Where can I go?

[Nurian]

I want to start writing. By that, I mean, I mean I want to perfect the craft of writing fiction for personal enjoyment and possible publishing. I want a place where I can get honest feedback and help on bringing my stories to life.
I've been on livehournal but honestly, that's not what I need. Is there a website that I can join that has what I'm looking for?

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Well, you could try Goodreads, but to be honest with you, Goodreads is pretty lousy with people rather artlessly trying to shill their books. Although if you spend some time over there poking around, you can probably find someone to trade opinions with you. Don't expect them just to read it out of hand with no reciprocation, though. Everyone over there is trying to find someone to read their stuff. However, if you parse it like "I'll read yours and give you feedback if you do the same for me" you'll probably get somewhere.

I'm over there. I'm currently not looking at anyone's stuff right now, and not looking to put anything new on my plate before I finish my own projects. However, let me know if you join and I'll pm you my name over there if you're interested in being friends. Can't really help you in this respect, but that doesn't mean I'm not interested in what you are doing.

Also, let me just say this to give you a heads up...honest feedback is hard to come by. In fact, it took a huge amount of time on my own writing blog to get people to comment. A very tiny number of readers will actually comment, and only a fraction of those will reply other than to say they're enjoying the story.

there's nothing wrong with praise, mind you. Praise is awfully nice. It's awesome. But if you're really looking for honest feedback and help, I'm just saying it's not going to be an easy search, so don't get discouraged.

Also, the very act of writing will make you better. Read good stuff and pay attention to it, and write regularly if you want to be a better writer.

[TheSHAD0W]

Another place to check is http://storiesonline.net - seems to have gotten more closed since I was following some authors there... A lot of the content is erotica, but quite a bit is not.

[firecat88]

If you want a beta reader, I'd be more than happy to offer my services and I'm sure others here would as well.

[Nurian]

Well, for now, I decided on a blog to at least get some writing going. I did sign up at goodreads, however.


My new thing!

[AnaKhouri]

Check out your local bookstores and libraries- most of them have writing groups which offer feedback. In my experience there is usually a nice mix of skill levels and experience so you don't have to feel like a newbie.

[Sheldonrs]

This is a web site for writers the we include with all purchases on the web sites I manage for a friend of mine. It has a lot of links and writing advice:


http://storymindmedia.com/wsk/

[JoitheArtist]

Some of the agent blogs also give good writing advice.

My favorites: http://queryshark.blogspot.com/, http://queryquagmire.tumblr.com/, and http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/

They're not exclusively writing advice, but they do have a lot of good stuff.

Also, read Stephen King's book "On Writing."

[MoonCat]

Just Google "online writing groups" and you'll find tons of sites. Visit a couple, read up on the rules and policies, and give one a try. You want a place that encourages honesty but also cordiality and fairness. Expect to reciprocate. Most writing groups will tell you that you learn as much, if not more, by critiquing someone else's work, as you learn from those who critique your own.