Helpful websites for an aspiring writer?

December 18, 2010 5:46 PM

[Creative Writing Filter] I'm looking for some online resources to help me get back into creative writing after a three year break.

Specifically, I am looking for websites that provide information about (legitimate) writing contests and publication opportunities, as well as a website where I could share writing and get feedback with minimal risk of having my work stolen (does such a thing even exist?). Right now, I am primarily interested in short fiction, but I used to write poetry and may eventually return to that as well. I'm NOT a teen writer, so I'm not looking for resources geared towards teens, and I am interested in pursuing writing professionally if I can develop enough skill and find the right venue for my work. Thanks!

posted by wansac to writing & language (4 answers total)

Additional questions that I forgot to add: has anyone had experiences using a blog to share or promote their writing? How did you do this, and were your experiences with this good or bad?
posted by wansac at 5:56 PM on December 18, 2010

Duotrope is a good resource for publishing opportunities. I especially like their "People who have been published here have also been published in. . . " notes.
posted by Ideal Impulse at 6:01 PM on December 18, 2010 [2 favorites]

Absolute Write has lots of information on writing, publishing and publisher background checks, contests, etc. There's also a locked forum for sharing your work and receiving feedback.

It's a good community over there.
posted by Georgina at 6:01 PM on December 18, 2010 [1 favorite]

I'll second Georgina on Absolute Write. Writer's Digest annually publishes a list of the 101 best websites for writers; something there should be of help.

To answer your second question, I've had my own writing blog for almost three years. Each week I publish a short story and a haiku. I don't have many readers (promotion is a little difficult, I've discovered) but I have a great time, and my steady work has encouraged a friend to do likewise. You do have to be careful about submitting stories to print magazines that you've already put on your blog, but some magazines don't mind that.
posted by bryon at 9:23 AM on December 19, 2010