J is for Joining Online Writing Communities

We talk a lot about general social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube. They are very, very valuable because we want to connect with the general population to get our books out there, not just other writers.

However, I think joining certain writing communities can be super, super valuable. They can provide:

1) Writerly support and advice. Especially if we're just starting out, this can be incredibly helpful. We can get tips and advice on the creative process and the biz of being a writer.

2) Motivation. I know I feel a lot more inspired to write after talking with my writer friends.

3) Readers. Yes we need to expand our marketing to include non-writers, but really, writers in many ways make the best readers.

I'm bringing this up today because I just joined a writing community that has just started growing explosively, and I'm liking what I'm seeing. It's been my obsession for the past couple days, and I've been having a lot of fun. I know there are tons of writing communities out there but I wanted to spotlight just this one, and you can tell me about any other ones you really like in the comments.

The writing community I recently joined is Wattpad.

It's recent growth has been remarkable, and the projected future growth is even bigger. Now's the time to get in, and I wish I'd discovered it sooner. Maybe I'm slow on the draw.

Anyway, Wattpad is a website and mobile app that lets writers post their works and follow other writers updates as they continue their works in progress. It's been called "the YouTube for books." I've been surprised at the number of traditionally published authors on there who have posted their entire manuscripts, and as a free introduction and reader enticement, it makes sense to me. If you have a back list or some older self-pubbed works you think might do well as a freebie, this might be a good place to do it.

I have noticed that the audience tends to be on the younger side, which is something I've noticed with other online writing communities as well. They're just good places to foster support and encouragement for the beginning writers out there. But I think it can be hugely beneficial for writers at any stage of their career.

Anyway, check it out, see if its something you are interested in incorporating. If so, or if you're already a Wattpader, check out my profile and the freebies I've got up, and maybe drop a note and say hi!

Write on!

Sarah Allen