Ok, so I got rejected by a magazine that we can just call Artistic_Cachet for my purposes. Because it's one of those ones writing teachers love, but I'm not mad at them specifically...being on the other end of the rejection slip has made me take that a bit less personally. But I'm afraid I'm not growing as a writer, and I don't know how.(Yeah, I know, practice.) But I don't have time or money to read every literary magazine in america and start trying to write "New Yorker" stories, "Glimmer train" stories and etc. I need to do what I do...better.That's why a class wouldn't work(that, and no $$)because I tend to hero-worship and try to please the instructors. And I hated my last writing group.

I want to post a lovely interview with my friend Nancy, who finally made it as a writer after decades of doing menial jobs and barely getting by. [link]

It might sound like my last post was whiny, but I'm asking: How can I get better?

I need to do what I do...better.That's why a class wouldn't work(that, and no $$)because I tend to hero-worship and try to please the instructors. And I hated my last writing group.

I hate to say it, but I think you know. There really isn't any answer aside from keep writing, and keep reading in the genres you want to write it (and others, actually, because you can still learn things about style and voice and construction anywhere).

I'm also not sure what's wrong with pleasing a teacher. If it's a teacher you respect, then you're golden, really. I have huge pleasing-people issues, but I also had a writing teacher at NYU who helped me enormously, really pushed me, and I still remember and use the things she taught me about narrative and honesty (with regard to fiction).

Hello thread. I just resubscribed to this thread. I may never contribute, but it feels odd to me to lurk without announcing my presence. So, I am here enjoying the spicy writer brains.

Erika, of course what Amy said. I just wanted to add that you have a unique voice and personality and it is worth your time and frustration to continue the work. If you hated the last writing group, try try again, and again. I have no clue whatsoever what I am talking about, but likely you have to keep trying different groups until you find a good fit. And then you likely will outgrow that group or get chased out by the angry mob and will have to seek another.

Hot tea with no carb goodness on the side:

Nice article about Nancy! I love the 5 years, times up element. How often things happen at just the last moment.

There's a Laura in the thread! I like that!

Subjunctive Check:

It would be easier to sort the boxes if there was a master list

or

It would be easier to sort the boxes if there were a master list

I cannot get either to sound completely right or wrong, even though I'm leaning toward the first.

I believe was is correct, but were sounds better to my ear. t not helpful

The first is right. A master list is possible; it's neither contrary to fact nor a wish, so it's not subjunctive. If sentences start worrying me like that, I usually consider rewording, e.g., "A master list would make it easier to sort the boxes."