Getting the most from Writing.com

Writing.com is perhaps one of the best sites I’ve ever come across for the aspiring writer. No matter what skill level you possess you can find some very useful tools here that will help you improve. I will attempt to share with you what I feel are the best uses of this site.

REVIEWS

Getting Reviews
The number one and perhaps the most popular feature that people new to the site will find is the review. For many this is the first time they have been able to put their work out there and actually get an opinion back. Reviews can be a wonderful thing. When you are down or discouraged a kind word can lift your spirits and keep you writing when otherwise you would throw your hands up in defeat.

When you get that review it’s important that you pay close attention to what that person is telling you. As writers we have a tendency to adopt our work as children and some can become very offended if they feel that ‘child’ is being put down.

Reviewers read a lot, and most of them are also writers! They know how you feel about your work. Without honest reviews, however, you won’t be able to grow. You will stagnate and your work will suffer. Reviewers can point out some very interesting things about your work that you might not have considered. Weigh what they have to say and use what works for you.

This is not to say that all reviews will be productive, in fact you will find many reviews to be harsh and totally unusable. My suggestion is to read the public reviews often. Why? This will tell you who is doing serious, honest and worthwhile reviews and who is not. It will show you what should be in a review. You will also learn how to write a review and you will see exactly what readers are looking at when they review your work.

You can also request reviews which I highly recommend. There are many wonderful places on the site set up especially for that purpose. These are visited often by daily reviewers and are a good place to start.

Have respect for those that review your work even if you don’t agree with what they have to say. Especially if you have requested the review or are listing on the auto reward section. Remember, you are a writer and they are your public. Thank them for their review and appreciate that they took the time out of their day to read your work. Many readers only give you a rating and many more won’t even do that, so consider that when you get those reviews.

Giving Reviews

This is perhaps the most over looked tool that Writing.com has to offer. The best way to improve your writing is to critique the work of others. This means giving in-depth reviews.

What do you want from a review? Think about it, because that’s what everyone wants. Be honest, be precise and review as much as you can. Check their grammar, spelling and story in general. See what other reviewers are looking for and see if you can find it in the pieces you review.

Eventually you will start finding mistakes in your own work because of reviewing and reading the public reviews. You will see first hand what works and what doesn’t. If you find another reviewer has done a piece that you have then compare their review to your own. This will give you their insight and knowledge. You will be amazed at how much you will learn and grow.

Contests
Contests are the best writing exercises around. They require you to think and expand on your current styles and genres. Use them to push yourself and perhaps try a genre you had not previously considered.

Groups
Nothing beats a good writing group. Groups are designed to gather together groups of people that are after the same goal or who share the same interest. Look into the groups and find one or more that matches your interests. Give them a try see what they have to offer and how they can help you expand your writing.