Calling All Story Nerds

A reading club focused on the craft of writing

I consider myself a story nerd. I like to read and write stories. But more than this, I like to study the different parts of a story to see what makes it work.

I’m curious … if you read a story the way I do?

Do you look at how a writer shows, not tells?

Do you notice how a story builds to a climax?

I believe every story has something to teach us about the craft of writing — and sometimes the best ones to learn from are stories that miss the mark.

I’m starting a reading club

See, I think the truth about writers is we’re either improving as writers, or we’re stagnant and remaining at the same level in our storytelling ability.

That’s why I’m starting a group for story nerds like myself. I’m sure there are other people out there who study the craft of stories to improve their writing.

I can’t be the only story nerd, and I’d love to go on a writing journey with you by reading each other’s stories and commenting on the writing craft elements.

How will it work?

It’s pretty simple. I’ll put you in a group of six writers, so it’s small enough for you to get to know and build a relationship with other writers in your group.

I’ll choose a story from each writer’s profile on Sundays, and you’ll have a week to read each story and make comments on craft aspects of the story.

You won’t have to write a new story each week, so there’s no pressure for you to pump out a new story every week — this is just about studying our stories.

You can even tell me a story you like me to pick by a private note if you want feedback on a story that might be part of a larger work that you’re writing.

I’m writing a memoir, and the feedback I get on my stories on Medium is helpful to see the subjects in stories that resonate most with my readers.

I’ll seek to pair writers by genre. Memoir writers with other memoir writers. You can also join with a buddy and request to be put in the same group.

Just let me know. I’m just looking for a few writers serious about writing.

This is a win-win-win:

You’ve heard of a win-win situation. This is a win-win-win deal.

* Get to know other writers on Medium

* Grow in your understanding of the craft of writing

* Use that knowledge to write better stories

Obviously, you will earn more $ from others reading your work, but the main purpose of the Story Nerd group is this: To grow in your ability as a writer.

And to build a relationship with other writers with a passion for writing.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Psalm 27:17

If this group interests you, let me know in the comments and give me a week to set up the groups before we give it a two-month trial run to see how it goes.

Recap for clarity’s sake

The Story Nerd is not a “read-to-read” group. It’s really a “read-to-notice” the aspects of craft in a story by paying attention to “micro” elements in a story such as action verbs, sensory details, or anything that you notice in a story.

It’s to group for writers who are seeking to grow in their writing by getting targeted feedback that will help them think about what makes a story work.

I’m reading a memoir now that’s good, but I see things the writer could do better, and this is helping me in writing my memoir — so we’ll discuss the “how to improve” a story aspect in a way that’s focused on story elements.

So make sure this is something you intend to do or it will be frustrating to the other members if you’re doing something different than the main focus.

I look forward to seeing you in The Story Nerd club.

Thanks for reading.

You might also like:

Or check out my YouTube video on how to write a strong opening to a story.