Who and What’s helped me

I like to think that at least a few people follow me. So, for the few of you reading this post, here’s to hoping you’re writers too!
I write a lot, and over the course of the three or so years I’ve been posting my writing online I always come across new and better ways to help me either (a) become a better writer or (b) get my writing out there more efficiently.
To those of you who are writers, here are so tip and sites that might help you out:
wattpad.com: if you’re not on it, you need to get on it fast. It’s a great place to read interesting stories and also post your own.
mibba.com: it’s more for young adults and fan fiction, but if that’s what you are/what you are into, than it’s perfect.
figment.com: this one is ne to me, but I’m liking it. I found a really helpfull book that I’m enjoying reading titled This is Not a Writing Manual. I think the site is worth checking out if again you like to (a) post your stories or (b) read other people’s stories.
writers-cafe.org: I love this site! I’ve met the coolest, nicest people on this site. I would argue that this is the most encouraging site I’ve posted on, and if you are looking more for community, I’d join this one.
webook.com: now this site is cool. Along with contests, they also have Page To Fame, which is where you post an excerpt of your work and people vote on it to see if they want it published. It hadn’t worked for me yet, but the comments and critiques have helped my writing.
booksie.com: this is the second nicest place I’ve found, but it can also be a little spam-y. I mean, you can get a lot of comments that are from people wanting you to read their work. Of course, I have a couple fans (I do mean only a couple) and they are super nice and really do like my work. So, it’s a bit or miss with this one.
literotica.com: GET ON THIS SITE! I’m not going to assume you all are from Lit (though you might be), but if you aren’t you need to get on this site. Yes, it is 18+, and yes, some of the stories can be real if-y. But I have met two fabulous editors, some really nice people, and I get—by far—the best comments on this site. I also get the most comments on this site. Lit is really my home base, and I encourage everyone to at least give it a chance.
Now for what every writer should have:
Editor: Get an editor, and get a damn good one. I’ve had many, many people edit my work, but by far, the two I owe the greatest two are Max and Matt. Those two guys not only read my—at times—awful writing, but they didn’t give up.
Publisher: Now, this one is debateable, the aforementioned isn’t. I love my publisher, Max. I signed with e-book publishing world (check them out, I love them) and I have only good things to say. They’re not Avon, or Bell Tower books, or some other huge corporation. I had to be a Debby downer, but you’re more likely to get struck by lightening than get one of the big up publishing companies on the first go ‘round. Of course, I encourage everyone to send their work into those companies, and maybe I’ll do the same in a few years, but I still feel like a baby writer at the moment.
All I’m saying is that a good publisher doesn’t just sign off on your work and sent it off, they work with you, tell you what you need to fix, tell you how you can do better. And I’m not going to lie, I did want to quit a few times—I actually tried too—but Max dragged me back, kicking and screaming, and I couldn’t be more grateful to him for it.
Plus, publishers handle the cover designs, marketing, and all that other stuff that makes books successful. So, again, I recommend seeing if you can get one.
Now for what every writer should do:
Learn your audience!: this one is important if you’re trying to sell, or you really want a lot of people to read your stuff. Learn what is the trend, and anticipate what the new trend might be.
Don’t just write, read: read, read, read, then read some more. And don’t just read books that are similar to your writing, get out of your comfort zone. I’m lucky because I’m in college and I have to read things that I never thought I’d read, but trust me, I’m glad I read them.
Comment on other peoples work: I still struggle with this one because I hate just saying “great job!” I want my feedback to actually help them. Anyway, read others works and comment on that too. Read people who are popular, give a good, constructive, in-depth comment—maybe reach out to them too—and hopefully they’ll respond.
Network: This ties in with “comments”. You have to network. It’s imperative that you do. Don’t just write and think everyone will love you instantaneously, that may not happen. What you need to do is write, read, comment, and network. Introduce this girl over here with this guy over there.
And the most important thing when it comes to writing…. *drum roll please*
HAVE FUN! I know that may seem cliche, but it’s absolutely true. If you write with the sole purpose of getting discovered, you’re not going to last long. And don’t take the negative comments too seriously. Best advice someone ever gave me for hate comments: “You’re doing something right if you have haters, because at least they care enough to hate.
Well, I hope this was informative. I’ll try to keep my nonsense down to a simmer, and post helpful or fun things. I don’t want this blog to just be about me writing, but all of us reading and succeeding together!