Writing Tips - Electronic Writing

Suzan L. Wiener has had many articles on writing published by Institute for Children's Literature, Coffee Break for Writers, Cross & Quill, , Mature Years, Mature Living, etc. She also has had many poems, personal experience stories and other shorter pieces published in major publication as well. She now has a non-rhyming love poetry e-book up at http:www.coolerbooks.com

"Pros and Cons of Internet Writing"

by Suzan L. Wiener

Have you wondered if your time spent online can help your writing or hurt it? I have found the Internet very helpful, if used correctly. Here are the pros and cons of using the Internet to increase or decrease (unfortunately) your productivity. I know it has helped me. It all depends on how you prepare your time to write, and what you ultimately do with it.

Pros:

l. Want new markets?

You can find them easily and quickly by using various search engines such as www.google.com, www.yahoo.com, www.swagbucks.com or www.duotrope.com. You will locate a slew of markets as I have. Just type in paying markets and click it on with your mouse. There are all types of genres for your submissions, paying and non-paying. You can pick and choose which markets are right for your work.

2. Want to interact with other writers?

You can do this by searching for critique circles and there are quite a few, such as www.critiquecircle.com (which was begun by an ICL student and includes many of the folks who frequent the Writer’s Retreat) and http://writerious.blogspot.com/2007/01/critique-circle-so-far-not-bad.html, etc.

3. Want to look at various writer's newsletters?

You can get that on the internet as well. The Institute produces a great free electronic newsletter, which you can find at the Institute website – editor Jan Fields packs each issue with great information helpful to writers.

4. Want to join a writer's forum?

First, consider checking out the Writer’s Retreat where you can meet new writing friends and swap information. You can also attend free online board workshops and there’s always someone around to answer writing questions.

Another of the very best ones I know (especially if you write for both children and adults) are the Absolute Write forums. They have tons of markets, a Bewares Board, Share Your Work, etc. I've been a member for over five years and find it's of terrific value.

If you prefer a writer's forum specific to children's writing, check out the boards atVerla Kay's Blue Board. They are excellent with many professional members including agents, editors, illustrators and writers.

5. Want to enter writing contests on the internet?

There are many to choose from. Just click on one of the search engines and type in writing contests. I found many writing contests, some with fees and some without at Freelancewriting.com. You can also always find the latest Children's Writer contest here.

Be careful with any writing contest so that you make wise choices. Writing contests can be fun and a great boost to your self-esteem and your career. But there are plenty of not-so-good contests out there that are merely designed to take your money. Now, fees aren’t an automatic red flag. Fees are often necessary in order to pay the judges, etc. – but huge fees (sometimes well over $100) are definitely a likely sign of a contest that will cost you more than it’s worth.

6. Want to make a name for yourself?

It is so much easier to make a name for yourself when using the internet. You can promote yourself easily on such websites such as Facebook and Twitter. You can put yourself out there by making intelligent comments on professional blogs or discussion boards frequented by publishing professionals. You can create a blog or website of your own, thus creating a spot for readers to find you once you have found a publisher for your first book.

7. Want to meet other friends who write?

You can with the internet. By joining writing forums you will meet wonderful friends who are very talented and usually willing to go above and beyond to help you get to your writing goals. All they ask is that you critique their writing in return, which is something you should gladly do.

Cons:

l. A major problem can be that we lose focus with our writing when we go on the internet. There are so many games to play, crossword puzzles to do, etc. that it really can be a big distraction.

2. Talking to friends too much without getting any insight as far as our writing is concerned and not concentrating on writing can give us the illusion of “working on our writing” without producing either work or leads to markets.

3. Staying up for hours and hours on the internet, not getting enough sleep and being too tired to write what you were intending to. Time spent staring at a monitor is also hard on your eyes, so it’s best to use the time wisely.

4. Sharks lurk on the Internet. Not every link you find when googling contests or publishers will be worthwhile or even safe. And it’s very easy to be swept away if suddenly contacted by an “agent” or “publisher” who says they saw your comments on a discussion board or blog and want to work with you. Keep a healthy skepticism while using the Internet for a tool. For tips on being a safe writer online, check out this transcript with Writer Beware’s Victoria Strauss.

If you keep the above in mind, you will find the internet to be a valuable tool for you to increase your published writing and reach your goals more quickly.

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