Friday Writing Essentials

Friday Writing Essential, Edward Nudelman, Member Editor

For those who haven’t heard, Gather is sponsoring a new Writing Essential platform (click here) in a group moderated by Gather contributors and owned by Jennifer Hodge,Gather editor. 

Please click here to find the published details of the Writing Essentials.  This exciting new group represents a concerted and focused effort to bring writing to the fore at Gather, give it the exposure it deserves, and stimulate increased interaction between writers and readers here at Gather. 

Here is a description of what I have in mind for "my day".  This is a work in progress, but it’s only fair to give you an idea of the kinds of things I’m looking for when I select articles to feature.  Below is a bulleted outline that describes areas in which I’ll be giving specific attention and consideration.  The list is purposefully abbreviated, with the understanding that this is a fluid, organic process.  I’ll be listening to you. 

• I love poetry.  I love to write it and I love to read it.  It’s probably where my expertise lies, so you will see a lot of poetry featured on Fridays in the Writing Essential group..

• I also enjoy short prose that is illusory, full of feeling and uses metaphor and imagery to create a visual picture.  I will be looking for short stories and prose poems, especially 200 words or less.  I love to find the “heat” and energy in minimalist writing where the words are carefully chosen and the economy of words is careful considered.

• I will be paying attention to grammatical correctness, spelling, syntax and form.  If you’re at all queasy about that, don’t worry about submitting articles on my day, I'm not going to get hypercritical about it, but it is an area where we all can improve.  There are many viewpoints that have been brought forward here at Gather concerning the validity of writing that contains these kinds of errors.  I try to give allowances for works in progress, especially when they offer flair in content and voice.  Still, I will consider the aforementioned in my selections for featured articles.  So, if you're interested in that particular aspect of this program (i.e. to be featured), then be careful to proof-read your submissions as best you can. 

• Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I welcome collegial and energetic commenting that relates to the published writing, not sidetracking into personal issues or other matters outside of the group or elsewhere on Gather.  Let’s keep the commenting here relating to the piece at hand.  Much can be said about style of commenting, manners, etc., but bottom line, what I’d like to see is a premium put on every one of us improving our craft.  In a very real way, that begins by listening and being open to the critique and comments of others.

For easy access and more information on the Writing Essential channel at Gather, please consult these articles (click on colored hotlinks below):  

Writing Essentials by Pam Johnston VP Community Engagement

Meet the Writing Editors by Pam Johnston  

Official Description of Writing Essentials by Jennifer Hodge, Gather Editor

Want to publish to the Writing Essentials group?  Simply join the group by clicking here and then clicking on the "join button" on the left hand column.  Remember, when you publish your article, add "Writing" to your choice of groups, and don't forget to include the tag, "writing."  

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Written by Edward Nudelman, who is also a Books Correspondent for Gather:  POETRY CENTRAL

Keep up with Ed’s other posting and Gather activity by joining his Gather network-just click here and select the orange “Connect” button on the left-hand side of the page.  If you are interested in my background or qualifications, I invite you to read my profile which has information concerning my published writings.