What do you think of when you hear the word, ‘BOOTCAMP’?
Do you think of this:
Or this:
But what about this:
It might surprise some people that, yes, there is such a thing as a writer’s bootcamp!
Ok, so we might not be exercising our physical bodies, we might not be sweating, and we might not be cursing those sore muscles but we’re still working out!
Personal trainers adopted the idea of a bootcamp as an intense, dedicated period of time that aims to ‘reset’ the body and ‘kickstart’ a new health initiative in order to achieve certain goals.
A writer’s bootcamp has the same philosophy. Instead of concentrating on a physical reset however, the bootcamp aims to re-ignite an author’s writing goals through regular submissions, accountability and feedback, all with the purpose of flexing the writing ‘muscles’.
I’ve just finished my first ever Writer’s Bootcamp with the wonderfully encouraging and very experienced author Laurie Steed. I highly recommend it!
Writer’s are assigned to a small group and monthly word targets are set. Then it’s up to each writer to provide constructive feedback to each of the other writers in their group, with Laurie providing the professional guidance and over-arching advice. There are also dedicated writing tasks as well as guest speakers.
Personally, I found the discipline of submission helped me focus on writing and editing my work-in-progress. I also really enjoyed getting to know other authors. We had such different writing styles but our mutual respect shone through so that we were able to provide relevant and timely feedback whilst enjoying the different genres we write in.
It’s often said writing can be a lonely process. One of the hardest things I’ve found is sourcing readers who can provide me with objective responses to my work.
I found all this, and more, in the writer’s bootcamp and I’m grateful for that 🙂
Who helps you with your writing?
Let me know in the comments below.
Until next time,
Jacqui
Jacqueline Hodder 