But what happens after the piece has been written, revised and rewritten? If he's lucky enough to live in a metropolitan area, he can join a writers' group -- but if he is in a small town without a local writers' group or even a nearby college with writers enrolled, or just not a social type, or even fears potential public criticism (which can undermine the most sensitive, and sometimes the most talented writers) then feedback will have to come from the editors wherever the work is submitted.
Is there any writer out there who hasn't heard about the dreaded curse of beginners? How an avalanche of submissions snow editors at publishing houses, national and regional magazines? That if a new, unknown writer sends in material, it is more often than not given a cursory glance by a lowly paid reader? That the work will never reach an editor's desk, will probably be returned pronto with that devastating standard rejection form? And this could go on and on and on...for years. Is it any wonder so many talented writers give up before even getting a good start?
However, with the advent of Internet access reaching into small towns, rural areas, foreign countries, universities and big cities alike, a world wide network now exists for these struggling writers, artists, poets, novelists. An ever-increasing network that offers opportunities for novice and professional alike; there are a variety of avenues open even if one only has access to email.
For example, consider the mailing lists -- those marvels of continuing discussion among like-minded groups via electronic communication maintained by owners and/or a computer-generated circle of emails. For writers, there are lists for the beginner who needs critique and feedback or simply supportive understanding as he learns his craft, as well as professionals who want to discuss marketing, literary agents or promote published work. A novice writer can test the waters, get reaction to work quickly, maintaining a semblance of emotional distance simply due to not being face-to-face with those providing feedback.
I'm a writer, and when I left the journalism field, it was indeed tough going it alone. In fact, I'd nearly given up on some of my work ever seeing the light of day -- until I decided getting on the Internet was worth the investment. I purchased a computer, abandoned my trusty little word processor, and though at times it was frustrating to master skills at the computer, I found the rewards outweighed the problems. Soon I was "chatting" with other writers all around the globe, sharing tips about electronic publishers, and I even joined a few mailing lists as well as a critique group. No longer would I have to send out fresh work without having a critical eye read it; if I wished, I could have my critique group look it over, spot flaws, help me polish it to perfection.
One of my academic friends, Scott Kerlin, who moved to Canada in the recent past, has found the Internet an almost indispensable means of helping adjust to a different country and maintain contact with colleagues and associates, friends back in the USA. He stated: "I guess you could say the Net has been a true lifeline on an intellectual and personal level for me -- especially since my move northward to Ontario last year. I've published in an on-line journal as well as having used the Net to do all kinds of collaborative research on graduate studies."
As for myself, I am sure the benefits of this cyberspace community of writers will benefit us all. There are always setbacks for writers, it's always going to be a struggle, but now we don't have to feel so terribly alone. Our solitude is necessary for creativity; but we need connection, vital contact with other writers, editors and readers.
Writer's Resources
This is an excellent place to start your internet
research into all the diverse opportunities for information
related to writers. It has a search engine, and can
be used to find whatever you might be seeking, whether
it's marketing your work, looking for critique circles
or doing factual research for articles. However, a note
of caution: Please always take the time to learn exactly
what is being offered; there are sites that will create
web pages for your work, but if the cost is
excessive, it is my opinion you can do the same
thing for yourself.
I won't delve into copyright issues now, but assuming you merely wish to have your work read, there's an abundance of free avenues on the internet open to new writers for showcasing their work, other than ezines. The following link takes you to Geocites, which is one of the best FREE places to build/maintain a website. Click Here
The Internet is providing us with this wonderful means of connectivity -- and the world will be a better place for creating more opportunities for its writers, always the pulse of humanity.
