FAQ

Details: Category: About; Published on Thursday, 07 July 2011 12:27; Written by Sam Justice; Hits: 3897

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise's Novel Orchard is a community based support system for writers in the Boise Metropolitan area.

I want to participate, but I can't make it to Boise. Is there an online option?

Yes! Well, no. Well, sort of. We are currently working on an online option for people who can't make it to the in-person meetings. Though it's greatly prefered for people to come out to meetings (and we like meeting you!), we understand that sometimes it is not possible. For now, if you email Megan and ask nicely, she will try to arrange for a partner for you by email. In the somewhat near future, there will be a better option; stay tuned!

Our meeting times and places are published in our google calendar. Please check here for the most up to date information on events.

Our meeting times and places are published in our google calendar. Please check here for the most up to date information on events.

That depends on the meeting. I'll break it down really quick.
Critique Night: During critique night we'll discuss group members' writing that was exchanged the previous month, as well exchange materials for the next month's critique group.
Seminar Night: We discuss some aspect of craft. If there is something that you want to have as the focus of the discussion, feel free to email us with your request: we'll be happy to fit it in.
Taproot Reading Book Club: During Taproot Reading we discuss the writing out of a particular book. How the author achieved certain results, where the author failed and how the author could have done a better job or how you can achieve a similar result.
Writing Circle: The Writing Circle is an excercise in social writing. Writing does not need to be a solitary thing, and can be enjoyed in groups, so join us and get your writing on.

No! We want you to do whatever you need to do to be successful. If that means taking advantage of meetings to spend time curled up with your laptop, working away, we welcome it! Though, we do recommend you join us, at least on occasion.

Sure you can! BNO members aren't strangers - we're writers. We want to improve our craft, and we realize that one of the best ways to do this is through critiquing the work of others, and having our work critiqued.

To be quite frank, it is entirely possible. Critiques given by BNO members are honest - if the writing isn't good, you will be told so. However, you will not be insulted or otherwise degraded. And, to top it off, you'll be given suggestions and things to work on to make your writing better for the next time.

Writers have to write. Writing exercises that often focus on a specific part of craft are excellent ways to get that writing started. Often, they turn into longer, more substantial words that become pages and books.

Your ideas, desires, and requests are always welcome! BNO is here for writers - we want to give you what you need to be successful. If you need something, odds are someone else needs it to.

Yes! If you're interested in giving a workshop, please email Sam or Megan for details on how to make it happen.

An agent is an intermediary between an author and a publisher. One of their primary jobs is to sell manuscripts to buying editors at publications.

Agents should always be contacted in the manner they request. The Writer's Market is a great place to start to learn about the needs and desires of specific agents.

Editors reside in deep dark holes in publishing houses. They read a whole bunch. It is the editor's job to decide what might be a good idea to publish, and then present that to their boss. If their boss approves, the manuscript moves forward with publication. Like agents, they need to be contacted in the manner they desire. Also like agents, The Writer's Market is a great place to learn about specific Editors.

An editorial or critique service is a professional, or group of professionals, that offer to critique and offer opinion on your manuscript for a fee. The type, extent, quality, and price of these services vary widely.

This difference largely has to do with money. One wants to take your money with the goal of producing suggestions for you to make your manuscript stronger. The other wants to give you money in exchange for the right to print and distribute your book. One works for and is paid by the author, one works for a publishing house and costs the author nothing.