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Why choose 'The Slush Pile' as my online writing workshop? What sets 'The Slush Pile' apart from the hundreds of other such sites?
The answer to both is that I, the admin, will constantly work to improve the functionality and enjoyment for the registered users. I have been a participant at many of the online writing workshops available, and none, I feel, lived up to the potential that an online writing community could have. So, I did a survey of all the sites I knew and could find through Google, and made a list of all the things I liked and disliked about each one. The result was a wish-list that is a couple pages long. I have worked hard to cross out many of the items on that list, and will continue to do so. Also, I have put up a section for users to make suggestions and comments, allowing you to participate in how the site looks and functions.
That's all well and good, you say, but how is that going to improve my writing? The truth is that all the features in the world will not help your writing a single bit. What they will do is to make your time spent at The Slush Pile easy, more enjoyable and conducive to discussion on the aspects of writing. The biggest item on my list is a great community, but I need your help. The Slush Pile's goal is to give new writers a place that they can display their works to be commented on and critiqued. Of course writers of any level are invited, strongly desired even, but the hope is to be the needed stepping stone between wanting to be a writer and getting yourself published. I know from experience that an open forum writing workshop is the best place to be for a new writer. By everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge, a new writer can learn everything from grammar and sentence structure, to self-editing and organization, to the who/where/why/when of submitting your work to be published.
By being an open-forum, it enables people who happen upon The Slush Pile by accident or through a general search to participate in the discussions. It has been my experience that the more people, the better. Each person has a different background and ideas on writing. A newbie may come along and ask a question that sparks a heated discussion on a certain aspect of writing. Someone who has no interest in writing, but loves to read may offer their insights. A long-time writer may finally get their break and get into a well-respected magazine or publishing firm and share their experience and the things that got them there. A guest may make a one-time post telling the author that their story touched them and changed their life. You never know who will come along and make a difference and add to the community.
Another point I would like to make is that everyone's needs are different. By registering at The Slush Pile, you are not prohibited from registering and participating at competing sites. I have made a short list of writing workshop sites over at the 'writing resources' page. Some are better, some are worse than The Slush Pile. They all have their attractions and all have quality people who can help you improve your work.
I will constantly work to improve this site's usefulness to new and upcoming writers. So, register and participate as much or as little as you want. There is nothing to lose.
free online writing workshop
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free online writing workshop
