Writers forum

[thehumanjam]

I would like to improve my writing skills and I have always enjoyed creative writing. I can not afford to enrol on a course but I'm thinking of purchasing the books/assignments from the Writers Bureau course on EBay. Obviously I would not be able to submit my work to a tutor so the obvious downside to doing this is lack of feedback and constructive advice on my work.

Does anyone know if there are any online forums where you can submit your writing for feedback? I have no previous writing experience.

Thank you.

I would look for local courses/groups as feedback is invaluable. The books might be a good resource, but so would be the books on writing you can borrow for free from the local library. Also look for Facebook groups and follow other writers on Twitter.

Also have a look at Watt Pad as this is thriving with people posting their work and others reading and leaving comments/votes.

Sign up to nanowrimo.org it's mainly active in November but has offshoots in April and the summer.

Just start writing and see where it takes you, and enjoy the ride!

That's great Trenzalor, very helpful, thank you.

I think it was here ion Mumsnet that I read about FictionPress.com
You can publish your work and people will review them (well, if they want, of course).

Thanks Fivelittlepeas, I'll have a look at that too.

I'd ask in the local library if they have a writers group and/or run creative writing courses. The ones in my area are cheap, even at full price, and they offer concessions, too.

And I second Trenzalor's suggestion of borrowing writing books from the library. In my experience, you need to read a few to find something that works for you – I've spent far too much money on books that didn't do it for me until I thought of checking the library...

As for online communities, there's also www.youwriteon.com and www.authonomy.com.

Hi,
Just to backup what Trenzalor said. Wattpad is fantastic for getting feedback, building a following and in some cases can lead to publishing contracts. That's how Londoner Taran that wrote Summoner got his ( he ended up with 5 million reads on Wattpad) it's mainly a USA group and there a lot of fanfic on there but there's always room for more.

I'm part of a women's online writing group on Facebook that is so supportive and they have a critiquing thread where people are happy to read and comment on your writing. Again I think it's mainly USA and Auz but there's a few of us diehards this side of the pond it's 'women writers/ women's books
Hope this helps

I agree with everyone else - look around for online forums and discussion groups before you spend a lot of money. There are lots out there and you can try a few to see what suits you.

You could also subscribe to a magazine such as Writing Magazine. Or see if your adult education centre runs classes.

Above all, just write!