Last week, I had the honor of publishing a guest post on my favorite writing blog, Writer Unboxed. You can read it yourself (Power to the Pantsers: There Are No Wasted Words), but if you just want a taste of my own experience as reader-turned-contributor, read on.
Discovery
I don’t remember how I first discovered WU; it was likely through a social media link to a blog post about writing craft, sometime after its inception in 2007. As the website says, “Writer Unboxed is dedicated to publishing empowering, positive, and provocative ideas about the craft and business of fiction.” The first post further explains the origins of the name: “Our critiquing sessions also lean toward finding ways out of literary dead-ends—THE BOX, as we call it—by plucking inspiration from pop culture and other mediums.” Dig a little deeper, and you quickly run across a strict “no-promotion” policy, which keeps authors (and others) from blabbing about themselves without contributing anything useful.
Why I keep reading
The daily posts cover a huge range of topics about writing and craft, while remaining judgment-free about specific publishing choices. The comments can be even more fun, as other writers weigh in with wordplay jokes as well as more serious thoughts. I feel like I’ve gotten to know some of the regular contributors to this online neighborhood, which also includes agents and other industry professionals. In the past few months, I’ve read two novels that show the wide range of styles and topics represented by WU authors: editorial director Therese Walsh’s novel, The Moon Sisters, and Keith Cronin’s Me Again.
Why I contributed
Though several writing friends object to writing for free, I wanted to give something back to this community I’d found so helpful. Because posts are so well-written and informative, I also consider it an honor to be included as a guest contributor. Here are four posts I’ve bookmarked for future reference:
The Psychology Behind Good Cover Design
Can You Be a Writer If You’re Not a Visual Reader?
Non-verbal Communication in Writing
In-person meeting
In November, I’m going to Salem, MA for the 3rd WU Un-Conference. I can’t wait to meet so many of my WU neighbors in person—and I’m sure it will spark another blog post. (Update: yes it did. Read Escape to WUnderland.) Thanks WU!
Are you a member of the WU community too, or have another favorite writing blog? Introduce yourself below, or send an email. Thanks for reading!
And if you still want to read my guest post, here’s the link again: Power to the Pantsers: There Are No Wasted Words
Loved the guest post on Write unboxed. So that is we’re you go in the morning. Fun read and great comments.
Yes that’s “where” I go in the morning, once I’m finished writing time of course! Agreed, the comments are always well written and thoughtful. Can’t wait to meet all these phantom imaginary folks.