Friday 15 April 2011

Have We Overdosed on Coffee?

I could be mistaken but it seems the enthusiasm for Friday coffee breaks is fizzling out. If it's true, then I'm not all that surprised. By my reckoning, we've had no less than 188 of these fine interludes, covering a massive range of writing-related subjects. Perhaps we've done them all to death and nobody can think of anything new.

Perhaps not. Does anybody have any bright ideas about how to take this blog and its community forward? There were one or two things discussed here a while back, so maybe that could be food for thought.

13 comments:

sheepish said...

It certainly looks like it judging by the response so far. I do hope we can come up with some ideas to keep our little community going. Will come back later to see what is happening. And will try and have some thoughts too!!

Denise said...

Given the discussion last time, I think the problem is that whilst most people like spending a few minutes reading/commenting here they don't want anything more time consuming. Is there a low time equivalent to the coffee break? I've not thought of one so far.

andewallscametumblindown said...

Taking a welcome break from spring cleaning...

I enjoy doing something - like writing the back cover blurb of my life. Could we have more exercises? ~Miriam

Cheryl said...

I am open to anything but i have to admit writing the last one i struggled for new ideas. I think the main problem, well for me anyway is lack of time. I'm find i spend a lot less time on the blog these days and its not intentional, i just struggle to keep up. i think we need something short, sharp and fun. Maybe like a random question generator - so no post, just a question. Just an idea. I am still happy to post next month.

Graeme K Talboys said...

Perhaps instead of coffee mornings, we could each offer a guest blog entry on writerly things (ideas, experiences, things we have seen or done).

Karen said...

I like Graeme's idea :o)

HelenMWalters said...

I like Graeme's idea too and if everyone participated it would mean each person's turn wouldn't come around that often. We're all very different writers and I'd love to hear what others have to share.

Like Lily my problem has been time recently as I've been working as well as writing and it's all been a bit too much! Blogging has of necessity become a low priority. But I'm free for a bit now so will try to visit more.

Rachel Green said...

I like the fun exercises idea as well as Graeme's. I'm at a loss to think of how else to rekindle interest.

andewallscametumblindown said...

Instead of asking for volunteers, how about putting everyone on the rota? ~Miriam

Anonymous said...

Denise: I think you're right. If my recent blog reading experience is anything to go by, then with only one or two exceptions, quick and easy seems to be more popular than long posts these days.

Miriam: Writing exercises are a very good idea in general and could work here provided they remain short and sweet. I suspect people will be reluctant to put longer pieces up on a public blog, though I suppose we could use the private one. Again, time commitment may be a factor that rules out this idea.

Lily: I like the random question idea. Do you know any sites that have a random question generator? I vaguely recall Cally having a random story plot generator but that's about the closest I can think of.

Graeme: Do you mean external guests or ourselves. Not that it matters particularly, just curious. Anyway yes, good idea.

Helen / Miriam: Taking turns is good and fair, but might people feel a bit forced into it? I suppose we could do a turn based system with an opt-out clause. I hope that doesn't sound too "Google".

Rachel: Yes, it must be fun. I would deem that to be compulsory!

In the mean time, I've had a small idea of my own. How about a mini writers' help desk where we can post questions about things we're having difficulty with. Others can then chip in with their help and suggestions. For example, here's one I thought of:

Dear Help Desk,
I keep coming up with great ideas for short stories which have a good beginning and middle, but rather dull and lifeless endings. What should I do?
Yours, Writer Adrift.

Graeme K Talboys said...

I had just been thinking of us on a rota basis doing a blog post, but it would work just as well with guests.

I like the Help Desk idea.

Cheryl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cheryl said...

Not sure on the generator - I guess a generator probably wouldnt work on a weekly basis but individuals posting the questions would be good.

That's a great idea Graeme! Kind of like a writers surgery! I always have writerly queries.

Also, just wondering am I still hosting coffee on 13th and 20th May - happy to of course but wasnt sure.