By Michelle L Devon
Writers work alone, for the most part, with nothing but their computer, pad and pen to keep them company while tapping out or scribbling their next masterpiece or article. Writing as a career can isolate the writer, particularly if one is freelance writing and working out of their home.
One way to stay abreast of current trends in the writing world and learn more about what's hot with writing is to network and connect with other writers. There are so many different writers' forums and writing groups on the internet though that it is hard to determine which are going to work for you.
Let's look at some of the features you should consider when deciding which writers forum or writers group is right for you.
How to Select a Writing Forum Tip #1: Cost
Some forums charge a fee for membership while others are free. There are plenty of writing forums on the internet that do not charge a fee that it's best to try to find a free forum that suits your needs. However, if the forum offers a special feature that appeals to your specific needs, then a fee-based forum might work for you. Also, be sure to watch the writing forums that are free. Some of them use high volume advertising to support the forum, and this might not be to your liking.
How to Select a Writing Forum Tip #2: Genre and Style
If you're a fiction writer, you won't find a lot of useful information for your writing on a forum for non-fiction writers. Whatever your primary writing style is, that's what you want to be sure there is a thread of forum for which can benefit you. A good writing forum will likely have more than one focus on writing style and genre. This is the best type of forum to find, since your writing and focus can change over time, and a writing forum that can grow with you is the best place to start.
How to Select a Writing Forum Tip #3: Know your Purpose
What is your purpose in finding a writing forum? Do you want positive and uplifting encouragement or hard hitting critiques and critical feedback? Figure out what you want from a writing forum, from information and support to critical assessments and critiques, and then watch the forum for a few weeks before you join. This way, you can see if a forum has something that suits your needs.
How to Select a Writing Forum Tip #4: Size of the Membership
Bigger is not always better, but too small may mean little activity or participation. Some people are overwhelmed by forums with large, active memberships and feel that it's too cliquish to ever break into the posting. Others prefer the anonymity of a larger forum. Perhaps a small, cozy and friendly forum is more your cup of tea, or maybe you'd enjoy being a founding member of a new and growing forum.
Again, watch the participation for a few weeks before you jump in and test the waters and you'll get an idea of how big of a writing forum you like and is comfortable for you.
How to Select a Writing Forum Tip #5: Format and Ease of Use
Some writing forums look fantastic but are hard to navigate, while some simple looking writing forums are much easier to use. To use a defunct writing cliché, don't judge a book by its cover, or in this case, don't judge a writing forum by its appearance. Fancy colors and flash and animations might draw your attention and be appealing in the beginning, but could be the very thing that distracts and frustrates you after using the writing forum daily.
These are just a five tips to help you select a writing forum for your needs to help keep you connected with other writers and stay abreast of trends and information in the writing and literary world. The best tip of all for choosing a writers' forum is to just observe the forum for a time and see if you feel compelled to comment, respond or participate, and then if you do, figure out how easy it is to do so. If the forum passes all your initial tests, then register for it and have fun! After all, no one says you have to limit yourself to just one writing forum!
Michelle L Devon is a professional writer and professional freelance editor, providing editing and writing services through her company, Accentuate Services For more information and additional hints and tips about writing and grammar, and to network and connect with other writers, please visit her FREE writer's forum at www.writersforum.info
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