While
I had always considered writing a solitary endeavor, I'm now
convinced of the value of a mastermind group. Thorn gives a
convincing argument for the benefits of being in a small group of
like minded people sharing a goal or passion.
Thorn
gives the science behind group learning and identifies a number of
such groups, like the Inklings. He shares his own experiences and
tells us how such groups differ from critique groups.
Thorn
mentions scene analysis as a major aspect of his mastermind (virtual)
meetings. A benefit here is that an author can receive advice early
on, after writing a scene or two. Errors can be found early rather
than after the entire novel has been written and the errors
compounded in scene after scene.
The
other benefits Thorn reveals are many. I was surprised with the
concept of collaborating, never having thought of doing something
like that. I was also intrigued with Thorn talking about the positive
mental attitude arising from mastermind groups. Carpenters can still
work with a bad mental attitude but not so for writers. Mental
attitude is so important to creativity and being in a group helps.
The
hardest part might well be finding a mastermind group or forming one.
Thorn notes he interviews people who desire to participate, looking
for commitment. It may take months to find the right twelve people.
And there will be a fee involved. As Thorn says, if you question the
fee in joining a group then you probably shouldn't.
This
is a valuable book for writers, informing them of the benefits of
being in a mastermind group. There is a plug at the end to join
Thorn's but that does not detract from the information the book
contains.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
J
thorn earned a B.A. in American History from the University of
Pittsburgh and a M.A. From Duquesne University. He is a full-time
writer, part-time professor at John Carroll University, co-owner of
Molten Universe Media, podcaster, FM radio DJ, musician, and a
certified Story Grid nerd. He is a popular author of horror, science
fiction, action & adventure, and fantasy. He has sold more than
185,000 books worldwide. He is a member of the Science Fiction and
Fantasy Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, and the
Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers. You can find out more at
http://jthorn.net/welcome/
.
J
thorn, 220 pages.
I
received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author.
My comments are an independent and honest review.
(My
star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it,
1-I hate it.)
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