FAQ

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Category: About

Published on Thursday, 07 July 2011 12:27

Written by Sam Justice

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boise's Novel Orchard?

• 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!

When do you meet?

• We meet the the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM (that's six thirty post meridiem), and the 3rd Monday of every month at 5:30 PM.

Where do you meet?

• We meet 2nd and 4th Wendesday at the Rediscovered Bookshop, located on 8th st between Idaho and Main. The third monday we meet at A Novel Adventure, downtown Boise on Main between 9th and 10th.

What do you do at meetings?

• The 2nd Wednesday we focus on putting words on the page. You'll get a chance work on some aspect of the writing craft, and talk about what does and doesn't work for you. On the 4th Wednesday we focus on critiquing. We'll break up in to small groups and discuss pages that we sent home with each other the previous month.

Do I have to do what everyone else is doing?

• 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.

Eeek! You want me to share my written work with strangers? I can't do that!

• 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.

My ego is fragile. Are you going to break it?

• 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.

I don't like writing exercises. What else can I do?

• 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.

I have a great idea for a writing meeting! Can I share it?

• 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.

Can I give a workshop?

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

What is an agent?

• 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.

How can I get an agent?

• 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.

What is an Editor?

• 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.

What is an Editorial/Critique Service?

• 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.

How is an editorial/critique service different from an editor?

• 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.

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