I need some constructive help with my writing but can't afford a consultant.

[belledechocchipcookie]

What do you do??

Need more info here. What are you writing?

Yes, more info would be good - but free advice would be available via online forums - where you generally reciprocate by critiqueing/supporting other writers. It depends what kind of writing you do.

Sorry. I write childrens books, have 4 picture books and a 9+ novel (all text) with a publisher. She's said she likes the plots but my writing needs work. She can't spare the time to give me any more advice on what I can do to improve it so I'm confused. I've bought a few books to help with the plot/characters etc which have helped. I don't want to keep submitting to her though.

Thank you

Can you find a local writers' group?

I found one run by local institute, ragbag of people, we all had different literary ambitions, some wanted to write poetry, some for children, some memoir etc -- but this didn't matter, the exercises seemed to help us all. I found being made to write once a week very stimulating, it got me thinking about my writing in a different way and basically kickstarted my novel.

Most groups allow you the opportunity to submit your work to the group or the tutor for comment.

There's only one here and it's Monday evenings once a month. I don't have anyone to look after ds. I may have found an online group though

Sorry, can't help. I'm writing up my PhD, much less entertaining than children's books. Good luck

Writewords is good, it is an online group. And the annual writers' conference at Winchester in June always has interesting workshops and seminars.

Thank you, I've found an online writing group. It's quite small though but it should help

Belle - Writewords was really the only one that people suggested. Specialised children's writing sites seem rare.

Very glad you have found one and sorry that I could not be more helpful.

It will help enormously; at least, that's been my experience. A lot can be learned by critiquing other people's work as well.

You could always try applying some linguistics tools - like using SFL to analyse how effectively you're thematising things or whether the words you're using are an appropriate register.

I would recommend Absolute Write. You can post samples of work for critique, and find beta readers. You will have to give a little before you get much back.