After over a year of thinking and planning, a few months ago my friend Jeff Goins and I launched Story Cartel, a site to help authors share their stories with readers.
Almost instantly, the site took off. We already have a growing list of over 2,000 readers and 100 authors, including NY Times and #1 Amazon Bestsellers. It's been an amazing ride.
However, I knew it wasn't complete.
As much as I care about helping writers share their stories with the world, I care more about helping writers tell their stories in the first place.
Story Cartel Meets The Write Practice
That's why in February, I will be opening up an exclusive course, a place for writers who want to learn the craft of storytelling and then share their stories with the world.
What interests me most about this project is that they're really the same thing. When you share your stories with the world, you learn how write better stories. (Want to tweet that?) Practicing in public, as Jeff calls it, has always been the way artists learn.
Apply to Be a Charter Member
I've opened seven free spots for charter members of this community, and this weekend, I'm accepting applications.
I'm looking for seven kind and talented writers who want to see their fellow writers succeed. Charter members will help set the tone of the community and turn it into something special.
In return, Charter members will get free, lifetime access to the site, and access to all of The Write Practice's products (over $60 in value). They will also be part of a private critique group where we will meet regularly (through Google Hangouts) to read and give feedback on each other's work.
Want to help create Story Practice? Want to put your mark on The Write Cartel? (First thing, to do: help me come up with a name.)
If you're interested, you can learn more here and apply. The application deadline is Tuesday, January 15, at 11:59 pm. Hope to see yours!
What are you struggling most with in your writing? How do you want to grow this year?
May I just ask how much time you think you’d like from your members? And also, on the application form, there is a button to add a file – a ‘writing submission’ – sorry if I am being thick, but what is it you want there? An example of our writing?
As for what I am struggling with most in writing at present – I think would say confidence. It only takes for me to read a good piece of writing for me to think “Oh my goodness, i can’t compete with this, woe is meeee”….I’m working on it. That’s where I would like to grow – in confidence as a writer.
I am writing a book at the minute, and I would like to produce a page turning, beautifully crafted story that readers can’t put down. I put a lot of pressure on myself. A good friend told me I should chill out and ENJOY the process, so that i what i am trying to do!
That’s a great question, Kate. Maybe 2-4 hours a week, but most of that will be learning new things and interacting with the group.
Sorry about the writing submission thing. I’ll make it clearer in the application. Yes, an example of your writing no more than 1,000 words long.
Good for you. The first draft should be enjoyed, shouldn’t it? Put the pressure on in the later chapters. The first draft is for discovery, not pressure.
I attempted to apply, but it will not allow the file type [.txt]. What file type does the application require? FYI, I had to use a PC to upload, on my iPad the “Choose File” button was not available to click.
Oh! Sorry about that, Andi. It takes doc files, but I can change that. Try it now.
Negative, application continues to balk me. 🙁
Attempting to convert with OpenOffice now…
Hmm… try closing your browser completely and then trying. If that doesn’t work, just email me your responses: joebunting@thewritepractice.com
So sorry about that!
I’ll definitely be applying. I’ll just have to revise and polish the first few pages of my current project and consider all of my writing experience.
It will be great to see your application in there, CZ.
By the way, how long should the Writing Experience field be? I’m not sure if I’m being too detailed or not (since I’m including and providing general details on both unpublished and posted-on-the-web projects).
I’m interested in the course, but I don’t have the skills to be a mentor/charter member…how do I take the course as a ‘writers who want to learn the craft of storytelling’?
Great question, AJ. We’ll be offering it to the wider public sometime next month. This is for the building stage. Thanks!
Good to know!
This is going to be a lot of fun, Joe. I look forward to it!
Agreed, Katia.
When will you share details about the course? It’s sounds like it may be just what I have been seeking…
Glad to hear that, Deanna. Sometime in February. Thanks!
Great-I’m looking forward to it!
This sounds really awesome. What’s the time commitment?
We’re looking at about 2-4 hours a week.
Hi Ellen. I’m not 100% sure, but somewhere in the realm of 2-4 hours a week.
May be able to handle that
What a great idea, Joe. I don’t feel that I’ve developed my own writing chops to the point of being a credible writing mentor, but I hope that changes in the future. I’m looking forward to hearing more about the course next month, though!
Thanks Kern. 🙂
I just came across your very intriguing blog. Even though I’m working on my fourth novel, I still have a lot to learn. This year, my goal is to become more proficient with social media and explore opportunities to share my stories online. I look forward to exploring your Story Cartel. Best wishes to you in your endeavors.
Welcome to The Write Practice, Sharon.
Thanks Sharon. Stay in touch, okay. Story Cartel will be 50% writing, 40% social media/marketing, and 10% pure awesome.
Ha ha!
This sounds exciting. You’re developing such a great community Joe. It’s amazing how things can grow beyond our own experience and personality when others get involved! As always I’ve enjoyed reading the great content on here but have had a lot of opportunity to grow in other areas myself. I’ve missed taking the time to practice with you great people!
You’re great, Beck. I’m glad you’re here.
I’m so excited about this Joe.
My writing challenge is to stop hiding behind the beauty of words and allow my heart strings to sing more clearly. I have so much trouble connecting with the audience I really want to touch, the everyday person in the Anglo-Saxon world. I’m listening hard to you, I think I hear you… but I’m not sure I’m getting it. That’s why, it seems that what I’d like to share with you all is too removed for you all to reach across and grasp. I’m stretching out, but not touching.
It’s not word craft I need by heart song I think.
I’m excited too, Audrey. I have a thought about the problem you’re having, Audrey. I’m hoping to post about it soon.
Can’t wait.
Applied 🙂 when will you let us know who the lucky ones are?
Awesome, Ani. Thanks. Pretty soon. Definitely by Friday.
I’ll refrain from applying, but thanks for the invitation, Joe. I feel I have a lot to share from my 30 years experience however, I’ve just committed to joining an online critique group which is run by my writing partner. I shall be trying my hardest to critique everyone’s work as well as to carry on producing my own, and these people meet once a week!! (I’ll be Skyping in, as they’re all based in the U.S). So, I too shall be ‘practicing in public’! I have put my new American critique group solidly in the category, of growth for myself as a writer this year. 🙂
Thanks again. And, don’t hesitate to ask me, Joe, if you think there’s anything I can do to help the Cartel. I love this group!!
We like you too, Yvette. Have fun with your critique group!
Hey Yvette – good luck with your new group. I hope we see you here sometimes but I know how hard it is to keep up with everything. I’ll be checking in on your blog.