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Secrets to Success in Online Writing Communities

Learn the best ways to get connected, hone your skills and build your career on the Web in these expanded Q&As with the founders of the leading sites. Compiled by Jessica Strawser

In the October issue of WD, we spotlighted four online communities that offer unique formats for writing better, getting noticed and staying motivated. Here, we feature special online-exclusive expanded versions of our Q&As with their founders.

Click on each writing community for basic information and in-depth interviews with each communities' founder:

Authonomy.com
Backspace [bksp .org]
Writing.com
NaNoWriMo.org [National Novel Writing Month]

Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Ignoring Your Characters’ Desires
Character

Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Ignoring Your Characters’ Desires

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By Moriah Richard
Listening to Ghosts: 7 Metaphysical Experiments for Writing Support
Writing Techniques

Listening to Ghosts: 7 Metaphysical Experiments for Writing Support

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By Coco Picard
Plot Twist Story Prompts: Dance Time
Writing Prompts

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By Robert Lee Brewer
Convention-al Wisdom: Why I Love Attending Cons as a Writer
The Writer's Life

Convention-al Wisdom: Why I Love Attending Cons as a Writer

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By Russell James
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Interviews

Alicia Thompson: On Writing Romance in Isolating Times

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By Robert Lee Brewer
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Write My Query

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This post collects 60 examples of hooks for books. Also called elevator pitches, these book hooks show real-life examples in a variety of writing genres for fiction and nonfiction books.

By Robert Lee Brewer
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Memoir

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By Cornelia Maude Spelman
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Interviews

Miriam Parker: On Writing the Book You Want To Read

Author and publisher Miriam Parker discusses her surprise at writing her new novel, Room and Board.

By Robert Lee Brewer
Poetry Prompt
Wednesday Poetry Prompts

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Every Wednesday, Robert Lee Brewer shares a prompt and an example poem to get things started on the Poetic Asides blog. This week, write a story poem.

By Robert Lee Brewer