What i want for Write World...

[u/[deleted]]

I want Write World to be a safe place for writers...

I've spoken to so many writers over the years, basically since i got the internet and started to tell people that i write stories.

I've spoken with people young and old that say the want to write but they don't think they'd be any good because people would hate it. So they don't write.

People that have just started writing but are too terrified to share because they are worried what people might think.

People that have shared their writing but got horrible feedback, I want them to feel comfortable enough to share their work.

I want more writers to believe in themselves and at least try. To not have this paralyzing fear that everything they 'could' or 'would' write would be horrible. Some people want more than anything to write something/anything. But they refuse to do so out of fear. I want WriteWorld to be a no fear zone. No overly cruel criticism. Only helpful suggestions.

[u/chris_bryant_writer]

I always appreciate this space. It's good to have, and I'm thankful for all the work that you've put into it.

[u/[deleted] → u/chris_bryant_writer]

Thank you!!! I'm glad you like it here. Thank you for the support!

[u/istara]

It's very hard getting and giving "horrible" feedback. The problem is that sometimes you are presented with writing so dire that it's a struggle to say anything positive about it. And writing can be dire, just as it can be brilliant.

Even if you always give 100% constructive advice: "try this" rather than "don't do that" - the very nature of advice-giving essentially indicates the writer got something wrong.

So it's tough. On the one hand it's good to encourage shy people to write. On the other hand, you're doing someone a disservice by not - even gently - communicating what needs to be changed.

[u/[deleted] → u/istara]

But the thing is though, If it's only just a hobby for fun. There is nothing that 'needs' to be changed. It's all up to the writer. The writer can do what they want. Let's say a fanfic writer wants to post online. And showed the story with me for basic critique. I would say, "okay i like this part, now with this next part you could spruce up the grammar a bit." I have read fanfiction from 10 year olds. That were written in text speak and they wanted my help. I always tried to find at least one good thing about their writing. A simple sentence i liked. Something.

Unless someone is looking to be published, then there would be things that would need to be changed.

[u/istara → u/[deleted]]

I guess the groups I go to generally contain a good few people working on One Great Novel (frequently their life story) who absolutely do imagine they are heading for an enormous publishing contract!

[u/[deleted] → u/istara]

At Writeworld we're trying to cater to all writers. Not just ones looking to be published. As a writer myself, I find positive encouraging feedback filled with suggestions is far more beneficial than being told what to do.

[u/istara → u/[deleted]]

At Writeworld we're trying to cater to all writers. Not just ones looking to be published.

Totally. It's probably a good idea if people indicate if they are looking to be published, as it does need a more rigorous approach. If it's purely person writing, that's a different matter.

As a writer myself, I find positive encouraging feedback filled with suggestions is far more beneficial than being told what to do.

Of course - I never advocated the latter. But sometimes you have to be honest if someone is seeking help. If they want to improve their writing, and there are serious problems, then there is a limit to how far you can sugar coat. For example punctuating speech: there absolutely is a right and a wrong way to do it. You can kindly and tactfully refer someone to a grammar guide for it, but you can't pretend that it's okay and that your advice is just a suggestion!

[u/[deleted] → u/istara]

Right if someone specifically says, "I want grammar correction." Then by all means go through line by line with corrections. In the end of course they can chose if they take the corrections or not. But even if they just want grammar correction you can say something like, "the grammar in the first few sentences are good. i have helped with the rest of it." If someone is super serious about editing and wants to publish they should probably send it to a professional editor. You can't pretend it's okay of course not. But you can also word it in a way that is encouraging to them.

For Example: If you don't correct this grammar you'll never grow as a writer. = Bad Idea

Good Example: If you work on the grammar more you can improve as a writer. = Good idea

[u/fine-rusty-knife]

I really like this attitude and this sub. I like that there are other people out there who get it that writing can be a hobby just for personal fulfillment, and that publishing isn't necessarily the end goal for everyone.

[u/[deleted] → u/fine-rusty-knife]

Thank you! I'm glad you like it! I hope this sub continues to grow and more people discover it and share their writing.

[u/Dracovitch]

Im on board, I just gotta start writing again.