Professional Development for Writers

by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael

“Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.”

— Chinese Proverb

Conference season is underway, yet many of us aren’t able to attend. However, there are multiple ways to expand our skills that don’t require the investment of a writers conference. Consider these alternatives that also enhance our knowledge.

Read 

As iron sharpens iron, exposure to excellent work makes our work better. The subconscious learning we acquire when reading is not to mimic other authors but to instead train our brains to dissect plot twists, character development, and pacing that engages readers. We expand our capacity to create new worlds and conjure unexpected surprises when we read writing that works. Successful people thrive under the tutelage of other successful people. Writers are no different. Reading is an easy and affordable way to learn and stimulate our creativity. 

Prioritize fifteen minutes a day to “conduct research” if you feel pressed for time. This approach may motivate you to read more. There are countless books that expound on the fundamentals of writing. In addition, articles that illustrate how to use technology to write efficiently can help us increase our productivity. Whether reading for pleasure or publication, the more we read the better we write.

Online Classes

Few people achieve success without effort. Online classes are a convenient way to sharpen our skills. Everything from grammar updates (trends for publication change over the years) to marketing classes are available for those seeking traditional and self-publishing resources.

Scribophile, Reedsy Learning, and The Novelry are just a few sites that provide courses for online learning. Many colleges and universities offer classes and certificates in creative and technical writing. A Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Writing is also available for career oriented writers. Whatever development you seek, it is literally available at your fingertips. The quality and price points can vary, so diligently research your selections.

Critiques

Critique groups offer the camaraderie of other writers and safe spaces to receive feedback on our work. In person and online groups exist for practically every genre. Critiques challenge the authenticity of our characters, identify clichés, and offer alternatives to troublesome plots we may not consider. 

Local writers clubs are great sources for critique partners. However, if you would rather meet online, there are free and paid sites available. Facebook is home to a myriad of groups for authors of varying expertise. Like dating, it may take time to find the right group for you, but the fellowship and feedback are priceless. Too introverted for a group? Consider one person you trust and start there. A candid critique partner can save hours in rewrites.

Keep writing, evolving, and learning new things. The best writers never stop seeking opportunities to hone their skills. 

A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, Proverbs 1:5 NKJV

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A Florida native, Lilka Finley Raphael has been a licensed pharmacist for over thirty years. Her passions for writing, gardening, and photography prompted her to share her experiences and life lessons on her blogs B Is for Blessed and God, autism, & me. You can learn more about her at lilkaraphael.com

Lilka’s greatest achievements are her two adult sons who have flown the nest. Happily married for thirty-two years, she lives east of Atlanta with her husband, Rod. They now share their home with two German Shepherds—Holly and Ivy—and one naughty kitty, Moxie.