In which I write something useful…

{ June 21, 2010 @ 4:42 pm } · { Uncategorized }

Lately, I seem to be meeting a lot of other writers online. Randomly, on twitter, on facebook, at poetry events in my city, everywhere. And I love it. I love it because they can offer feedback in a clear, not overly critical way. They understand when you give the excuse ‘I’m having plotting issues’ for missing an event. They understand. But where do you meet writers when you’re starting out? It’s hard. A year ago I met a writer more than three times my age on a writing community. We have nothing in common beside writing, and even in that common interest, our interests are chalk and cheese. But in that year he has given me a lot of advice. Sure, he doesn’t want to hear about my difficulty in writing the latest lesbian love scene in my book, but he is happy to listen to how I need to make sure my time lines are clear. It’s useful to have these contacts. So, in order to try and be helpful to those who are currently still isolated, I thought I’d introduce some good writing forums.

1. More Writing.
This is a good old, post your work and someone reads it, affair. It’s a good beginning. People are usually friendly, and while they may not offer you the most useful criticism, it’s a good way to get used to receiving critique which, let’s face it, is a hard skill to develop.
2. You Write On.
Run by the arts council, this site attracts large publishers and has been the launching pad for a lot of authors. It’s worth signing up to again just to be in the right place at the right time. They also offer a good value self publishing service.
3. Great Writing
Again, a good place to post and get feedback.

These are just a tiny sample of what’s out there, but I hope it will give a good starting point for people who need a little writer to writer contact.

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