As writers we utilize a good assortment of tools when plying our trade. We take advantage of everything from dictionaries to computers to the internet. We often make use of fellow authors or friends to beta read for us. Sometimes we use pictures for prompts, songs for inspiration and raw emotions as catalysts in our writing. All of these things qualify (in my mind) as tools.
We’ve talked about many of these things here at Limebird Writers, in our posts. Another tool we’ve talked about before is the use of books and magazines that discuss writing as an aid to teach us. Other blogs can often give us instruction as well.
One such website I’ve recently discovered is The Writer’s Chatroom. They describe themselves as a “vibrant group of writers whose work spans all genres, who join together to encourage one another and to share important information regarding the profession of writing.” They meet every Sunday and Wednesday evening for a 2-hr. chat. Despite the window asking for a password none is needed, the chats are open to the public. You need only to type in the user name you want to be known by.
On Celebrity Sundays they meet from 7-9pm EST with a guest. Well-known as well as new authors, as well as editors and/or publishers in the writing industry might be asked to join them for the chat. Using a queue system, you can ask these professionals questions about their work and the topic of the night.
Wednesdays from 8-10pm EST they have an open chat, where they get together and discuss a blog posted picked by the moderators for discussion. I’ve visited several times and always find the chats enlightening and interesting. The moderators are very conscientious about keeping the chats on subject while maintaining a friendly atmosphere. I haven’t met them all but I believe the moderators themselves are all published authors – they know their business. I always try to make it for the chats and go by the name “neeks.”
The Writer’s Chatroom offers more than just a chat. There are links to check out and you can sign up for their emails. They will send an email twice a week detailing the upcoming chat and what the moderators have planned for the evening. Their discussion board is a lively one and they even have a writing challenge going for February.
A little diversion from your WIP or from your writer’s block can prove to be just the right medicine. Why not make it an instructional diversion? At least that way I don’t feel quite as guilty! Check your time zones and see you there!
