're looking for
>can be mentioned.

I rather like the not critting unless asked for thing. I don't mind critting at all, but it's kind of nice not to be required to do so since, as we all know, a good crit takes time and thought, and sometimes I don't have enough time (or thought for that matter! *G*) to do a crit justice. And I think a lukewarm crit is short-changing the writer, and I don't want to short-change y'all in any way.

>
>And, I strongly encourage this, should be posted in
>their own thread. When homeworks are posted directly
>into the thread it originates from, the perception is
>that it's only good until the next one is posted, and
>that is not the case at all. And I'm of the opinion
>that a commitment of 2000 words, give or take a few,
>should be posted with the pride of ownership a new
>post makes it become.

True, that. Plus if the board starts scrolling like mad the homeworks get pushed off into the archives which means some of the posts don't get read or commented on.

>
>The library had, if I recall correctly, links to
>
>- writing sites members found interesting, insightful
>or instructional
>
>- reading recommendations and suggestions of books to
>refer to on craft
>
>- quick lessions on the basics, ie: grammar, genre, etc
>
>- a list of stories from the members on this board,
>(purely optional) the characters and a brief blurb
>about what it was about.

Thank you! I know I clicked on that link several times, but drew a complete blank when it came to the library. I also like Debi's suggestion of having links to the blogs of those who would like them there.

As for the crit link, I think a definition of the different kinds of crits would be helpful, along with how to give a crit (our way, which is nicer and more constructive than a lot of crits I've seen online!) and how to receive one. That way everyone would know what to expect, ie: if you ask for a hard crit, the definition posted will let you know how we'll respond, plus those who crit will know exactly what the poster is asking for.



>Seriously, I think it should be put back up that
>fanfic of DG's work will not be tolerated.

Absolutely! Especially with the brouhaha about it lately. That I can do without creating a new webpage.
>
>And I'd like a blurb in reminder that critiques, done
>properly, take time and patience and so a response
>could take a day or more. Also that we all understand
>that we all have real lives outside this board and
>that absenses are sometimes unavoidable. In such
>case, it's not necessary to "Clear the board" before
>you can post, but as soon as you are able, resume
>doing what you can to participate in all aspects.

Excellent suggestion!
>>

>[The FAQ] used to be in the format of question and answer
>with things like...
>
>How do I post?
>How often can I post?
>Do I have to crit so many excerpts before I can post
>my own for critique?
>How do I go about a critique?
>What can I expect out of a critique?
>What kinds of critiques are there?
>How do I ask for a critique?
>
>But in any event, I'd like to see answers that express
>things like...
>
>Crit the way you'd like to be critted, or specify what
>kind of critique you are looking for so we know where
>to begin. For instance, if I spend hours on a line by
>line, I'd like it recriprocated and not get a couple
>sentences in exchange, unless I ask for a
>generalization on something specific that concerns me.
>
>There is no limit on the number of posts, but to be
>courteous and comment on all the posts before posting
>your own work. That means general comments on the
>homeworks (unless a crit is requested), completing a
>crit to the best of your ability where necessary and
>responding to comments received. "Clear the board" is
>the best policy to encourage and motivate posts.

Well said!
>
>Well, hmmm. With more activity here, you'll be
>aware of the spam right away anyway. Right? Right.
>*G* But perhaps also a link to a couple members here
>that would be willing to give up their email addresses
>to be contacted with questions or suggestions.

May I infer from that I can add your email? *G*

>The only new thing I can think of is to have a link
>of homeworks past. A place to go when looking for
>inspiration or to remember with fondness.

I'll have to work on that one, because at the moment the only thing I can come up with is a separate webpage, and with that we run into copyright issues. But let me think on it and see what I can come up with.

Hugs back atcha!
Page

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[> Hmmm...I think Esther covered most everything. *Hi Esther!* Lady LaLa and Mel were the keepers of the FAQ, and truthfully, I rarely went there. Oh, one thing...add Linda Gerber to the published writers! She started here, and is multi-published and a truly fab YA writer. If you Goog her, you can find her website. Oops, thought of something else...maybe a page of links to Query Shark, Editorial Ass, Kristen Nelson's blog...sites like that. There is SO much information available! -- JulieO, 11:32:16 05/14/10 Fri

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