I need some constructive help with my writing but can't afford a consultant.

[belledechocchipcookie]

What do you do??

[JanetPlanet]

Need more info here. What are you writing?

[Punkatheart]

Yes, more info would be good - but free advice would be available via online forums - where you generally reciprocate by critiqueing/supporting other writers. It depends what kind of writing you do.

[belledechocchipcookie]

Sorry. I write childrens books, have 4 picture books and a 9+ novel (all text) with a publisher. She's said she likes the plots but my writing needs work. She can't spare the time to give me any more advice on what I can do to improve it so I'm confused. I've bought a few books to help with the plot/characters etc which have helped. I don't want to keep submitting to her though.

Thank you

[CarmelitaMiggs]

Can you find a local writers' group?

I found one run by local institute, ragbag of people, we all had different literary ambitions, some wanted to write poetry, some for children, some memoir etc -- but this didn't matter, the exercises seemed to help us all. I found being made to write once a week very stimulating, it got me thinking about my writing in a different way and basically kickstarted my novel.

Most groups allow you the opportunity to submit your work to the group or the tutor for comment.

[belledechocchipcookie]

There's only one here and it's Monday evenings once a month. I don't have anyone to look after ds. I may have found an online group though

[JanetPlanet]

Sorry, can't help. I'm writing up my PhD, much less entertaining than children's books. Good luck

[Abr1de]

Writewords is good, it is an online group. And the annual writers' conference at Winchester in June always has interesting workshops and seminars.

[belledechocchipcookie]

Thank you, I've found an online writing group. It's quite small though but it should help

[Punkatheart]

Belle - Writewords was really the only one that people suggested. Specialised children's writing sites seem rare.

Very glad you have found one and sorry that I could not be more helpful.

[Abr1de]

It will help enormously; at least, that's been my experience. A lot can be learned by critiquing other people's work as well.

[SnapFrakkleAndPop]

You could always try applying some linguistics tools - like using SFL to analyse how effectively you're thematising things or whether the words you're using are an appropriate register.

[Butterbur]

I would recommend Absolute Write. You can post samples of work for critique, and find beta readers. You will have to give a little before you get much back.