Encouraging Others to Write
/
*Today I’m excited to share a special guest post from Barbara Barth, author of A Wingman for Christmas: A Sweet Water Novella.
I may be a big talker when you get me started, but I’m also a great listener. There is nothing I like better than to hear the stories others share with me. I listen closely then respond with “That would make a great book!” And I’m serious. My mind sees what you’ve told me vividly and in print. I’m not psychic (maybe psycho) but my imagination runs wild. That old saying everyone has a story is true. And I like to add, “If I can do it, so can you.”
When I decided to write my widow memoir after losing my husband in 2008, I didn’t have a clue what to do. Determination was my partner. As embarrassing as this is to admit, I didn’t know how to punctuate dialog. Period inside or outside of quotation marks? An avid reader, I didn’t pay attention to details, just the story. And I was not an English major. On the plus side, my memoir placed as a finalist in a national contest. That rocked my world. And maybe I had learned something!
My confidence to write my story came from a class at a local bookshop. It was a small group writing Zombie stories. My widow memoir seemed quite tame compared to their work, but I learned structure from a great teacher. I also learned I wanted to write more and loved the process.
When I joined the Board at the Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts as their Literary Arts Chair in 2017, the art center wanted to reach out to bring in writing programs as part of their Art For All mission. We started our Walton Writers with classes in the art center and Zoom meetings for authors to discuss their works, not as a critique group but to share thoughts on their current projects.
In 2021, the art center took on a huge project, a contest for new writers. Our judges were published authors who generously gave of their time. Each entry was rated and critiqued by two judges. The first round of winners went to the final round judged by a Literary Agent with cash prizes given at that level. I’d like to think the personal critiques on each entry were beneficial to all on their writing journey.
I feel comfortable talking to new writers about the craft, but you won’t find me teaching writing. Since I self-publish and have never submitted a book to an agent, I prefer the art center classes taught by authors more experienced with all aspects of the publishing world.
The most important thing I want to share with others is not to let fear keep you from writing. Don’t worry about perfection, just get started. The more you write the better you’ll become at it.I’m still learning every day. We all are.
About Barbara Barth
Barbara Barth turned to writing and adopting dogs to heal after her husband died fourteen years ago. Known as ‘Writer With Dogs’, Barth currently lives with four Chihuahuas in a charming town forty miles outside of Atlanta. She is Literary Arts Chair at a small art center where she promotes writing activities, author events, book launches, and hosts an online group Walton Writers. Inspired by the wonderful artists around her, Barth started painting and has won several awards with her whimsical art. Her books are available on Amazon. Visit her Instagram page Barbara Barth Studio.
You can also check out her website.
Blog Tour Calendar
November 28th @ WOW! Women on Writing
Join us at our blog The Muffin to celebrate the launch of A Wingman for Christmas. We're interviewing the author and giving away a copy of her book to one lucky reader.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
November 30th @ Author Anthony Avina's Blog
Join Anthony as he reviews A Wingman for Christmas. A perfect novella for the holiday season!
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
December 1st @ Deborah-Zenha Adams
Visit Deborah's blog where she shares a guest post by author Barbara Barth about how many editors you really need.
December 3rd @ Pages and Paws
Kristine shares her review of the charming holiday novella A Wingman for Christmas.
December 5th @ One Writer's Journey
Join Sue as she reviews A Wingman for Christmas by Barbara Barth.
December 6th @ Michelle Cornish's Blog
Join Michelle as she reviews A Wingman for Christmas. A must-read novella for the holiday season!
https://www.michellecornishauthor.com/blog
December 7th @ The Frugalista Mom
Rochie shares her review of A Wingman for Christmas and gives away a copy of the book to one lucky reader.
December 8th @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog as she features a guest post by Barbara Barth about starting a writing group.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com
December 9th @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra's blog for a spotlight on A Wingman for Christmas by Barbara Barth.
http://www.astorybookworld.com/
December 10th @ Michelle Cornish's Blog
Visit Michelle's site as she features author Barbara Barth's guest post on encouraging others to write.
https://www.michellecornish.com/blog
December 12th @ Storeybook Review
Leslie shares her thoughts about this fun novella A Wingman for Christmas by Barbara Barth.
December 13th @ Bring on Lemons
Join Crystal as she shares this fun holiday novella A Wingman for Christmas.
https://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
December 14th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog
Visit Beverley's blog as she reviews A Wingman for Christmas by Barbara Barth.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
December 14th @ Avonna Loves Genres
Join Avonna as she reviews A Wingman for Christmas by Barbara Barth.
https://avonnalovesgenres.com/
December 15th @ One Writer' Journey
Visit Sue's blog where she features a guest post by Barbara Barth about finding inspiration around you.
December 15th @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy's blog again as she shares her thoughts about Barbara Barth's fun holiday read A Wingman for Christmas.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com
December 16th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog
Join Beverley as she features a guest post by author Barbara Barth about writing fiction versus memoir.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
December 18th @ Life According to Jamie
Jamie will be reviewing a fun novella for the holiday season: A Wingman for Christmas.
https://lifeaccordingtojamie.com/
December 19th @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Join Lisa as she interviews author Barbara Barth about her book A Wingman for Christmas.
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/
December 20th @ Word Magic
Visit Fiona's blog as she features a guest post by Barbara Barth about researching your topic as well as your time frame.
https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/
December 21st @ World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole's blog as she reviews A Wingman for Christmas.
