When I set Write for Your Life up in December 2008, I always planned to have a really swanky links page that I would keep up-to-date and would become a useful resource for writers. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted it to be something a little more than just your bog-standard list of links.
As you may know, I work as a full-time copywriter for a leading design and e-learning company in the UK. This means that although I have extremely limited design skills, I do need to keep abreast of what’s going on in the design world.
In doing that, I often stumble across design and CSS showcase sites, which always manage to do their job while looking absolutely smashing too. The more I stumbled across these sites, the more I pondered: “Why isn’t there something like this for writers?”
So here it is…
Following three or four months thinking time and considerably less doing time, I’m pleased to present: Websites for writers.
Last night, after Writer Dad caught me adding content without protection, I decided to adopt Nick Cernis’ ‘just launch it’ policy and gently whispered it’s arrival to the world on Twitter. I also posted a link on my scrapbook-like personal blog over at Tumblr.
That was it. No shouting about it (until now), or anything. Yet as I type this post, Websites for writers has already been visited over 3000 times, which is way more than I expected and a sign that heck, maybe we’re on to something here.
What’s the dealio?
In truth, the site is fairly minimal and hopefully easy to use. I’ve thought hard about the categories in the top navigation and think that they, along with the tag list in the footer, will help you find what you’re after. When there’s more sites on there, I’ll be sure to add a traditional search function too.
There is a ratings system, which is more to add some interactivity to the site rather than incite a cyber-punch-up. That said, feel free to head over and give Write for Your Life a big fat five stars. What? Oh, come on.
Users can also make suggestions and provide feedback via the, erm, feedback button. It permanently lurks on the left hand side of the page, like a half-crescent of puffed-up pink, Web 2.0 goodness. Feel free to use it.
But more important than that, feel free to get involved…
Stop. Collaborate and listen.
For me, the most important aspect of Websites for writers is it’s collaborative nature. By no means will it ever be a comprehensive list of everything that’s out there. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Essentially, I want to encourage writers to submit websites that they think other writers should know about.
Yes, you can get your own site listed for the extra exposure. However, we can also work together to build a directory of resources based purely on recommendation.
Not just in list format, but in a sexy way. With pink icons and everything.
As you’ll see, I’ve already posted sites from some regular readers here, but if you have a site that you think should be on Websites for writers, please don’t hesitate to mosey on over and let me know.
Tell me what you think
So that’s it really. I hope you like it, of course, but I’m also very much open to feedback and ideas, which you’re more than welcome to leave in the comments section here, as well as through the feedback button over there.
For instance, have I got the categories right? Is the submission form easy enough to use? Would it have a negative impact on the site if I were to include a few adverts? Let me know – I’m all ears.
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17 May 2009
I’m really, really excited about this new site. Can’t believe how many views it has had, but I don’t think I should be so surprised. The site looks awfully simple, which will only help make it better in my opinion.
Can’t wait to see the future of this site. Will it be able to survive? How will writers react? Many questions are left unanswered. It will be awesome to see – what I think will be – their positive reactions.
18 May 2009
WebsitesforWriters.net is a great idea. I will check it out every now and then to see what’s out there.
18 May 2009
It’s a fantastic idea. Sorry I caught you early. : > )
Best of luck and let us know if there’s anything us writers can do to help.
18 May 2009
I’m really excited about this and I have already subscribed. Also, do you know if there is a website/forum/online community where you can submit pieces and get feedback on how to make it better?
18 May 2009
Great new site and it looks fantastic to boot. Congrats Iain.
18 May 2009
Great idea! Not only do I like the idea but I love the layout of the site as well. I look forward to hearing more about it.
19 May 2009
Thanks all for your positive comments, they’re really appreciated.
@Writer Dad I guess the main thing you writers can do to help is spread the word by tweeting and blogging about the site! The more people we can get on there the better quality of sites we can showcase.
@Kritina I know that the forum over at Editor Unleashed is quite good, and then there’s something like Red Room.
Best thing to do is find a couple and dip your toes in, see what sort of community is there, and decided if it’s for you or not.
20 May 2009
As a fellow writer wishing for awesome design skills, I have to say that Websites for Writers looks amazing. Clean, cool design. Thanks for the great resource!
20 May 2009
Sexy indeed! I love your new site, and am off to explore it more thoroughly…
20 May 2009
@Zoe and Melissa Thanks both, it does look great, although I can only really claim for the logo, pink bits and making sure it all stays clean and tidy!
Let’s hope it grows…
21 May 2009
It’s not before time but it’s great to finally have something of a ‘hub’ and (as the site builds) a ranking system for what seems to be a cavalcade of writing sites out there. Plus the fact it’s a beautiful, sleek, 2.0 design doesn’t hurt (I’m a sucker for great design!)
I’ve amassed a gigantic amount of bookmarks (some more useful than others) as I researched for an impending re-launch of http://www.thewritershandbook.com the companion site to The Writer’s Handbook 2010 (plug plug) and potential places to let people know about our event in June (more plugging – sorry!). I could have really done with something like this when I started! From the point of view of a publisher of a book for writers, anything which facilitates feedback is great and will help us make sure we’re providing the kind of content writers want in the future, so thumbs up on the rating system.
Overall, great idea from my pov, call me a fan. Now I’m gonna toddle on over and have a root around.
21 May 2009
@Maddie V Hi – great to have someone from The Writer’s Handbook stop by. That thing’s the Bible for us writer-types.
And thank you for the positive feedback, it’s appreciated!